If you have unsightly tree stumps on your property, grinding them down can be a great way to improve the way things look. In addition, it can reduce the likelihood of pests coming near your home and reduce safety hazards in your yard. Stump grinders are so effective because they use powerful rotating blades to cut away at stumps, turning them into wood chips. Grinding stumps is a straightforward job in theory, but it can prove to be a formidable task. If you’re thinking about doing this job on your own, take the time to research the topic, and be sure to stay safe.

Different Types of Stump Grinders

Manufacturers make a variety of stump grinders. Perhaps the easiest ones for beginners to use are smaller hand-guided machines. To use one of these, you’d walk behind it while holding onto its handles. Even this kind of stump grinder is extremely powerful and a bit unwieldy, so be ready for some tough physical labor.

The other types are much more substantial, making them suited for commercial operations. You can hook up a rear-hitch wheeled stump grinder to the back of a vehicle in order to haul it to the right place. Industry professionals also use riding grinders and skid stump grinders.

The Rental Process

When deciding whether you’d like to remove your tree stumps on your own, keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need a way to transport the grinder to and from your property. If you don’t have one, you might be able to pay extra to have it delivered and picked up. In addition, you’ll need to invest in the right fuel and all the proper safety equipment, which we discuss below.

Safety Materials

Expect the process of stump grinding to result in a lot of flying debris. To protect yourself, make sure you wear heavy-duty clothing, gloves, and footwear in addition to a helmet and safety glasses. A face shield is a must for this type of work, and since the machine will be so noisy, you’ll need to wear industry-approved hearing protection, too.

Cleaning Up

Even a small tree stump can yield a large pile of wood chips. You can use the chips to fill in the hole you’ve created, or you might spread them elsewhere in your yard or dispose of them responsibly. This task can add extra time to your project, so be sure to plan your schedule wisely.

It Takes Hard Work

Stump grinding can lead to great results, but it does require a lot of time and energy. It’s important to acknowledge the associated safety risks, too.

If you’d like assistance with stump grinding in Vallejo, CA, turn to our expert arborists at E Z Tree Inc.