Why You Need Stump Grinding After Northern Virginia Tree Removal

After having a tree removed, you’re left with an important decision: what to do about the stump? While skipping stump grinding might seem like a way to save money, leaving the stump in place can create ongoing issues for your property. Most homeowners don’t realize that stumps can take decades to decompose naturally, potentially causing problems for years to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Stump grinding eliminates tripping hazards and safety risks while making yard maintenance easier and safer.
• Removing stumps through grinding prevents certain tree species, like silver maple and black locust, from sprouting new growth from the remaining stump.
• Eliminating a stump maximizes usable space in Northern Virginia yards, allowing homeowners to add features like patios, gardens, or play equipment.
• We typically grind stumps 12 inches below the soil surface and can complete the process in 30 minutes to a few hours.

5 Benefits of Having a Professional Perform Stump Grinding After Tree Removal

After tree removal, there will still be a stump in the ground. Some homeowners try to save a few dollars by leaving the stump in the ground because they may think the stump will naturally rot away in a few months (it actually can take decades for a stump to decompose).

However, this service has many benefits for your yard, and we recommend it to anyone after they have a professional remove their trees. While it will add slightly to your tree removal costs, stump grinding is the best way to keep your yard looking beautiful and hazard-free after removing a tree.

PRO TIP: Want to learn more about the service in Fairfax County? Check out our previous article that covers many essential aspects of stump grinding.

Leaving a stump in your yard can be an eyesore and cause problems.

1. Prevent Tripping Hazards

Tree stumps take up more space than you might realize and can blend into the landscape, making them easy to miss. This creates a serious tripping hazard, especially if there are exposed roots.

Stumps are even more dangerous when mowing the lawn—you might not see them while focusing on the grass, increasing the risk of injury or damage to your mower. Removing them with stump grinding keeps your yard safer and easier to maintain.

2. Stop Stumps from Sprouting

Some trees don’t die completely after removal if the stump is left in the ground. Certain species are more prone to trying to sprout new growth from a stump, such as the silver maple or black locust. Leaving these stumps in the ground can lead to sprouting for several seasons. Not only is it ugly, but you’ll need to remove the sprouts to prevent the tree from regrowing.

Stump grinding can help eliminate this problem. It destroys enough of the tree’s matter that the rest of the stump and roots should begin to decompose in a few years.

3. Avoid HOA Violations

Fairfax County has many homeowners associations, especially in communities like McLean. Living in an HOA comes with an agreement to follow their bylaws about what you can and can’t do with your landscape.

Your HOA bylaws may prohibit you from keeping a stump in your yard after tree removal. Having the stump ground will give you a clean slate and won’t get you in hot water with your HOA board.

4. Improve Your Property’s Appearance

Stumps can look quite ugly, especially as they decay and rot over time. Stump grinding will eliminate the eyesore, make your landscape look much nicer, and help increase property value. Outdoor space is highly valuable in Northern Virginia, and having a beautiful yard will set you apart from others if you plan to sell your home.

PRO TIP: If you choose to keep a stump, there are ways to decorate it or incorporate it into your landscaping. If you want to learn more about how to make stumps part of your outdoor design, see our previous article on repurposing trees.

5. Reclaim Usable Space for Landscaping

If you live in an urban area, like Alexandria or Arlington, you know that space in your yard is at a premium. Maximizing every square inch of your yard to create a beautiful environment is crucial when you don’t have the space that rural homeowners may have.

Stump grinding will clear out space for you to use for your next landscaping project. Some of the things we recommend using that space for to increase aesthetics and property value include:

• Installing a patio or deck
• Creating a garden bed
• Adding play equipment
• Expanding your lawn area
• Installing hardscaping features

Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Grinding in Northern Virginia

Still not sure if you fully understand stump grinding? We’ve compiled some of the frequent questions we hear regarding stump grinding in Northern Virginia.

How deep do tree care companies typically grind a stump?

We typically grind stumps 3 inches (sometimes more) below the soil surface and work to destroy some of the surface roots as well.

What happens to the roots after stump grinding?

The tree’s roots will eventually decompose after stump grinding, though it will take some time until they are fully gone. The decomposing roots will add nutrients to the soil and give you healthier plants.

How long does stump grinding take?

Depending on the size of the stump and the tree species it comes from, the service can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as a few hours.

What should I do with the wood from stump grinding?

Stump grindings make excellent mulch for your home or garden. You can also fill the hole with them, allowing them to decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

Riverbend Can Provide Safe & Efficient Stump Grinding After Tree Removal

Don’t let an old stump limit the potential of your outdoor space. From safety concerns to landscape design, stump grinding opens up new possibilities for your property. At Riverbend, our experienced team uses professional-grade equipment to quickly and efficiently remove stumps.

When you’re ready to get rid of your stump, call us at 703-402-9366 or request an estimate online.