Tag Archive : landscape

Homeowners ask us many questions about grinding tree stumps, so we thought we’d answer some of the most popular ones here. If you still have questions, send us an email https://cutterwheel.com/ or call us at 215-495-4842. We’re always happy to talk to you about stump grinding.

• A tree was just cut down for me. Why do I need to get rid of the stump?
  • There are many reasons to get rid of a tree stump: for looks, so you don’t have to keep mowing around it, to keep termites and ants away from your house, to make room for a new tree, so the stump doesn’t grow into a new tree, etc.
• Can you take out the whole thing?
  • This depends on how big the tree is, what kind it is, and where it is. Often, we grind all the way through the stump.
• What about all the roots near the surface? Can you also get rid of those?
  • Yes, based on how big the project is, we will take out all of the roots that are on the surface. When we can, we may use a Sawzall (a hand-powered saw) to cut these roots by hand to keep the damage to the yard to a minimum. We are the only business in town that offers this kind of service!
• How deep do you grind a stump?
  • We usually grind the dirt down to about 6 to 8 inches below grade so there is enough depth for grass to grow. Even though we often cut all the way through the stumps, there is no benefit to grinding deeper.
• Can I put a new tree where the old stump used to be?
  • Usually, this is not something you should do, but if we can, we will grind through the whole stump.
• How long does it take to get a tree stump to a fine powder?
  • It can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on how big and complicated the job is. We have an industrial machine that is very strong and can get rid of any size stump. On our Facebook Page or YouTube Channel, you can find videos of us grinding.
• How much does stump cutting cost?
  • We measure the stump’s base, which is the largest part that sticks out of the ground. If there is a dirt or grass mound around the stump, it is usually best to include it in the measurement if you want the ground to be level for growing grass.
• Do you offer a deal if I have you grind down a lot of stumps at once?
  • We sure do.
• When you’re done, will there be a big hole?
  • We push all the dirt and chips back into the hole so your yard doesn’t have a dangerous hole. Some bigger stumps will leave behind a pile of wood chips. Please look at pictures of our work on Google and on the Facebook page for Cutter Wheel.
• Will cutting the stump of a tree hurt my lawn or landscape?
  • Not if it is done right. We have a machine with extra tires that makes it easier on the grass. We protect your yard, landscaping, and personal belongings by using screens, shields, and tarps. We’re proud to leave your yard cleaner than when we got there.
• Can I use the mulch left over after the stump was cut down?
  • Yes, based on the size of the stump, there is a mix of dirt and woodchips that breaks down into rich topsoil in about a year or two, depending on how much water is in the air. These chips also make great mulch for flower and veggie gardens.
• Can your machine go through our gate?
  • Our machine was made to fit through a 36-inch gate, which is a normal size, so we probably won’t have any trouble getting through your gate.
• On a hill, I have stumps. Are they able to be grounded?
  • Yes, most of the time we can get rid of stumps on a hill.
• Can your machine get into a place that is hard to get to?
  • We have a lot of ideas and the tools to get almost anywhere. We have even used cranes to move the stump grinder 100 feet away from a road.
• Can you grind a tree stump that is next to a wall, sidewalk, base, or other structure?
  • Yes, but we have to be careful, and sometimes the infrastructure keeps us from grinding as much of the tree or roots. When it comes to knowing how far to go and when it’s not safe to do so, training is very important.
• How long does it take for a tree stump to rot away if I leave it alone?
  • It really depends on five things: the size, the species, the amount of moisture (in the shade or in the sun), the number of insects, and the shape of the stump. For example, a 20″ oak tree stump in a sunny yard might take 18 to 20 years to break down naturally, while the same stump in a shady, moist environment might take 12 to 15 years to break down. Just keep in mind that it won’t be easy or quick.
• My tree stump has conks or mushrooms on it. Does that cause trouble?
  • As the wood breaks down, this is a normal thing that happens. Some of these can be dangerous, so if you have pets or kids nearby, you might want to think about grinding the stump.
• Will the termites and ants go away if I grind up my tree stump?
  • We can’t promise that all termites and ants will go away, but grinding will make a big difference and probably get rid of them since their homes are gone and starting to break down into the dirt.
• Is tree stump grinding mess/noisy/dangerous?
  • Yes to everything. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we use a variety of safety measures, like plastic mats and industrial-grade screens, that can stop a flying rock from becoming a dangerous projectile. Also, we take safety very seriously and wear the right PPE, such as safety glasses and helmets with full-face shields. We are fully covered by insurance and have a license to grind stumps.
• Call Dig Safe to find out where utilities are.
  • YES!!! It is required by the government that you call Dig Safe (811). If you dig without calling Dig Safe (811) first, it is against the law, and homeowners and contractors will be held responsible for any harm. Some fiber optic lines can cost more than $100,000. Marking the lines usually takes three days, and we take care of this for the homeowner. Even if utilities were just marked for a different job, each contractor must get their own dig safe ticket.
• Do you have coverage?
  • ABSOLUTELY! We have insurance for $1 million to protect ourselves and our homes. There is only one right way to do things.