Commercial Stump Grinding: Why Fall Is Ideal for Washington DC Properties

When you’re making your list of fall fun — pumpkins, football, Halloween parties — stump grinding might not make the cut. 

But fall is the perfect time to ditch those tree stumps hanging around on your commercial property. 

Why is fall the best time of year for stump grinding? A couple good reasons: landscaping crews are already on your property for fall clean-up tasks. And fall, with its cool temperatures and autumn rain, is a great time for the grass seed to take root over the spot where the stump used to be.

Keep reading to learn more about tree stump grinding services, including: 

• Why Are Tree Stumps A Problem?
• Tree Stump Grinding Vs. Stump Removal
• Why Do Stump Grinding in the Fall?
• Who Needs Tree Stump Grinding or Removal? 

Why Are Tree Stumps A Problem?

Tree stumps might seem harmless enough, but they can actually be dangerous. 

People can fall over them, so they’re a trip hazard. Maintenance crews cutting grass can hit a stump, throwing bits of wood that can hurt people.
It’s best to remove them from your commercial property. 
But how?

Tree Stump Grinding Vs. Stump Removal

Yes, there’s a difference. Let’s take a look: 

Tree Stump Grinding

Sometimes a tree stump just needs to be ground up to below ground level.

That’s when you need a stump grinder, a professional machine that uses a huge wheel covered with sharp metal teeth — spinning very fast — to grind the stump down, inch by inch.

It takes about 30 minutes to remove an average sized stump, although certain conditions can extend that time. If the stump is near cars or people, extra safety precautions are taken. Or if it’s in a tricky spot, like on a slope, it takes longer.

The machine grinds the stump down to 12 to 18 inches below the ground surface.

That’s enough room to cover the top with soil and plant grass seed, or even to plant a small tree on top.

Crews remove the shredded wood and chips, rake out the area, then add soil and plant seed or install sod.

Tree Stump Removal

But sometimes the whole thing needs to go, including the roots. That’s when crews use a mini excavator to yank out the whole stump. 

Removing the entire stump instead of simply grinding it down is the way to go if landscape installation will follow. Then there aren’t any roots remaining behind to get in the way. 

Crews have to look out for any utilities buried near the tree roots. Electric, plumbing or gas lines can be involved, which makes the task trickier. 

Can You Tackle Tree Stump Removal Yourself? 
Well, you shouldn’t. It’s trickier than it looks.

Tree roots can spread 20 to 30 feet underground. And there’s a huge risk for injury.

Attempt this heavy-duty task with a truck and a chain and the chain can snap.  Or the stump can end up going through a window.

That adds up to a huge liability issue. 
It’s a job best left to the pros.

Why Do Stump Grinding in the Fall?

Tree stump grinding and removal go perfectly hand in hand with fall clean-up. 

Level Green crews are on your property anyway, picking up leaves and sticks and cutting back perennials. 

And fall, with its cool temperatures and autumn rain, is a great time for the grass seed to take root over the spot where the stumps used to be.

Crews will clean up the area, add soil and seed, then cover it with straw for winter protection. Then grass will sprout healthy and green in the spring.

Who Needs Commercial Tree Stump Grinding or Removal? 

Everybody. We get lots of calls in the fall from customers concerned about stumps left from trees that fell and were cut down in the summer. 

Apartment complexes, condos, business parks, shopping centers doing parking lot island renovations — anybody who had a tree cut down has to arrange for the stump to be removed, unless they want to risk liability issues. 

Need Tree Stump Grinding Services? Trust Level Green
Looking for commercial tree stump grinding services in 
Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? There are lots of reasons to let the pros at Level Green handle this important chore.

We’re insured. We have the proper equipment. Our crews are specifically trained on the large equipment designed to do the job.

If you’re not already a Level Green Landscaping client, we’d love to add you to our growing list of happy customers.

Our focus is on commercial properties like offices, mixed-use sites, HOAs, municipalities and institutions in Maryland, Washington DC and parts of Virginia.

Contact us at 202-544-0968. You can also request a free consultation online to meet with us one-on-one.

We’d love to hear from you.

Image sources: tree stump, tree stump and axe