To the client, there can be some confusion about what a stump grinder can or will do. I’ll try and explain the difference between “stump grinding” and “stump removal”.

The stump grinder has a limited depth it can achieve as the cutter head can only go down a certain depth. For example; our Carlton SP7015TRX will cut down to a maximum of 15″ below level ground. We like to state 10″-12″ below ground level as this allows for variations in ground conditions and debris that the machine may be sat on. With a stump grinder we can grind up a stump of any size, from just a couple of inches to several feet across (our biggest so far being nearly 16feet across!), including any exposed surface roots. Generally, this will achieve an adequate depth for re-planting, turfing, driveways and construction work. In the case of construction work, due to the depth reached by the grinder, a digger will be able to break through the remaining root system without too much resistance. Of course the advantage of this system is that the resulting debris can remain on site and be spread around or more easily disposed of than sizeable stumps. One of the big advantages of this system is the limited ground disturbance and possible surrounding damage compared to an excavator.

Our stump grinders can of course provide the power for big stumps and big sites with multi stumps on, whilst being able to access through a 37″ width with our bigger machines and 27″ with our smaller 29hp machines.

For complete stump removal, certain considerations have to be thought about. We can just supply an excavator that will dig out the stump(s) and roots and then, depending on the quantity of stumps, either put them through a tub grinder to reduce them to mulch or arrange to remove them from site in a bin or skip. Or, we can grind the main bulk of the stumps out with a stump grinder and then dig out the remaining root system with an excavator and dispose of the debris in a bin or skip. Either way this will produce more debris to dispose of and of course will cause more damage around the stump(s) and surrounding area.

Which ever way you choose to deal with your stumps, we have experience in both stump grinding and stump removal and can provide you with a professional and efficient service.