Tree removal is an everyday service that eliminates unwanted, diseased, or dead trees from properties. Usually, the service leaves behind a tree stump, which tree care professionals can grind away. Still, you might ask, “Do tree roots die after stump grinding?”
Tri-State Tree Service is a go-to tree service in Mobile, AL, offering tree removal and stump grinding services. Here’s what you need to know about tree roots and how stump grinding affects them.
The Stump Grinding Process
Tree stump grinding is the process of removing the leftover part of a tree that remains just above the ground after cutting the tree down. Specialized machinery grinds the stump into wood chips that property owners can repurpose as mulch for garden beds.
Though this process can remove the stump and leave the ground smooth without trip hazards, it doesn’t always eliminate the tree’s root system. Some equipment can’t grind as deep as tree roots can grow. Still, some tree care companies have stump grinders that can dig deep enough to remove all traces of a tree root network.
Does Removing the Tree Stump Remove the Tree’s Roots?
Do tree roots die after stump grinding? Generally, no, not unless the tree service has stump grinders that can dig 18 inches or more into the soil to reach the roots. If the roots are still intact and the conditions are right, they can sprout a new tree.
The following factors indicate the likeliness of a new tree sprouting from the old tree’s roots.
Tree Species
Some tree species have excellent root network resilience. As such, they can survive stump grinding. Examples of trees with tough, extended root systems include:
- Maples
- Poplars
- Oaks
- Elms
Root System
An extensive tree root system can be difficult to eliminate. Despite stump grinding and root decomposition efforts, some tree species have deep roots that can survive these attacks.
Soil Fertility
Nutrient-dense soil makes it easier for roots to resprout trees. Even without a tree, a healthy root system can continue growing, which increases the risk of tree regrowth.
How to Prevent Tree Regrowth From a Root Network
If you book stump grinding after tree removal but notice new sprouts in the area, cut them as soon as possible. Consistently cutting tree sprouts can cause the tree to weaken and die. You can also use a herbicide or pour Epsom salts into an eight-inch hole drilled into the stump, if it’s still present, to destroy the roots.
Rid Your Yard of Unwanted Root Systems with Professional Stump Grinding Services
Do tree roots die after stump grinding? Tri-State Tree Service knows that tree root systems can regrow a tree without the proper stump grinding process. That’s why our award-winning ISA-certified arborists offer insights into stump grinding to help Mobile, Alabama residents make informed decisions about what to do with a stump after a tree has been cut.
You can be sure your trees won’t resprout with our removal services. We have the right tools, machinery, and know-how to remove tree stumps and root systems. We’re ready to help so contact us online or call (850) 876-8003 for a free estimate.
