Should I Remove the Wood Chips After Stump Grinding?

No one likes to say goodbye to a tree, but it’s sometimes necessary. If you’re going to remove a tree from your lot, then make sure to do your due diligence and research before diving in – even if you are hiring professionals.

For example, what are you going to do about the tree stump? Many tree removal services exclude the stump. If you do opt in for a stump removal, what do you do about the residue (like the wood chips)?

In this brief article brought to you by Southern Star Stump, we’re going to let you in on some secrets. If you’d rather consult directly with a stump grinding pro, then feel free to contact Southern Star Stump.

What Is Stump Grinding?

Unlike a stump removal, which involves digging out the entire root system, stump grinding chips away at the tree stump removal until it’s ground down below the surface of the soil. Believe it or not, a stump grinder is typically faster, less invasive, and more cost-effective.

Most tree removal services in Buckhead, GA offer stump grinding as an add-on service. If you’re planning to remove a tree, then it’s worth asking about this option upfront. While it might add to the cost, it’s often the easiest way to deal with the stump and reclaim your yard.

With that said, there is a caveat: stump grinding leaves behind a pile of wood chips. What do you do with this seemingly useless mound? Well, there’s several things you can do.

1. Mulch Your Garden

Wood chips make excellent mulch for gardens and flower beds. They help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. When they break down over time, they’ll add organic matter to your soil.

If the tree was diseased, however, avoid using the chips in garden beds, as they may carry pathogens.

2.Compost the Chips

If you have a compost pile, add the wood chips to it.Wood chips decompose slower than leaves or grass clippings, but they can be a great addition to a compost pile.Turn the compost pile regularly to encourage breakdown.

3. Fill the Hole

Grinding a stump leaves a hole where the tree once stood. Instead of buying pure topsoil, you can mix the wood chips with soil and use it to fill the hole. Over time, the chips will break down and enrich the soil anyway.

4. Create Walkways or Paths

Wood chips make excellent ground cover for natural-looking garden paths. Just spread a 2- to 3-inch layer along the desired walkway.

5.Use It for Erosion Control

If you have a sloped yard or an area prone to erosion, spreading wood chips can help slow down water runoff and protect the soil. They also prevent mud from forming in heavy rain.

What NOT to Do with Wood Chips

While wood chips are incredibly useful, there are a few things you should avoid:

• Do NOT pile them up against your home’s foundation. This can attract termites and other pests.
• Do NOT use diseased tree chips near healthy plants. The chips could spread fungus or disease.
• Do NOT dump them in a landfill. There are so many eco-friendly uses for wood chips that it would be a waste!