What to Do With Stump Grindings

Stump grindings are an interesting by-product of tree stump removal. If you consider what a tree is, it’s essentially a big piece of wood that grows out of the soil and eventually dies, falls down and decays over years. Once the stump is removed, all that remains behind is the dry decaying wood.

Are you not sure what to do with the grindings left behind? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this guide, we will discuss what to do with stump grindings. We will provide tips on how to get rid of them and where you can dispose of them safely.

What are stump grindings?

Stump grindings are the wood chips and dust that are created when a tree stump is removed. The grinding process cuts through the stump, leaving behind small pieces of wood.

What to do with stump grindings

Once you have the grindings, there are several things you can do with them:

Mulch

The easiest option is to mulch the grindings and use them in your garden. This will help to retain moisture in the soil and add nutrients back into the ground. You can either spread it around manually or use a machine to distribute it evenly.

It’s not hard to use this material around your garden, and it can be great for improving soil quality and regulating moisture levels. If you have any plants or vegetables in your garden, this mulch can provide essential nutrients for a healthy growing environment. Just make sure the wood is completely dry first.

The only drawback is that it may take several years for stump grindings to break down into the soil, so you can’t plant or dig in areas where you have applied this type of mulch.

Compost

Another option is to compost the grindings. This will take a little longer, but it is a great way to add nutrients back into the soil. You can either do this on your own or use a commercial composter.

Use the grindings to create an area for composting in your yard. Some people argue that using fresh grindings in your compost bin won’t give you rich compost. It is better to use older grindings that have had a chance to dry out.

Composting tree stumps is a slow process that can take up to a few years. But if you have the space, it can be an excellent way to reuse your tree stumps.

To compost, you need to take the following steps:

1. Chip and shred the stump into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will decompose.
2. Add nitrogen-rich material to the stump grindings. This can be any form of organic matter with a high amount of nitrogen content, such as plant cuttings or fresh grass clippings. Consider adding a blood meal, alfalfa meal, or cottonseed meal to accelerate decomposition. When layering your compost pile, you should add nitrogen-rich material every few inches.
3. Add carbon-rich materials such as chopped leaves or peat moss to the pile of stump grindings. You should add carbon-rich material every few inches when layering your compost pile along with a layer of soil between layers of organic matter in order to create a good ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the pile and speed up decomposition.
4. Keep your pile moist at all times so moisture doesn’t leech from it but it doesn’t become waterlogged.
5. Monitor the pile and turn it often to keep things moving along.
6. Using stump grindings in your compost bin is a great way to recycle them and add nutrients back into the soil.

Burn

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you can burn the stump grindings. The heat will help dry out the grinding residue and speed up decomposition. Be sure to keep a close eye on things when burning any type of debris, as sparks can easily start a fire.

However, this should only be done if it is legal in your area and you have the proper permits.

Use it as a filler material

If you don’t have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you can use the stump grindings as filler material. Spread them around flower beds and gardens to help suppress weeds and add organic matter. The grindings will also provide some nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

If you have any holes or depressions in your yard, you can fill them with the stump grindings. This will help to level out the ground and prevent water from pooling.

Use them to create pathways or walkways on your property.

Another great option for what to do with stump grindings is to use them as pathways or walkways on your property. If you have a large yard, this can be a great way to keep people from walking on the grass and damaging it. It also creates a nice path for guests to follow when they visit your home. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle the grindings and put them to good use.

Dispose of them

If you don’t want to do anything with the grindings, you can always dispose of them. Contact your local waste disposal company for information on how to do this in your area.

Tips for getting rid of stump grindings:

• Mulch ASAP: The sooner you mulch the grindings, the better. This will help to keep them from taking up space and becoming an eyesore.
• Use a mulching machine: If you have a lot of grindings, it can be difficult to mulch them by hand. A mulching machine will help to speed up the process and ensure that they are evenly distributed.
• Store them properly: If you need to store the grindings for a while, make sure to do it in a dry area. You don’t want them to rot or become infested with pests.

Benefits of using stump grindings

The benefits of using stump grindings are many. They can help to improve the appearance of your property.

They’re also great for mulching gardens and flower beds, and they can also be used as a natural fertilizer.

In addition, using stump grindings is a great way to recycle organic matter and reduce landfill waste. By using stump grindings on your property, you can help to improve the environment and make your property look great at the same time.

Factors to consider when deciding what to do

When deciding what to do with stump grindings, there are several factors to consider:

What is the size of the stump?

You need to think about the  size of the stump when deciding what to do with it. If the stump is small, you may be able to grind it up and use it as mulch in your garden. If the stump is large, you may need to hire a professional to remove it.

What is the condition of the stump?

The condition of the stump will also play a role in what you decide to do with it. If the stump is rotten, you may not be able to grind it up and will need to remove it instead.

What is the type of tree? 

The type of tree will also determine what you can do with the stump. Some trees, like oak trees, have hard wood that is difficult to grind up. Other trees, like pine trees, have softer wood that is easier to grind.

What are your plans for the property?

Your plans for the property may also play a role in what you decide to do with the stump. If you are planning to build on the property, you will need to remove the stump before construction can begin.

What is your budget?

Your budget may also be a factor in what you decide to do with the stump. If you don’t have the money to hire someone to do the stump removal, you may need to grind it up yourself.

How much grinding do you need to remove? 

The amount of grinding that you need to do will also be a factor in what you decide to do with the stump. If you only need to remove a small layer of the stump, you may be able to use a hand grinder. If you need to remove more of the stump, you may need to rent a professional grade grinder.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when deciding what to do with a stump. However, the most important factor is what you plan to do with the property. If you are planning to build on the property, you will need to remove the stump before construction can begin. Otherwise, you may be able to grind it up and use it as mulch or fertilizer.

Conclusion

There are quite a number of things you can do with stump grindings. It all boils down to what you need or want and how much work you want to put in. Some methods are easier than others, but all of them can be done with a little of effort.

This guide has  highlighted a few different ways to use stump grindings.  So, go out there and get grinding and ensure you make the very best use of your stumps. After all, it’s not every day you have a big pile of wood chips to play with.