Grinding tree/shrub stump(s)

[Pbmaster11]

I have dug out around the tree and shrubs and have a stump grinder on rental tomorrow... any tips or tricks?

 

how deep do I grind? do I put anything on the remaining stump/roots to kill it?

[Tpt life]

What specie? Hardiness and use after will determine some of your question. Grass will grow well in an inch of soil and your mower will discourage volunteers. If you want a driveway there you'll want to go 8-10 inches deep. When I did that work we ground down about four inches as a norm.

[Eric.]

First, be sure you call utilities before you grind if you haven't already.  That would ruin your day.

 

The stump doesn't go down forever.  It's like a big ball with roots coming off of it.  Grind out the ball and the bigger roots where they're attached...don't worry about getting all the roots or you'll end up like Bill Murray in Caddyshack with that gopher.  Once the ball is ground out, you're done.  You'll be surprised how shallow it actually is.  I call it a ball, but it's more like a fat pancake...the roots hold the tree to the ground, not so much the stump itself.

 

And for future reference, you didn't have to dig out around the root ball...the grinder eats anything it touches.  Do your best to avoid rocks...you can chip those teeth and the rental company will charge you...they're not cheap.

 

As for using the grinder...start at one edge of the stump, make a light pass all the way from left to right, lower the grinder a couple inches, another pass right to left...lower, repeat.  Once you've reached the bottom of the stump, raise the grinder back up, move the whole unit forward an inch or two, start over making light passes back and forth from top to bottom.  If you try to take too big of a bite, the whole thing will start shaking and bouncing around.  Slow and steady is the way to go.  Every once in a while you may need to take a hard rake and remove all the dirt and chips that are piling up in front of the machine, otherwise it builds up a ramp and you can't move if forward.

 

You shouldn't have to put anything on the remaining roots once you're done.  Just take the hard rake and pile the dirt and chips back into the hole, creating a bit of a mound...it'll settle.  If you fill the hole back up flush, you'll have a crater there in a few months.  If you do see any little veggies trying to pop back up, just spot-spray with a little Roundup.

[chopnhack]

Much good advice stated above has already laid out the basics. So I will state the obvious that has not been said: PPE - glasses or even better a face shield, long pants and boots. Stones will get thrown out from behind the grinder so be prepared. There is a heavy stone shield behind the grinding blade, but stuff does fly around and under it. A dust mask may be necessary as well. Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to finish the job.

[Pbmaster11]

job done. 2 hours for 7 stumps/bush roots