The Pros and Cons to Burning a Tree Stump

After you take down tree, you’re bound to have a tree stump. Many tree stumps can be incorporated into a property’s lawn as a decorative feature, or even a functional asset, perhaps for bird houses or hammocks. However, many people want to get rid of the tree trunk completely, whether for new construction projects or for aesthetic curb appeal. Although there are many methods to getting rid of a tree stump, from stump grinding to full root stump removal, many homeowners are curious about a method that falls somewhere in between, known as stump burning. But before you grabbed some matches and a lighter, be sure you know what you need to know about burning a tree stump.

Continue reading to learn the basics to stump burning, including a review of the common pros and cons.

Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770

Stump Burning Basics

Most people assume stump burning involves lighting a tree stump on fire. In reality, stump burning requires a two-step process involving potassium nitrate or saltpeter, as well as a small controlled fire. Within the two-step process, the stump must also be cut at a certain angle, and several holes must be bored in the center of the trunk. From there, potassium nitrate and hot water are added, and once the substance has fully dissolved within the trunk, a small controlled fire is set on top.

But what about the legalities surrounding stump burning? Are there penalties for burning your tree stump without a particular certification or permit? Or is it perfectly legal to burn a tree stump on your property? Well, Indiana does have active open burning regulations that decrees trash burning against the law, typically forbidding all forms of open burning. However, there are exempt burning activities. One such exemption is agricultural maintenance burning. (IC) 13-17-9-1 and Open Burning Rule 326 IAC 4-1

So, stump burning is legal so long as you’re doing so on your own personal property. But does this mean you should do it? Here are the top pros and cons discussed among homeowners who’ve tried in the past.

✅ Pros

Tree stump burning is legal in Indiana, but always check with your local fire department first before beginning a project on your property. The most admired advantage to getting rid of a tree stump by burning practices is its efficiency and convenience. The materials you need to do so are available at your local home improvement store, or sometimes even in your own garage. For those who are familiar with setting fires and controlling fires, burning a tree stump could be very simple to do. For those who are not familiar with working with fire, it is strongly encouraged to not attempt tree stump burning on your own.

⛔ Cons

One of the most common and talked-about disadvantages to burning a tree stump is the low oxygen burn phenomenon. You see, tree stumps that are deep within the ground typically do not get enough oxygen exposure to support a fire. And even if they do support a fire, that fire is not likely to make any sort of notable difference in removing the tree stump from the lawn. Most often, in low oxygen burn environments, rather than eliminating the tree trunk, a charcoal material is produced in its place, which is usually impossible to get rid of.

Professional Stump Removal and Tree Service in Fishers, Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for year-round tree care service and stump removal in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate, today.

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Fishers Tree Service Coupons 317-537-9770

Is it Better to Rent a Tree Stump Grinder and Do it Myself?

When it comes to removing an old tree stump, there are a few options you can choose from. However, not all options are always possible, leaving property owners with only one or two. The top three solutions to getting rid of a tree stump without fully removing it from the ground are to 1) purchase a stump grinder, 2) rent a stump grinder, or 3) outsource stump grinding services.

Continue reading to learn a little about all three options, as well as, how to decide which course of action is most compatible with your stump grinding needs.

Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Stump Removal 317-537-9770

Stump Grinder Sales and Rentals

Before going any further with the contemplation between renting and buying a stump grinder, you must first ask yourself whether or not you are cut out to operate such machinery. In order to get successful results, safely and within an efficient amount of time, you need to have some experience with stump grinding machinery and strategy. Not only do you need proper experience, you must also have comprehensive knowledge of how the stump grinding process works. With that being said, if you do not have any experience with stump grinding, it is not recommended to rent, let alone buy, a stump grinder to level a tree stump.

When to Buy

It might be a good decision to buy a stump grinder if you are planning on starting your own tree service or landscaping company. As a primary asset to your business, you would be right to invest in a machine that will continue to bring in more revenue, and eventually pay itself off. In another scenario, buying a stump grinder is a good choice if you have experience and own a large lot with several trees. Perhaps you are always faced with a stump or trunk grinding project, making it convenient and cost-efficient to have a grinder on hand.

When to Rent

It might be a good choice to rent a stump grinder if you have experience using one, and you have a large-scale landscaping or new construction project in the works. Rather than outsourcing stump grinding services ten times over the course of 3 months, you can simply rent one and use it as needed. Because it is rented, you will not have to make a massive, upfront investment. Because you only need it for a few months and then never again, renting makes more sense financially.

When to Hire a Professional for Stump Grinding Service

If you do not have experience using stump grinding machinery, you should never try to do so on your own. In this case, it is best to always hire a licensed and insured Fishers Indiana Tree Service Company for professional stump grinding services you can trust. Not only is a professional company licensed by the state to perform such work, they are fully-insured, which eliminates your liability if anything were to happen during the job. Furthermore, professional companies retain formally-trained and certified staff, as well as, modern technologies and resources to get the job done safely and on time.

But Who Can You Trust for Quality Stump Grinding in Fishers, Indiana?

Call 317-537-9770 for professional tree stump grinding and stump removal in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including tree removal, lot clearing, tree trimming, pruning, and more. In addition to maintaining the most competitive prices in town, we also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770
Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Manual Stump Removal Versus Stump Grinding

The method and degree of difficulty for removing a stump largely depends on its size and age. An older tree stump is likely rotted or decayed, making it easier to remove; while a fresh stump is solid and requires more labor and supplies to remove. There are several methods to stump removal, but they all boil down to two categories, manual versus grinding. Continue reading to learn the manual methods of stump removal and stump grinding, as well as, the methods that involve both.

Manual Tree Stump Removal

Generally, older and smaller trees, stumps, and shrubs are easier to remove, so a manual approach to doing so is your best option in most cases. There are a few different approaches to manual stump removal. One approach is to drill a few large, deep holes into the stump from the top, and then fill those holes with either a natural compound like cow manure that has a high nitrogen content, or a store-bought stump remover solution the promotes tree decay in the same way. From there, all you do is wait for the tree trunk to rot away and become one with the Earth again. Although easy, keep in mind this is the slowest method to stump removal.

Another method of manual stump removal is probably the most attempted method, as well as, the most dangerous and destructive. It is the old fashion version of tree stump removal, using a rope, and a vehicle. You get the picture. This can cause major damage to a vehicle, the driver, the landscape, and the surrounding environment. This is a popular method for the DIY tree stump remover, but not a recommended one. Do not try this under any circumstances, ever!

Stump Grinding

For larger or fresher tree stumps, a more invasion and aggressive method of removal is needed. This typically involves using machinery like chainsaws, chip grinders, lateral grinding machines, and more. Stump grinding is the fastest method for removing tree trunks. For those who prefer the DIY route, you can rent or purchase a stump grinding machine, but be sure to do ample research to learn how to safely handle such equipment. The best option for stump grinding is to hire a professional tree company who already retains the proper tools, equipment, resources, licensing, and training to remove tree stumps in a time frame that’s convenient for you.

Tree Service Fishers Indiana

Call 317-537-9770 for prompt and professional tree stump removal in Fishers, Indiana. We offer a wide range of tree services for both residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices in town. When you need tree service you can trust, call on our highly trained and qualified tree contractors every time! Just dial 317-537-9770 and speak directly to a qualified tree service professional in Fishers, IN today.

Stump Removal Options for Homeowners

Curb appeal and landscaping is important for every property. This is why we work hard to maintain beautiful and inviting grounds on a seasonal basis. Sometimes, there are trees that need to be cut down and removed for safety reasons. Vulnerable trees can pose a threat to buildings and individuals, alike. Once removed, a stump is leftover. Many property owners choose to use create ideas and methods to disguise or incorporate the leftover tree stump somehow; while others simply want it removed for good. When it comes to stump removal, home and business owners have a few different options, depending on their preferences and budgets.

How to Remove a Tree Stump

The first and most common DIY method for stump removal is to cover it with soil. Soil is the most natural, Eco-friendly, and organic method for removing tree stumps. The downfall is the amount of time it takes to finish the job. Soil ignites the decay process, and overtime, rots the tree stump, breaking it down organically until nothing is left. This process requires years to complete. The larger the tree stump, the longer the decay process will take to finish.

If time is of virtue, a natural decay approach is not for you. In this case, property owners turn to chemicals and tree removal products. These solutions are meant to mimic the natural decay process and speed up the time it takes to finish breaking down. It is instructed to pour the solution on the tree stump directly, sometimes repeatedly, until the ground beneath it is saturated. Regular applications of chemical stump removers can make the process quicker. Before moving forward with this option, check with your local ordinances first to see if chemical tree stump burning is legal in your county or state.

The most accurate, well-organized, and quickest solution to stump removal is stump grinding services. This can be facilitating by a professional tree care company. Tree Service companies retain the appropriate industry equipment, training, and tools to carry out any level of stump removal job; including lot clearing. Although this is the most costly, it is not expensive and all homeowners can afford these services.

Fishers Stump Grinding Services

Call Tree Service Fishers Indiana at 317-537-9770 for professional stump grinding services in Fishers, Indiana and its nearby Indianapolis counties. We are highly trained and qualified tree care technicians with decades of experience in the tree removal and service industry. We retain the latest technologies and advanced equipment, as well as years of training and knowledge, to perform the highest quality tree services in town. Visit our website at https://www.treeservicefishers.com for details about our services and company background. Call 317-537-9770 for superior stump grinding and tree removal services in Fishers, IN and its surrounding neighborhoods.