Remove tree stump/have it milled

Once the tree has been felled in the home garden, a (usually unwelcome) tree stump remains. On the one hand, this can easily be left behind as a decorative element, where it can serve as a shelter for numerous insects and small creatures. But a tree stump is not always desirable in the garden, which is why it should preferably be removed. There are numerous methods for this, the most popular variant being milling out with a root cutter.

What is a stump grinder?

The stump grinder is a motor-driven, forestry device, which is also used in gardening. This is often also referred to as a stump grinder, root grinder or tree stump grinder. The stump grinder is used to remove tree stumps and tree roots. This is a particularly safe and quick method of removing the remains of a tree. The stump grinder is characterized by the following elements:

• it has a mobile base and is therefore movable
• it also has a hydraulic drive
• this is used to move the milling arm and the milling disc
• the milling disc has a fixed wear zone
• and replaceable milling teeth
• which are also hard metal coated

Benefits of using a stump grinder

There are numerous ways to remove the unwanted tree stump, such as burning it out or rotting it by adding chemical agents. However, these methods are not always effective, mostly dangerous and also harm the environment, which is why these variants are not recommended. Milling out with a stump grinder, on the other hand, is environmentally friendly and also has the following advantages:

• the surrounding area is spared
• and collateral damage can be avoided
• it is relatively time-saving and requires little physical effort
• because there is no need to dig a hole
• and sawing off the root parts is also eliminated
• in addition, no additional equipment (such as an excavator) is required

Milling out the tree stump – preparation

Before you start milling out the stump, you should first make sure that there is enough space for the equipment. Because the sizes of the rootstock cutters sometimes vary depending on the strength of the model. Since the stump grinder is a heavy piece of equipment that poses a risk of injury that should not be underestimated, appropriate protective equipment should be used. It is advisable to wear the following protective clothing:

• safety goggles
• Gloves
• ear protection
• sturdy shoes

This is how the milling of the tree stump works

Patience is required when milling out, because the work process should be carried out carefully and carefully. First, the stump grinder is brought within reach of the tree stump and then the wheels are fixed. Only then is the working axis released. The milling cutter is then placed over the stump and milling can begin. The best way to do this is as follows:

• first mill the surface
• this is done by rapidly rotating the milling disc
• it is therefore not necessary to exert strong physical downward pressure
• after removing the first few centimetres, the milling machine has to be moved up
• the working axis must be free for this
• otherwise safe handling of the device cannot be guaranteed
• repeat the process until the stump is removed
• or. until the desired depth is reached

After milling - removal of the roots

After the tree stump has been milled out, you have to think about what to do with the root system. First of all, the type of tree plays a role, because the roots of conifers can be left in the ground without any problems, as they will not continue to grow. The roots of freshly felled deciduous trees, on the other hand, can still sprout after a few years. If you want to remove the root system, you have the following options:

• Removal by professionals
• remove it yourself with a stump grinder
• remove it yourself with an ax and spade
• Leave roots in place

Remove roots with the stump grinder

If you want to remove the tree roots with a stump grinder, you should definitely wear protective clothing, just like when milling off the stump. Wearing sturdy shoes, gloves and safety goggles is essential and reduces the risk of injury considerably. It is also advisable to have a spade to hand. Because this is required for exposing the roots. When milling off the roots, the following must be observed:

• first uncover the roots with the spade
• and remove larger stones in the immediate vicinity
• because these can damage the milling disc
• then remove the tree roots piece by piece
• if new lawn is sown at this point, a depth of about 15 cm is sufficient
• then fill the hole with soil

Purchase of a stump grinder

For many private individuals, it is usually not worthwhile to purchase a stump grinder. This is largely due to the fact that the device is not used often enough. In addition, the purchase price is in the higher price segment and can be several thousand euros. A cheaper way to own a stump grinder is to buy a used one. There are numerous platforms on the Internet where used stump grinders are offered for sale. When choosing the right model, the size of the tree stump to be removed should be taken into account. A distinction is usually made between the following models:

Small to medium models

These are particularly suitable for landscape gardeners and private individuals. The small models are usually particularly compact and comparatively relatively cheap. In contrast to the larger models, they are usually guided by hand and also have the following properties:

• Weight: around 100 to 200 kilograms
• Diameter milling blade: about 25 to 40 cm
• suitable for tree stumps with a diameter of 13 to 20 cm

Big models

The large models are heavy devices that should preferably be operated by qualified personnel. These stump grinders sometimes have a traction drive and are often equipped with a movable control panel. The most important features of these models include:

• Weight: over 200 kilograms
• suitable for extremely large tree stumps
• some models have a radio remote control

Rent a stump grinder

Another cheaper option is to rent a stump grinder. There are numerous providers on the Internet who make their models available for rent. Before the device is borrowed, the size of the tree stump should first be determined. Because the more extensive the stump is, the stronger the model used for milling should be. When renting a stump grinder, the following points should also be considered:

• A car trailer is usually required to transport the stump grinder
• However, some providers also deliver the device
• the costs are usually calculated by the hour or per day

Costs for professional milling

Hobby gardeners who are not familiar with the handling of a stump grinder should preferably hire trained specialists to do the cutting. There are now numerous companies that offer professional removal of tree stumps at a relatively low price. Pricing may vary, mostly varying between hourly billing and metered billing. The costs are calculated as follows:

• Billing by the hour: around 90 to 110 euros per hour
• Billing according to dimensions: around 1 to 2 euros per cm
• depends on either the diameter or circumference of the tree stump

Conclusion

Milling out a tree stump with a stump grinder is a quick and environmentally friendly way to remove an unwanted tree stump. The device can either be bought or rented for this purpose. Anyone who is not familiar with the handling of the stump grinder should preferably hire specialist personnel to remove the tree stump.

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