Stump grinding is an important part of keeping your yard looking its best. However, it’s not something that you should try to tackle on your own. Find out more about some of the complications that come with stump grinding.
Stump Grinder Injury
The risk of injury is the biggest problem with stump grinding. The equipment is heavy, powerful, and has metal teeth that work at high speed and are sharp enough to rip through the stump. This is why every member of our team is trained on how to safely use stump grinders. They’re also equipped with the safety equipment that they need to keep themselves safe during the process.
Flying Debris
When the stump grinder starts to work, it produces clouds of sawdust, splinters, and flying chunks of wood. This debris can easily strike the operator or someone standing nearby in the eye. There’s also some risk associated with inhaling sawdust and other small particles. Once again, protective gear, including safety goggles and masks, is a must when using a stump grinder.
Burns
A stump grinder gets hot while it works. It can get so hot that a person can get burned if they handle it improperly or step in front of the exhaust pipe. Sturdy gloves and coveralls offer protection against burns.
Cuts
Flying debris can also cut unprotected skin, and an operator can cut themselves on the stump grinder’s teeth and other components, even when it’s not working. Rocks and broken wood in the area also put people at risk of cuts.
Toxins From the Stump Itself
It may surprise some people to learn that when some trees are cut, they release poisons into the air. This is called allelopathy. A notorious example of this is the black walnut tree. This tree is so toxic, even when it’s uncut, that most plants can’t grow around it. Its stump continues to give off toxins, so this is another reason to wear a mask as part of PPE.
The Process Can Damage the Surrounding Property
Just getting the equipment to the stump can cause some damage to landscaped areas on your property. Sometimes the roots of the stump are tangled up with sewer pipes, water lines, or electrical cables, and these can also be damaged when the stump is ground out.
Contact Us if You Need Stump Grinding
Even one stump on your lawn can make your property look unappealing. Stumps can also attract pests and diseases, and can even grow back. To schedule stump grinding, give our experts a call at Triangle Tree Pros of Raleigh, NC.
