ClimberBusinessman
ArboristSite Operative
We do tree removal/trimming as well as landscaping work. When doing a tree removal estimate, I usually give my customer 3 choices regarding stump grinding. I use a reliable and affordable subcontractor to grind the stumps.
1. No stump grinding (with the stump left at stump-level, usually 4-8" from ground level unless it's a huge tree with dirt/rocks in the roots, in which case it would be cut higher).
2. Stump grinding, with shavings/grindings/mulch left in place with no cleanup/haul away. My subcontractor usually grinds to about 8-12" deep below grade, and fills the hole back in with the grindings.
3. Stump ground, with shavings removed and topsoil and grass seed installed.
For the third option, I specify removal of "excess shavings", but in reality, I usually remove every single wood shaving. I'm afraid that if I don't remove all of them that the shavings will settle, leaving a dip in the yard, and will also absorb all the nitrogen, turning the new grass yellow. Trouble is, due to all the labor involved, stump grinding removal can make our quotes not very competitive compared to companies that either don't offer this service or do a "half baked" job.
My question for the community is what is your typical level of stump-grinding cleanup?
A. No cleanup at all; all shavings left in place, with the hole left unfilled
B. Some general smoothing out/filling in the hole with grindings, with no haul away. (this is basically our no-cleanup option)
C. Haul away of the top 2 inches or so of grindings, adding topsoil on top of the remaining grindings.
D. Haul away basically 100% of the stump grinding shavings before adding topsoil. (this is our cleanup option).
Any and all answers would be appreciated. I'm just trying to better understand what the standard practice is for the industry.
1. No stump grinding (with the stump left at stump-level, usually 4-8" from ground level unless it's a huge tree with dirt/rocks in the roots, in which case it would be cut higher).
2. Stump grinding, with shavings/grindings/mulch left in place with no cleanup/haul away. My subcontractor usually grinds to about 8-12" deep below grade, and fills the hole back in with the grindings.
3. Stump ground, with shavings removed and topsoil and grass seed installed.
For the third option, I specify removal of "excess shavings", but in reality, I usually remove every single wood shaving. I'm afraid that if I don't remove all of them that the shavings will settle, leaving a dip in the yard, and will also absorb all the nitrogen, turning the new grass yellow. Trouble is, due to all the labor involved, stump grinding removal can make our quotes not very competitive compared to companies that either don't offer this service or do a "half baked" job.
My question for the community is what is your typical level of stump-grinding cleanup?
A. No cleanup at all; all shavings left in place, with the hole left unfilled
B. Some general smoothing out/filling in the hole with grindings, with no haul away. (this is basically our no-cleanup option)
C. Haul away of the top 2 inches or so of grindings, adding topsoil on top of the remaining grindings.
D. Haul away basically 100% of the stump grinding shavings before adding topsoil. (this is our cleanup option).
Any and all answers would be appreciated. I'm just trying to better understand what the standard practice is for the industry.