After removing a tree stump, you're often left with a pile of wood chips that may seem like waste. However, these stump grindings can be a valuable resource for your property.

All the chips are on the table here, there are some inventive ways of recycling stump grounds for your yard, garden and across other areas of your property. This guide will explore some practical ways to repurpose your stump grindings:

Stump grinding is a part of land clearing that involves mechanically grinding a tree stump into small wood chips. This process typically uses a stump grinder, a powerful landscaping machine designed to chip away at the stump until it's below ground level.

Woodland Mills has multiple stump grinding options for tractor owners. The Woodland Mills WG24 Stump Grinder is the first option for stump removal. Designed for tractors with 15 to 45 HP at the PTO, it can grind 6" (15 cm) below ground level, making quick work of stubborn stumps even in tight spaces.

There's also the WG28 PRO, the next step up in Woodland Mills' line of stump grinders. Designed for tractors with 35-80 HP at the PTO, it has a grinding depth of 8.5" (22 CM), turning your tree stump into satisfying mulch.

And thankfully stump grinding leaves you not only with a stump hole to do with what you want (fill it in and cover it with grass seed, or use the free space to build a new structure on your property) but gives you the chips which you can use to enhance the surrounding area.

Age the chips: Let them age for a few months before using as mulch to prevent nitrogen depletion.

Be cautious with diseased wood: Dispose of chips from diseased trees to prevent spreading problems.

Mind the acidity: Some species create more acidic chips. Use around acid-loving plants or mix with lime to neutralize pH.

Control quantity: Stick to a 3-6” (7-15 cm) layer of mulch to avoid suffocating plants.

Repurposing stump grindings offers several environmental benefits:

Reduced waste: Using the waste from a stump grinder helps keep organic material out of landfills, minimizing the impact of land clearing jobs.

Carbon sequestration: As chips decompose, they release carbon into the soil, benefiting areas with dense forests or large trees.

Water conservation: Wood chip mulch retains soil moisture, reducing watering needs in areas with uneven terrain or steep slopes.

Soil health: Decomposing wood chips, including those from evergreens with their needles, improve soil structure and support beneficial microorganisms. More nitrogen may be needed to aid in the decomposition of the wood chips though.

Erosion control: Helps prevent soil erosion on steep slopes or uneven terrain, protecting grass and ground cover.

Biodiversity support: Creates a favourable environment for local insects and wildlife, especially in areas transitioning from dense forests to managed landscapes.

Temperature regulation: Helps regulate soil temperature, benefiting both garden plants and grass roots in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

Grinding waste an be used in landscaping to positively impact soil and plants by:

• • Improving soil structure and water retention
  • Providing slow-release nutrients
  • Suppressing weed growth
  • Regulating soil temperature
  • Helping control erosion, especially on steep slopes or newly cleared land

Q1: How long does it take for stump grindings to decompose?

A: Typically, 6 months to 2 years, depending on chip size, wood type, and environmental conditions.

Q2: Can I use stump grindings immediately after grinding?

A: Yes, for pathways or filling holes. For mulching or soil amendment, let them age for a few months to prevent nitrogen depletion.

Q3: Will grass grow in stump grindings?

A: It may, but it's not ideal, especially on uneven terrain. Mix grindings with topsoil or compost for better results.

Q4: Are stump grindings good for vegetable gardens?

A: Yes, but use cautiously. Aged chips are preferable, mixed with other organic materials for best results.

Stump grindings are a valuable resource for your property, offering many benefits for your property. By repurposing this material, you're enhancing your landscape and contributing to sustainable land management. Equipped with a stump grinder, you could even offer a stump grinding service for friends or neighbors, and either reuse or give away the grind waste.

Following these tips will help you turn tree stumps into assets for your property, supporting a healthier, more vibrant landscape in both small residential plots and larger forestry operations.