So you’ve cut down a tree and removed the stump.
Now what?
Well, depending on the project, you may now have a hole full of stump grindings and tree debris scattered across the yard.
You deserve an outdoor space you can enjoy to the fullest, especially after a tree removal project. That’s why we’ll show you the easiest way to clean up stump grindings from your yard! Take back your yard in no time, and discover the best path forward to a fresh, clean yard again.
5 Easy Ways to Clean Up Stump Grindings
With the stump gone, the hard part is over. But now you may be left with some wood chips in the hole where the tree used to be or around your yard. If you’re ready for a tidy yard, here are the top five ways you can clean up your old stump grindings.
1. Old Fashioned Home Tool
If you’re a strong DIYer, you could always clean up your stump grindings yourself. Here are some tools you might already have in your shed that will make the job easier:
- A rake
- A shover
- A leaf blower
- A wheelbarrow
- A pair of gloves
- A disposal container (we recommend a green waste bin so the materials can be recycled)
With a little hard work, you should have your yard cleaned up within an afternoon. There are several options for what you can do with the materials, which we’ll also go over.
2. Use Them as Compost
If you’ve already done the hard work of cleaning up the stump grinding, you might as well put them to good use, especially if you have an at-home garden. Stump grindings make great material for homemade compost.
As the wood breaks down during the composting process, it will naturally release nutrients and materials that benefit the soil and the environment. You can even add lawn clippings, stray leaves, and leftover food to your composting box if you want to recycle as much as possible.
Not sure how to get started with composted? The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great resource on where to begin!
3. Turn Them into Mulch
Organic mulch is made from leftover tree debris. So if you want to mulch around your home or garden, using your stump grindings as mulch is a great way to save money and repurpose your old tree!
At Gaston Tree Debris Recycling, we use tree grinding from our project to make mulch for one of our branch companies, Gaston Mulch and Soil. But with a freshly ground stump, you can use the leftover grindings yourself. Simply spread a 2–3 inch layer around your garden, and you’re good to go!
4. Organic Material Vacuum
Looking to DIY clean up but with less work? If so, renting or buying an outdoor vacuum may be your best option. An outdoor vacuum allows you to clean your yard much like you would your living room, seamlessly picking up debris for you. However, unless you plan to regularly use an outdoor vacuum for different projects, investing in one for just stump grinding clean-up may not be worth it.
5. Hire a Professional
If you’d rather leave the tree debris to the experts, you can hire a professional clean-up crew, like the team at Gaston Tree Debris Recycling. Our team will come out to your yard, gather the debris, and leave it better than we found it. No more worrying about stumps or unsightly holes—you’ll be able to enjoy your yard in peace and without the hassle of cleaning it up yourself.
Can I Leave the Stump Grindings Alone?
Technically, you could just leave the stump grindings alone. They’ll eventually decompose, but that process can take months (if not sometimes years) to complete. In the meantime, you’ll have a yard with unsightly tree debris, which can become a liability for you, your family, and your neighbors during a storm. It’s best to make sure the stump grindings are properly cleaned up and repurposed or disposed of.
Who Will Pick Up Stump Grindings?
Depending on where you live, there may be different requirements for who has to clean up tree debris. For example, in Gainesville, your tree contractors are required to clean up any debris for you from a project you hired them for.
So if you had a stump grinding service, they should leave you with a fresh, clean yard. However, if you did the project yourself, you’re required to clean up the debris instead.
Most cities do have a pickup or disposal location, so you can safely and efficiently get rid of tree debris.
How Much Does Yard Clean Up Cost?
If you’d rather not deal with the hassle of cleaning up your yard and want someone to take care of it for you, the average cost is anywhere from $200 to $600. Many factors contribute to price, such as the size of your yard and the amount of debris you have. But if you just need a stump cleaned out and some general tidying after a project, you can expect to pay on the lower end of that spectrum.
Should I Put Stump Grindings in a Landfill?
While some landfills do take organic material, it’s not the best option for them. Ultimately, stump grinds are natural materials that hold a ton of nutrients and benefits for the environment. In a landfill, they will decompose and release greenhouse gases without any benefit to its natural ecosystem.
By composting these debris or recycling them, you allow them to naturally give back to the environment, reducing your carbon footprint and protecting the nature around you.
What Do I Do with the Stump Hole?
Once the stump grindings are cleared out, you may be left with a hole in your yard, especially if the roots were deep. The best way to deal with this is to fill it with soil, sand, or another strong natural material so you don’t have a tripping hazard on your hands. If you work with a professional tree care team to clean up the debris, they may also be able to fill the hole for you that same day!
We Make Stump Grinding Clean-Up Simple & Easy!
Don’t worry about the hassle of cleaning up stump grindings—we’ll do it for you! Our equipment is designed to effectively and efficiently grind down a stump and its root without damaging the rest of your yard.
The Gaston’s team takes care to leave your yard clean and tidy, removing any debris we may have caused during the project. The best part? We recycle these natural debris into organic mulch and soil, giving them new life and you some great gardening material.
Whether you’re facing a tree emergency or just want a fresh, clean yard, get in touch with our team, and we’ll be sure to leave you with a yard you love!