We love the trees in our lawns. They add an energy of brightness and positivity. Unfortunately, as with all living things, they have a finite lifespan.
When one tree falls or needs to be cut down for any odd number of reasons, it often leaves behind a stump, which ends up being an unattractive addition to your yard. It’s true that some people try to be creative about it by finding ways to integrate the stump into their landscaping, such as turning it into a birdbath, chair, or table.
Others, on the other hand, choose to remove the stump completely. The easiest way to do this is to use a stump grinder, which is a power tool that grinds the tree stump and turns it into shredded wood chips.
So, what do you do with the mulch made from stump grindings? Let’s find out!
Can You Use Stump Grindings for Mulch?
Yes, you can!
As long as the shredded wood pieces aren’t made from a diseased tree, stump grindings are a terrific source of mulch. One reason is that they contain a high content of nitrogen, calcium, carbon, and potassium, which boost the nutrient content of the soil and help your plants grow and thrive.
It’s worth noting that some types of trees, such as pine, are known to increase the acidity of the soil. So, use these sparingly to avoid disturbing the soil’s delicate ecosystem.
Taking that into consideration, you might be surprised to know that there are multiple ways to put stump grounds to good use. Here are just a few ideas to help you get started:
- Use the grounds to fill the hole left behind by the stump, top them off with topsoil, and add seeds.
- Turn the grindings into compost by leaving them to decompose in the compost heap for 3–4 months
- Spread the stump grindings on the lawn as decoration or to create a walkway or path in your lawn.
- Use the grindings as a decorative border for flower beds or vegetable patches.
- Fill in low spots in the yard with the mulch to prevent water from accumulating and leaving puddles or muddy patches in the yard
- Add a layer around playset areas, decks, patios, or other outdoor areas that get worn down by frequent activity.
- Spread them in large potted containers to prevent waterlogging and add a pleasing appearance
The Benefits of Using Mulch from Stump Grindings
Now that we’ve seen the many ways you can use the mulch from stump grindings, let’s talk about some of its benefits.
- Natural fertilizer: after spreading the mulch over the soil, rake it into the soil, and allow it to naturally decompose over time into the ground and release its nutrients back into the soil.
- Moisture retention: helps lock in moisture in the soil during the hot summer months and prevents it from quickly evaporating because of the heat
- Improved soil temperature: protects the soil against extreme heat as well as softens the shock of cold weather to your plants and the soil, which helps plants stay healthy year-round
- Weed control: adding any type of mulch, particularly that made from stump grounds, makes it easier to remove weeds and prevent their seeds from spreading to other parts of the lawn
- Pest control: certain types of wood, such as cypress, cedar, and pine, have the added benefit of repelling pests like ticks, gnats, and fleas
How to Make Mulch from Stump Grindings
Making mulch from stump grindings is pretty straightforward. Take a look.
1 – Get a Stump Grinder
The first thing you need to do is get your hands on a stump grinder to remove the stump while turning it into finely shredded grounds in the process. While you can always buy this expensive piece of lawn equipment, renting is a much cheaper option.
However, if you’re not into DIY landscaping, consider paying a qualified tree surgeon or an arborist to do the job for you. It may cost you a bit more than renting it, but it’s certainly the safest option.
2 – Inspect the Stump Grounds
Once the stump has been properly ground, the next step is to inspect the stump grindings for grass clippings. Grass generally tends to clump together, especially when damp, and turn into chunks of mulch, which can be harmful to the health of your plants.
On the other hand, if you notice any evergreen needles or leaves hiding in with the stump grindings, they won’t pose a problem. So, it’s safe to leave them along with the grounds.
3 – Gather the Stump Grounds
After you make sure the grindings are safe to use, gather them up into a nice pile. Then, scoop them in a wheelbarrow to make it easier to move around your lawn and spread them where needed.
4 – Spread the Mulch
Finally, take the grindings, mix them with some of the existing soil, and spread an even layer around the base of the plant.
Remember to keep the layer of mulch between 1–6 inches, depending on the size of the plant. For example, trees need a thick layer of no more than six inches, whereas smaller plants require a thinner layer.
Final Thoughts
Cutting down trees leaves behind a substantial amount of wood waste as well as an unsightly stump. Luckily, these can be turned into mulch from stump grindings with the help of a stump grinder.
These grounds can be later used in various ways to help boost the health of your plants, prevent weed growth, and retain soil moisture. Stump ground mulch can also help improve the lawn’s overall aesthetics and visual appeal.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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