As a leading tree service in Louisville, KY, Tree Care Inc. handles complex projects like tree removal and stump grinding. These services improve your curb appeal, but you might have to get your hands dirty for optimal landscaping. Find out what to do after stump grinding in this helpful guide.

The Benefits of Grinding a Stump After Tree Removal
Many tree service companies offer stump grinding as an add-on project rather than including it with tree removal. Homeowners around Louisville may opt to leave the stump as a way to save money. They either try removing it themselves or ignore it and let it naturally decompose.
It’s much better to schedule a stump grinding service as soon as you cut down a tree. Doing so provides many benefits, including:
- Increased safety: Letting experts handle stump grinding keeps you and your family safe. DIY attempts are extremely dangerous if you don’t have the proper training. Leaving the stump also presents tripping hazards.
- Efficient removal: Alternative methods like stump burning or chemical rotting can take a while to complete. Experts can grind down the stump and target the root system within hours.
- Improved soil quality: Just because you cut down a tree, it doesn’t mean that the root system disappears. Removing the stump and primary roots keeps essential nutrients within the dirt and also prevents soil erosion.
- Healthier vegetation: Old tree stumps attract pests and diseases that can quickly spread to neighboring trees. Removing the stump reduces this threat so you can enjoy a lush landscape.
Whether you already have a decomposing stump in your yard or have a decaying tree that needs to come down, book a professional stump grinding service. You’ll reap these benefits and transform your property for the better.
Professional Stump Grinding vs. DIY Stump Removal
Before we share what to do after stump grinding, you must approach this project the right way. Always hire a licensed tree service company for stump removal rather than attempting to clear the stump yourself.
At-home methods like burning the stump or using chemicals to decompose it present safety hazards. They also take longer to achieve the results you want. DIY stump grinding often costs more than hiring a contractor because of the equipment rental.
Play it safe and save yourself time and money by turning to local arborists for removing unsightly tree stumps.
Five Steps To Take After Stump Grinding
Few people know what to do after stump grinding. Thankfully, we’re here to explain the steps you should take for a complete lawn restoration. From clearing the initial debris to planting grass after stump removal, use the tips below to improve your lawn.
1. Repurpose or Remove Debris
Stump grinding can leave your yard a mess, given the amount of wood that experts have to disintegrate. Powerful equipment turns your tree’s remnants into wood chips. As the grinder hits large roots, it displaces soil around the area.
Clearing the debris should always be your priority after experts remove the stump. You can either dispose of the wood chips or strategically place them around your property as mulch.
2. Level the Ground
Depending on the size of the stump, your yard could have a sizable hole. You must pack this space with either mulch or soil to level the ground and prevent tripping hazards. You can use any remaining wood chips as ground filling and top off the pile with soil.
It’s best to avoid the area for a while so the new soil has time to settle and won’t sink if you step on it. You won’t be able to add a new tree or grass to the area unless you pack the hole with soil, so don’t skip this step.
3. Nourish the Soil
While amateurs tend to stop their lawn restoration efforts after packing the hole, arborists know what to do after stump grinding. If you’re considering planting grass or creating a garden in this area, testing the soil is crucial.
Tree stumps that sit stagnant for a while can throw off the soil’s pH balance. Simply removing the stump isn’t enough to restore pH levels so new plants can thrive. Before you move forward with other landscaping projects, have an expert test your soil.
Arborists will uncover any pH imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in the soil. Based on their findings, they’ll recommend fertilizers and other soil treatments that nourish the ground and promote healthy vegetation growth.
4. Eradicate Pests
Removing tree stumps reduces the threat of termites and other wood-boring pests feasting on the structure. However, if you have remaining wood chips around your yard, pests can still infiltrate the area.
When using wood chips as mulch, place them away from your home and outdoor wooden structures like fences or decks. You can store large piles of wood chips to use later but keep them in a space with proper ventilation. If you suspect any pests around your yard, contact an expert specializing in tree pest control measures.
Don’t move forward with planting new trees or shrubs until you eradicate pest problems.
5. Undergo Landscaping Projects
After completing the above steps, you might be wondering what to do after stump grinding to fully transform your outdoor space. The decision is entirely up to you. Popular options Louisville homeowners choose include:
- Planting new grass
- Creating a garden
- Expanding a patio or other hardscaping feature
You can even plant a new tree in the old one’s place to serve different ecosystems and provide shade. If you choose this option, work with a certified arborist. They’ll review tree species that thrive in your climate and provide tips for helping the young tree grow.
Tree Care Inc. Makes Stump Grinding Hassle-Free
Now that you know what to do after stump grinding, you can plan your upcoming landscaping project. At Tree Care Inc., we help property owners throughout Louisville reap several stump grinding benefits and improve their landscapes. Give us a call at (502) 326-3661 to request an estimate and schedule a professional tree stump removal service.