What happens to roots after stump grinding? It may surprise you to learn that they may continue to grow if the conditions are just right. In this post, J&D Tree Pros, your reliable tree service company in Chapel Hill, explains more about this phenomenon.
The Direct Impact on Roots After Stump Grinding
As a reputable company, we grind the stump and any exposed roots. By doing this, we sever the connection of some of the strongest roots, irreparably damaging them. In most cases, this step also allows us to remove these roots.
Whether we remove the roots or not, they can no longer supply nutrient-rich sap to the stump. This inhibits regrowth.
The Indirect Impact
What happens to roots after stump grinding becomes more interesting for those you don’t see during the stump grinding removal process. As the machine cuts a few inches beneath ground level, it’ll also damage roots you can’t see.
The indirect effect means that tree removal severely damages a large portion of the root ball, putting strain on the healthy roots. Depending on the tree species, this may be enough to kill the remaining stump.
The idea overall is to cause so much distress that the tree can’t recover.
How Does the Tree Respond?
The natural response is for the tree to try and repair itself. It will sprout new roots and possibly even a new trunk. In ideal circumstances, it may succeed because trees prove resilient and store many nutrients below ground.
However, if the plant recovers, it will never regain its former glory. The recovery involves a long process, and the tree will be more susceptible to disease. You may have to remove the plant again.
What Happens If the Tree Dies?
If all goes to plan, the tree will waste its remaining nutrients and energy trying to repair the damage. It won’t have enough foliage to generate more energy, and the root system will slowly wither and die.
Microorganisms in the soil will begin to eat the wood, and the remnants rot slowly. How long this takes depends on the species and the tree’s size. The bigger the plant, the longer it will take to decay.
This won’t create a bad situation since it means you won’t suddenly have a sinkhole in your yard. Instead, the area will drop gradually, giving you plenty of chances to top up the soil.
How Does This Affect the Surrounding Plants?
Removing one plant is usually a boon for those in the surrounding area because it:
- Reduces the competition for resources
- Remove potentially harmful chemicals that plants release to inhibit the growth of others.
Therefore, the consequence often allows the others to shoot up and experience vigorous growth.
Contact Our Team for Lasting Results
While learning what happens to roots after stump grinding is interesting, you want a lasting solution. J&D Tree Pros can keep trees healthy or help you eradicate those that become a nuisance. Call us at (919) 467-7997 to schedule a consultation today!