Typically, stump grinding costs less than stump removal, often saving you around $100 to $200. 

Stump grinding and removal are distinct services: grinding preserves the roots, whereas removal involves extracting the entire stump, including its roots. 

Grinding is quicker and requires less labor, resulting in a lower cost compared to removal.

Following stump grinding, the roots are usually chopped up, which may lead to decay and the growth of fungus within the remaining wood. 

If you intend to replant the area where the stump was removed, this could pose a problem.

During stump grinding, expect the utilization of a robust, rotating blade that penetrates the wood as it revolves. 

The blade's teeth effectively cut the stump wood into smaller pieces. 

Under the operator's guidance, the blade traverses the entire stump, reducing it to wood chips and ensuring it is ground well below ground level.

Generally, we grind stumps down to a depth of 4 to 6 inches below grade. 

This level of grinding leaves the roots and the central part of the stump intact below that depth. 

As time passes, these remaining portions will naturally decay and should not pose any issues. 

It may even be possible to plant small shrubs or grasses directly in the area where we've ground the stump.

Let the stump grindings decompose in your compost heap alongside other organic waste. 

This process typically takes around three to four months to complete. 

Once the stump grindings have fully decomposed, you'll have a valuable pile of compost ready to enrich your garden soil.

The duration to grind a 10-inch (25.4 cm) stump can vary, typically ranging from as little as one hour to as many as five hours. 

However, hiring a professional company ensures a much faster completion time compared to attempting it yourself. 

Once the stump has been ground down, the leftover wood chips are utilized to fill the void left by the stump, and the surrounding soil is leveled for a finished look.

Epsom salt is widely known for its effectiveness in accelerating the decomposition of organic material, making it a popular choice for removing tree roots and stumps. 

By applying Epsom salt to a tree stump, you can significantly expedite the decaying process, potentially reducing it by up to seven years.

An untreated stump is prone to attracting fungus. As it decays, the stump becomes an ideal environment for fungal growth. 

If left unchecked, this fungus can spread to neighboring trees, potentially jeopardizing their health. 

Failing to remove a stump after felling a tree may ultimately incur greater costs due to the risk of fungal spread and its detrimental effects on surrounding vegetation.

Stumps originating from tree species characterized by dense, fibrous, or stringy wood, such as elm, hickory, or palm, present the most challenging grinding tasks. 

Additionally, stumps with extensive root systems or those situated in hard-to-reach locations can significantly increase the complexity of the grinding process.

Using a chainsaw to cut tree roots can be a time-saving technique. 

If you're considering tree stump grinding, rental options for chainsaw stump grinders are available at home improvement stores. 

Starting with a level stump is typically easier, and employing a chainsaw or hand saw can be advantageous in achieving this initial level surface.