extensive elm roots - Ask Extension
We had a huge 80-100 foot elm cut down last week because it was right next to the house and full of dead branches/limbs and the trunk was mushy at ...
Knowledgebase
extensive elm roots #893718
Asked March 05, 2025, 7:32 PM EST
We had a huge 80-100 foot elm cut down last week because it was right next to the house and full of dead branches/limbs and the trunk was mushy at waist height. The stump has obvious cut across the diameter with evidence of insect infestation. We are now faced with deciding if we should grind out the stump or not? Does removing the stump by grinding encourage roots to die off too fast, thereby causing possible cavities under the house near the foundation? Is it better to let the root system whither slowly, hoping no large pockets form as the roots decay. What is an estimated cost for grinding a very large diameter stump? Thanks so much for your time and advice
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Losing a big old tree is difficult, but it's good that you had it removed as the dead limbs, and especially the mushy trunk suggest the loss of structural integrity, making it a fall hazard, particularly in windy/stormy conditions that we've had lately.
As far as stump grinding goes, it's not necessary, unless you are in a hurry to get rid of the stump- depending on where it is it could be used as an area to place a big pot of flowers or a bench or something similar.
Grinding the stump wouldn't affect the timing of roots decomposing. We don't know what the going rate is- you could contact several companies for an estimate and compare.
Christine
As far as stump grinding goes, it's not necessary, unless you are in a hurry to get rid of the stump- depending on where it is it could be used as an area to place a big pot of flowers or a bench or something similar.
Grinding the stump wouldn't affect the timing of roots decomposing. We don't know what the going rate is- you could contact several companies for an estimate and compare.
Christine
