Stump Grinding & Excavation
After a tree has been cut down and removed all that remains is the stump. Stump grinding is the technique used to remove most of the stump from the ground. It’s the cost-effective way to remove stumps and minimise the amount of damage to your property. Our modern stump grinding equipment is light and manoeuvrable, quick, and non-intrusive.
Tree stumps are unsightly, obstructive and attract unwanted pests such as termites and ants; and certain types of tree stumps will continue to sprout shoots. If you have removed a tree, you don’t want it growing back. Tree stump roots also can pose continued problems by growing into and under driveways, gardens and flower beds, pavements, or even grow into drainage systems.
Topfell has worked on the properties owned by Alphen Farm Estate in Constantia for over 20 years, including the Alphen Boutique Hotel. Sean Maasch inspects the trees on the properties on an annual basis and submits a proposal for the requisite work relating to the health, safety and aesthetics of our trees. The work has always been undertaken in a professional and safe manner with no damage to material elements of the properties. After the operations are completed, the grounds are left in a neat and tidy state. Commercially we have validated Topfell's pricing on several occasions and been happy with their offering.
How does it work?
We use a steel wheel approximately 30” in diameter with attached carbide-tipped teeth – resembling fingers – that spins at 2,000 rotations per minute. This is lowered down into the front of the stump to the desired depth below ground level. Then it’s worked from side to side through the stump, advancing slowly until there is no stump left. When we’re finished, there is nothing left but a pile of chips. Our self-propelled machine excels at getting into tight spots around plantings; and is able to go through standard 36” fence gates to get into backyards. Riding on rubber tracks, this machine is lighter than the human foot on the ground!