How To Put Sawdust From Stump Grinding To Good Use

Posted on: 18 March 2022

Tree stump grinding leaves you with a pile of sawdust, which inspires the question of what to do with the sawdust. You can use what may seem like a waste pile in creative and useful ways. Because the tree stump grindings are biodegradable, you could repurpose them around your yard. One or more of the tips discussed below come in handy after stump grinding.

Convert To Mulch

Mulch is a common and practical way to use stump grinding leftovers. The grindings insulate and retain your soil's moisture. Sawdust is acidic and thus suitable for acidic plants, e.g., azaleas and blueberries. Fresh grass decomposes faster, so it doesn't sit well with stump grindings. You need to rake the stump grindings first to remove fresh grass.

Spread the tree grindings evenly around your plants until you have a sizable layer based on your plants' size. The bigger the plant, the more the amount of mulch you'll require. Remember to top up with new much when the old one starts to decompose.

Convert To Compost or Vermicompost

Sawdust from a tree stump is an excellent compost pile additive. Sawdust is carbon-rich and can tie up available nitrogen. Green, nitrogen-rich matter such as fruit scrap and coffee grounds serves as a healthy addition to conserve nitrogen. Vermicompost involves the use of worms to create compost. The worms break down sawdust and wood chips into nutrient-rich casts that enrich your soil. 

Design a temporary Footpath

Sawdust left behind after tree grinding creates a beautiful landscape design. A sawdust walkway gives a warm texture and unique feel to your property. You could add borders and pave stones to contain the sawdust. Sawdust is compostable, so you will need to top up with time. If you can't access more sawdust after the old decomposes, replace it with stones or other footpath material.

Use to Fill the Landscape

Sawdust does the trick if you need to spruce any areas around the house. Beautify your landscape in the following ways:

  • Disperse on play areas that get worn out by frequent activities

  • Cover muddy areas to make them safe and pleasant to walk on

  • Spread over areas prone to erosion to preserve the soil

Conclusion

Note that not all sawdust is suitable for your home or garden. Sawdust from a tree stump that was fungicide-treated or contained natural toxins is harmful. Talk to a stump grinding expert from a place like Justin's Tree Service to advise you on how best to deal with your sawdust.

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