What means What: Tree Terminology

Chipping: When we are hired for a tree removal, the branches that are cut off the trunk of the tree are put through the chipper, which shreds the branches and turns them into wood chips (mulch).

Mulching: Sometimes confused with chipping and stump grinding. The term "mulching" is typically interchanged with the words "grubbing" and "land clearing". Mulching is a process whereby larger machines are used to clear land, running over trees and stumps as a fast means to clear larger areas, as opposed to clearing trees one by one.

Bucking: After the limbs are removed and a tree is cut down, bucking is the process of cutting the main trunk of the tree into 12 to 16 inch lengths.

Firewood: When we cut down a tree, we buck up the logs into lengths less than 16 inches and leave it for you or the person picking up the firewood. Large diameter pieces are typically split by whomever takes the firewood.

Splitting: This is the process where larger diameter pieces are split into multiple pieces, such that the firewood burns easier. If you are feeling particularly energetic, some will perform splitting with an ax. Log splitters are hydraulic machines that make splitting quicker, safer and easier - and they can be rented from most rental places.

Grinding: When a stump needs to be removed, we use a grinder to remove it. Stump grinders come in various sizes and have various capabilities. Some are more powerful than others. Some have better grinding depth than others. And some are designed for access into difficult locations. The machines have a thick, high-speed, rotating blade with many tungsten carbide teeth that can withstand the dulling effects of dirt and rock, unlike a chainsaw blade. The blade rotates quickly, the teeth shredding the wood from the stump as it goes. Grinding is the quickest and most effective way of removing a stump, as we can grind down 2 feet into the ground, which allows for the replanting of a new tree. Using our specialized, large equipment, most stumps can be ground down in about 15 minutes. We also carry two machines with us: One for high efficiency and the other for difficult access locations.

Topping: Topping a tree is to reduce the height of the tree by cutting off its tops. This is a very stressful thing for a tree, and it will often end up dying after being topped. Not to mention that topped trees are a major eyesore. If you're considering topping your tree because it's too tall, a better option would be to just remove it and replant a new one in its place that won't grow to be so tall. Note that Got Stump does not top trees, and no trained arborist worth their salt should do it, either.

Pruning: The art of trimming a tree for optimal health and beauty. A properly pruned tree will live longer, look better, and produce better fruit (assuming it's a fruit-bearing tree, that is). People often prune their trees to remove dead branches or branches that are getting close to houses or other structures. It can also be done to lift the canopy, or just for the general health of the tree. Pruning can be done in summer months, but it's often a good idea to do it in very early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant.

Branches: Branches are the limbs of a tree that grow out of the trunk, from which the leaves grow. When we remove a tree, we chip all of the branches, as they can be too large and unruly to transport, and not large enough for firewood.

Trunk: A trunk is identified as the main wooden stem of a tree, from which the branches grow. The trunk is what we chop up to make firewood.

Surface Roots: When a tree grows, sometimes the roots don't stay underground, but start to protrude from the ground. Surface roots can get in the way when you try to mow your lawn, and can be a tripping hazard. If they get bad, they an also start to heave driveways and sidewalks. Got Stump can remove surface roots for you, most often free of charge when we remove a tree or grind a stump.

Suckers: These are little tree sprouts that start to grow from the mother plant - usually at the base of an existing tree, or sometimes at a certain distance from the parent tree. Suckers can even grow up from prominent stumps, or from stumps that were not ground out deep enough. Got Stump always grinds out the core of the stump, virtually eliminating any future suckers from emerging in your yard.

Cluster Stumps: Some trees grow with several trunks from a single base. So when the trunks are removed, you're left with a bunch of stumps, clustered together. When describing the size of a cluster to us, no need to measure the width of every stem. Simply measure the width of the entire cluster and we can quote accurately.

Stump Core: This is the centre of the stump, the part that is solid. It is what is measured (width in inches, using an average measurement if it is an odd shape) when requesting a stump removal quotation. All roots extend from the stump core. When we grind a tree stump, we wipe out the core and grind out the major surface roots, leaving the deeper underground roots behind to rot.