Stump’d

As homeowners, orchardists, farmers, rural block owners and developers look for efficient ways to clear land and improve safety, stump grinding is increasingly being seen as an important step in the process.

With this in mind, experienced Warkworth arborist William Hurst has set-up Stump’d, a business devoted to stump removal.

“It’s a bit of a cliché, but there really is no job too big or too small for me to handle,” he says.

“I’ve got multiple machines so whether its clearing hundreds of trees from an orchard or taking out one stump between two houses, it’s all very achievable.”

Left untreated, stumps can attract pests, spread disease to surrounding plants, and create hazards in gardens, open spaces and parks.

Unlike traditional stump removal, which often involves digging out large root systems, Hurst uses a remote controlled, tracked grinder, which can shred the stump down 500mm below ground level. Being remote-controlled also makes it a lot safer, he says.

The result is a level surface that can be replanted, paved or left to naturally regenerate.

“People want clean, usable outdoor spaces. Grinding removes the problem without damaging the surrounding area.”

Rural landowners are also adopting the practice, particularly in regions where storm damage or land clearing leaves behind large numbers of stumps. By grinding them down, farmers can improve access for machinery and reduce risks to livestock.

When not at work, Hurst is a keen fisherman – taking to the water whenever he gets the chance. He is a member of the Warkworth Game Fishing Club and recently landed a 150kg marlin in the Hokianga.