What is the technique for removing tree stumps known as?

The technique for removing tree stumps is known as stump grinding or stump removal. This method specifically targets the stump of a tree, breaking it down into smaller pieces using a specialized machine called a stump grinder. Stump grinding eliminates the visible portion of the stump and can often grind the remaining portion of the root system below the ground level, facilitating the restoration of the area for landscaping or new plant growth.

Stump removal, on the other hand, typically involves digging out the entire stump along with the root system, which can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Both techniques are focused on the effective clearing of stumps to prepare a site for further use, such as planting or construction.

The other options refer to different processes. Trenching involves digging a long, narrow hole and is generally used for laying utilities or irrigation systems, not for stump removal. Pruning is the practice of trimming branches and foliage to encourage healthy growth and improve the shape of a tree, rather than dealing with stumps. Excavation is a broader term that refers to the removal of earth or material from a site and can be used for various purposes, but it does not specifically target stump removal as a primary function.