I can only speak from my experience here in Georgia, but here what they do is grind up what they can. Large trunks are hauled off intact as the portable equipment cannot handle such big pieces. What is produced is called "chips" but people do use it as mulch. Mulch sold in the store is usually a more attractive product than what is produced by on the spot tree companies.

Yes, you can store it on the ground until you need it. Some people find this preferable as it allows the chips to "age" a bit.

Stumps can be ground down (and out) for one of two reasons: the area is exposed to the general viewing area of your property and you want it to look more attractive than having big stumps there, or you want to plant another tree in the same spot. If neither reason exists, you don't have to pay extra to have them ground down.

the tree guys will CHIP the branches ...

time and mother nature will turn it into MULCH .... and then eventually COMPOST .....

personally.. on 5 acres ... i just cut trees flush to the ground.. and let ma earth take care of them ....

if i were on a small suburban lot.. MAYBE i would pay the extra money to have them ground up ...

ken

I was able to acquire chips were my town publicly dumps

Is there danger of termites etc!! i am using as ground cover

an area i reclaimed from brush !! thanks