What this covers
Stump grinding removes the stump left after a tree comes down. A machine with a spinning toothed wheel chips the wood away, working back and forth until the stump and the main surface roots are below grade, usually several inches down. Before grinding, the company has buried utilities marked and checks for irrigation lines. The chips can be left as mulch or hauled away, and the hole is filled with topsoil so it can be seeded, sodded or planted. Careful work screens the area so chips do not fly into windows or beds.
When to call
- A stump left after a removal or a storm.
- A stump in the way of mowing, a new lawn or a patio.
- An old stump sprouting new shoots or drawing insects.
What to expect
- Mark linesBuried utilities and irrigation are located and marked.
- GrindThe stump and surface roots are ground below grade.
- ChipsChips are left as mulch or hauled away, as you choose.
- BackfillThe hole is filled with soil, ready for grass or plantings.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
How deep does grinding go?
Usually several inches below the surface, deeper where a patio, a footing or a new tree will go. Tell the company what the spot is for.
Is grinding the same as stump removal?
No. Grinding chips the stump away in place. Full removal pulls out the root ball and leaves a much larger hole, and is used mainly before construction.
Will the roots grow back?
Most trees do not resprout once the stump is ground. A few species send up shoots from the remaining roots, which the company can treat or remove.
Related: Tree removal · Sod installation · All landscaping and yard
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.