The tree is gone and the stump is still there. You have two real options: grind it, or pull it out completely. They sound alike but they are not, and choosing the right one can save you money and a second headache.
What stump grinding does
A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning, toothed wheel that chews the stump into wood chips. We typically grind six to twelve inches below ground level. The roots stay in the ground and decay naturally over the years.
- Faster and cheaper than full removal in most cases.
- Little ground disturbance. A small area is cut and the rest of the lawn is left alone.
- Leaves a spot you can seed, level and ready for grass once the chips are handled.
What full stump removal does
Removal pulls out the stump and its main root ball, usually with heavier equipment. It leaves a large hole that has to be filled and compacted.
- Clears everything, including the major roots.
- Costs more and disturbs more ground.
- Only needed in certain cases, like building, paving or replanting a tree in the exact same spot.
Which do you need?
| Your plan | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Mow over it, seed grass, plant a bed | Grinding |
| Several stumps across a big lot | Grinding, with a multi-stump visit |
| Pour a slab, build a structure or lay a patio | Removal, or grind deeper and clear roots |
| Replant a tree in the same spot | Removal, or grind and shift the new tree a little |
| Stump near a buried line, pipe or irrigation | Locate the lines first. Grinding is usually less disruptive. |
A stump is more than an eyesore. It is a trip hazard, a home for carpenter ants and termites, and it can send up suckers for years.
What happens to the chips?
Grinding leaves a pile of wood chips mixed with soil. Many people use the chips as mulch for beds and paths. If you do not want them, we can haul them away. Tell us before the grinder runs.
Planning around the work
- Tell us what is buried. Irrigation lines, invisible fence, and utility lines matter. Call 811 before any digging.
- Think about gates and access. Our grinder fits through a standard gate, so most back yards are no problem.
- Do it in one visit. If a tree is coming down anyway, grinding the stump on the same visit saves a second trip.
Read more about how it works on our stump grinding and removal page, or see our guide to what decides the price of a tree removal.
We will tell you honestly whether grinding or full removal fits your project, then put it in writing.
