We grind stumps after our own removals and for homeowners who have older stumps left from previous work.
How stump grinding works
A stump grinder uses a rotating cutting wheel to chip the stump down into a mix of wood chips and soil. The wheel is worked back and forth across the stump until it is below the surface.
Grinding removes the stump and the top of the root flare. Deeper roots are left in the ground and break down naturally over time. Full stump extraction with an excavator is a different, more disruptive job that is usually only needed when building directly over the spot.
When people call us
- Stumps left behind after recent or old tree removals
- Stumps in the way of mowing, a fence line or a new garden bed
- Stumps sending up new shoots after the tree was cut
- Preparing a lawn for regrading, sod or seeding
What's included
- Grinding of the stump and surface root flare below grade
- Checking for buried irrigation, cables and utilities beforehand
- Leaving grindings to backfill the hole, or removing them on request
- Grinding multiple stumps in one visit
Practical considerations
Is stump grinding necessary after tree removal?
Not always. Some people leave stumps in wooded areas. In a lawn or bed, grinding is usually worth it because stumps are trip and mower hazards and some species resprout from the stump.
Utilities
Before any digging work in Maryland, underground utilities should be marked through Miss Utility. Let us know about any irrigation lines or invisible fences near the stump.
Access
Stump grinders come in different sizes. Gate width and slope affect which machine can reach the stump, so tell us about access when you request an estimate.
How the work goes
- 1
Count and measure
We note the number, diameter and location of stumps.
- 2
Estimate
You get a price for grinding and for grindings removal if you want it.
- 3
Grind
Stumps are ground below grade with the area kept clear.
- 4
Tidy
Grindings are raked into the hole or hauled away.
Stump Grinding questions
How deep do you grind a stump?
Stumps are ground below the surface so the area can be covered with soil and seeded. If you plan to plant something in the same spot, mention it and we can go deeper.
What happens to the roots?
Grinding removes the stump and main root flare. Remaining roots underground decay naturally and normally do not cause problems.
Can you grind stumps from trees another company removed?
Yes. We grind older stumps as a standalone service.
