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What to expect
Stump Grinding: everything you need to know
That leftover tree stump in your yard is more than an eyesore. It's a tripping hazard, a lawn mower obstacle, a magnet for termites and carpenter ants, and potentially still sprouting new shoots that drain nutrients from nearby plants. Stump grinding is the fastest, cleanest way to eliminate it permanently.
Professional stump grinding uses a rotary cutting wheel with carbide teeth to grind the stump down 6–12 inches below ground level. The machine turns the stump into a pile of wood chips in minutes — what would take days of manual labor is typically done in under an hour. The resulting chips can be used as mulch or hauled away, and the area is ready to reseed, replant, or build over.
An important distinction: stump grinding removes the visible stump but not the root system. For most homeowners, this is completely fine — roots decompose over 3–10 years underground. If you need the area fully cleared for construction or a new concrete pour, full stump and root removal (excavation) is a more intensive option.
Stump grinding prices are typically quoted per stump, with most charging a minimum fee for the first stump and a reduced rate for additional stumps on the same visit. A single average-sized stump runs $100–$400 depending on diameter, species, and accessibility. Large stumps or stumps with extensive surface roots may cost more. Bundling stump grinding with tree removal almost always saves money.
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Common questions
Stump Grinding FAQ
Does stump grinding kill the roots?
Grinding removes the stump but leaves the root system underground. Roots will stop growing and decompose naturally over several years. For most lawns and gardens, this is completely fine.
How deep does stump grinding go?
Standard grinding goes 6–12 inches below the surface — deep enough to plant grass over. If you need deeper clearance for construction, ask for deep grinding or full excavation.
What do I do with the wood chips left behind?
The grinding process produces a pile of wood chips. You can spread them as mulch around garden beds, have them hauled away (usually a small fee), or mix them into the soil as the area is backfilled.
Will the tree grow back after stump grinding?
Most species will not regenerate from a ground stump. Some species like willows or elms may send up new shoots from remaining roots, but these are easy to manage. Your arborist can advise if this is a concern for your specific tree.