Professional Stump Grinding
We grind the stump 8 to 12 inches below the surface, take out the surface roots, then fill the hole and rake it level so you can plant or lay sod over it. That goes for our own removals and for stumps another company left behind.
- Licensed & insured
- Usually finished in one day
- 811 call before every grind
How deep we grind depends on what comes next
No one depth fits every yard. We start by asking what you want in that spot, because that decides how far down we go and how much of the root flare comes out.
- Planting a new tree there — we go 12 inches or deeper, pull out the larger roots, and haul off the grindings so the hole can be refilled with fresh soil.
- Lawn or planting beds — 8 to 12 inches down, refilled with grindings and topsoil and raked smooth, ready for seed once the ground settles.
- Patio, shed, or driveway — let us know up front. Anything structural needs the stump and root plate dug out rather than ground, which is often work for a different contractor.
Buried utilities marked before we start
811 locate request
We call USA North 811 so buried lines are marked before grinding. It costs nothing and the law requires it, which is why first-time jobs are usually booked a few days ahead.
Surface roots removed
The shallow roots that heave lawns and crack paths come out along with the stump, so they don't push back up next year.
Hole refilled
We put the grindings back in the hole and rake it level, or haul them all off if you plan to bring in new soil.
Protection around the grinder
A grinder flings chips a surprising distance, so we set up plywood and blankets over siding, fences, vehicles, and windows.
How a stump grinding job runs
Utilities marked
We put in the 811 request and wait until the lines are marked. Gas and fiber lines are often buried shallower than you'd think.
Access and protection
We measure the gate, protect the path in, and cover or move anything close enough to get hit by chips.
Stump, then roots
The grinder takes the stump down in passes until it reaches depth, then follows the root flare and surface roots outward.
Fill and clean
We fill and level the hole or haul off the grindings, then blow the whole area clean.
Stump and cleanup jobs
Full gallery →
How far down does the grinder go?
Our standard is 8 to 12 inches below the surface, deep enough for a new lawn or planting bed. Replanting a tree in the same spot takes a deeper grind, and we remove the bigger roots to leave room for fresh soil.
What do you do with the wood chips from grinding?
That's up to you. Usually we pack them back into the hole and rake it flat; they sink over a few weeks and you can add soil on top. We can also haul them off or leave them for mulch.
Can you reach a stump in a fenced backyard?
In most cases, yes. Our compact tracked grinder fits through a 36-inch gate. When even that won't fit, smaller stumps can be done with handheld equipment, and we'll be straight with you at the estimate if access is a dealbreaker.
Will the stump sprout again after grinding?
Most trees die once the stump is gone. A handful of species, including privet, tree of heaven, and some elms and poplars, can push up shoots from roots still in the ground. If your tree is one of them, we'll tell you and explain how to stop the shoots.
Who calls 811 before the grinding?
We take care of it. We submit the USA North 811 request and don't start grinding until the utilities are marked. There's no charge, and it's the reason new jobs usually go on the calendar a few days out.
Stump taking up space?
Estimates are free. Text us a photo with something next to the stump for scale, and we can often price it from that.