We get a lot of calls with great questions and concerns about stump grinding and stump removal. To save you time and help you understand the process, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions below. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to give us a call—we’re happy to help answer any questions you may have!
What's the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
Stump Grinding uses specialized equipment to grind the stump down below ground level, leaving the roots intact. It’s fast, efficient, and allows you to easily cover the area with soil or grass — blending seamlessly into your landscape.
Stump Removal involves digging out the entire stump and root ball. This process is much more invasive, often leaves a large hole, and requires heavy-duty equipment and significant labor.
Most of our customers choose stump grinding because it’s quicker, less disruptive to their yard, and much more affordable than full removal.
Stump Removal involves digging out the entire stump and root ball. This process is much more invasive, often leaves a large hole, and requires heavy-duty equipment and significant labor.
Most of our customers choose stump grinding because it’s quicker, less disruptive to their yard, and much more affordable than full removal.
What are the benefits of stump grinding?
Stump grinding is a fast, effective way to enhance the appearance and health of your yard. Leftover stumps can be unsightly, create obstacles for lawn care, and pose safety risks as tripping hazards.
Removing stumps not only improves your property’s curb appeal—it also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can harm nearby trees and grass. It simplifies lawn maintenance like mowing and fertilizing and can even improve drainage in your yard.
Using specialized equipment, we grind stumps down below ground level, restoring your lawn’s natural look and making the space cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain.
Removing stumps not only improves your property’s curb appeal—it also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can harm nearby trees and grass. It simplifies lawn maintenance like mowing and fertilizing and can even improve drainage in your yard.
Using specialized equipment, we grind stumps down below ground level, restoring your lawn’s natural look and making the space cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain.
How Deep Do You Grind a Stump?
We typically grind stumps 4 to 6 inches below ground level, which works well for most lawn and landscaping projects. However, if you have specific plans for the area—such as replanting, building, or installing a new feature—just let us know! We’re happy to adjust the depth to meet your needs and ensure the space is fully prepared for your next project.
DoES stump grinding Get Rid of the Roots Too?
Stump grinding is designed to remove the visible portion of the stump by grinding it down below ground level. While it doesn’t eliminate the entire root system, we do grind any surface roots that could pose a tripping hazard or disrupt the look of your yard.
If you're looking to completely remove the root system, full stump removal is the better option. This process is more involved, often requiring digging and heavy equipment, and typically comes at a higher cost.
Not sure which option is best for your property? We’re happy to assess the area and recommend the most effective solution based on your goals and budget.
If you're looking to completely remove the root system, full stump removal is the better option. This process is more involved, often requiring digging and heavy equipment, and typically comes at a higher cost.
Not sure which option is best for your property? We’re happy to assess the area and recommend the most effective solution based on your goals and budget.
What about underground utilities?
Before any stump grinding begins, we’ll contact Miss Dig to have all public utility lines marked for safety. This is a standard step to ensure that we don’t disrupt gas, electric, or other essential services during the process.
However, please note that Miss Dig does not mark private lines, such as:
However, please note that Miss Dig does not mark private lines, such as:
- Irrigation systems
- Invisible dog fences
- Septic lines or drain fields
Will This Leave a Hole in My Yard?
Stump grinding naturally leaves a hole where the tree once stood. If left unfilled, it can create an uneven surface and affect the look and function of your landscape.
To make things easier, we offer an optional cleanup and backfill service. With this add-on, we’ll fill the hole using the wood chips from the grinding process and can remove any excess mulch as needed. This helps restore a smooth, level area—preventing low spots and saving you time on future yard work.
Interested in this service? Just let us know when you call to schedule!
To make things easier, we offer an optional cleanup and backfill service. With this add-on, we’ll fill the hole using the wood chips from the grinding process and can remove any excess mulch as needed. This helps restore a smooth, level area—preventing low spots and saving you time on future yard work.
Interested in this service? Just let us know when you call to schedule!
What Do You Do with The Woodchips and Debris?
After grinding, we can use the wood chip debris to fill the hole and level the area, providing a simple and cost-effective way to finish the job. This helps prevent dips or uneven spots in your yard.
Prefer a cleaner look? We also offer optional debris haul-away as part of our cleanup service. We’ll remove the leftover mulch and leave your space neat and tidy.
Some homeowners choose to keep the mulch and repurpose it in flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around trees as a natural ground cover.
Whatever your preference, we’re happy to tailor the cleanup to your needs and leave your yard looking exactly how you want it.
Prefer a cleaner look? We also offer optional debris haul-away as part of our cleanup service. We’ll remove the leftover mulch and leave your space neat and tidy.
Some homeowners choose to keep the mulch and repurpose it in flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around trees as a natural ground cover.
Whatever your preference, we’re happy to tailor the cleanup to your needs and leave your yard looking exactly how you want it.
DO I NEED TO REMOVE THE TREE STUMP?
Some homeowners choose to leave a tree stump to rot naturally, but I usually advise against it for several reasons. Tree stumps can quickly become a trip hazard and make lawn maintenance more difficult than it needs to be—often causing damage to lawn mowers and other equipment. Over time, they also become prime real estate for pests like termites, rats, and unwanted fungus or mushrooms.
By removing or grinding down the stump, you're not only preventing these problems but also reclaiming valuable yard space. The result? A cleaner, safer, and low-maintenance lawn that looks great year-round.
By removing or grinding down the stump, you're not only preventing these problems but also reclaiming valuable yard space. The result? A cleaner, safer, and low-maintenance lawn that looks great year-round.
How Long Does It Take for a Tree Stump to Decay?
If a tree is not removed properly and enough of the trunk remains, the stump can remain viable and begin to sprout new growth. In other instances, the stump will slowly decompose, but this process can take 15 to 20 years or even longer, depending on its size. During this extended decay period, the rotting wood can attract harmful pests such as termites, beetles, and carpenter ants, as well as potentially spread diseases to nearby healthy trees.
Stump grinding offers an effective solution by swiftly and thoroughly removing the stump, eliminating the risks associated with pests and disease. This process not only ensures a cleaner, safer environment but also helps maintain a healthier, more easily manageable yard.
Stump grinding offers an effective solution by swiftly and thoroughly removing the stump, eliminating the risks associated with pests and disease. This process not only ensures a cleaner, safer environment but also helps maintain a healthier, more easily manageable yard.
Do You Offer Discounts on Multiple Stumps?
We’re pleased to offer discounts for multiple stump removals! Whether you have a few stumps or several that need grinding, we are happy to work with you on pricing to ensure you receive the best value for the job. Our goal is to make stump removal affordable and hassle-free, helping you keep your property in great condition.
Please feel free to give us a call or send us a message to discuss your specific needs, and we’ll provide a customized quote. We look forward to helping you transform your yard!
Please feel free to give us a call or send us a message to discuss your specific needs, and we’ll provide a customized quote. We look forward to helping you transform your yard!
How much does stump grinding cost?
Pricing for stump grinding varies depending on factors such as the size of the stump, the number of stumps, the location, and accessibility. To ensure you get an accurate estimate, we offer no obligation estimates. Simply send us a few photos, measurements and some basic information, or schedule an on-site visit, and we’ll provide a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
We're here to make the process as easy and transparent as possible!
We're here to make the process as easy and transparent as possible!
Can you access stumps in hard-to-reach areas?
Absolutely! Our equipment is compact and specifically designed to fit through standard gates and tight spaces, making it ideal for yards with limited access. If you're unsure about the accessibility, just send us a picture of the area, and we’ll assess the situation and let you know what’s possible. We're committed to making the stump grinding process as smooth and convenient as possible for you!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Don’t hesitate to reach out. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to assist you. Our goal is to make the entire process simple, clear, and hassle-free, ensuring you get the best service possible. We’re here to help!
MITCH'S STUMP GRINDING & OUTDOOR SERVICES LLC
© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.