A stump looks harmless, but it gets in the way of mowing, attracts termites and carpenter ants as it rots, and can take ten years or more to break down on its own. Grinding is the fastest way to get it out of your yard: a machine with a toothed wheel chews the stump into chips below ground level in less than an hour for most stumps.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
| Stump grinding | Full removal (digging out) | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Stump is ground into chips below the soil; roots stay and rot | Stump and main root ball are pulled out with an excavator |
| Yard damage | Small: a patch of chips and soil | A large hole to fill |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, often much higher |
| Best for | Lawns, beds, most yards | New foundations, driveways, pools, septic fields |
For nearly every homeowner, grinding is the right choice.
What sets the price
- Diameter, measured across the top at ground level. This is the biggest factor.
- Number of stumps. The second and third stump on the same visit cost much less than the first.
- Hardwood vs. softwood. Oak and hickory take longer than pine.
- Access: gates, steps, steep slopes and retaining walls.
- Surface roots and whether you want the chips hauled away.
National surveys put a typical stump grinding job at about $130 to $440. See the stump grinding cost guide for how that works out for different stump sizes.
Getting ready for the crew
- Mark sprinkler heads, low-voltage lighting and invisible dog fence wires near the stump. 811 doesn't locate private lines.
- Measure your narrowest gate.
- Clear rocks and toys from around the stump. The grinder throws chips several feet.
- Keep pets and kids inside while it runs.
Removing the tree too? Ask for the stump on the same quote as the tree removal. It's usually cheaper than booking it separately later.
Common questions
How deep do you grind a stump?
A standard grind goes about 6 to 12 inches below the soil. That's enough for grass or mulch. If you're planting a new tree in the same spot or pouring concrete, ask for a deeper grind and for the surface roots to be chased out too.
Will the stump grow back?
Most hardwood stumps die once they're ground below the soil. A few trees, like sweetgum and some maples, can send up sprouts from the roots for a season. Mowing over them usually ends it.
What do I do with the wood chips?
Grinding leaves a pile of chips and soil about the size of the stump. Many people use it as mulch. If you want grass there, ask the crew to haul the chips off and backfill with topsoil.
Do I need to call 811 first?
Yes. Underground lines are often closer to stumps than people expect. In Tennessee call Tennessee 811, and in Georgia call Georgia 811 (dial 811 in either state) a few business days before the work. Most stump crews will place the request for you.
Can you grind a stump in a fenced backyard?
Usually yes. Many grinders fit through a standard gate around 36 inches wide. Tell the crew the gate width when you ask for a quote.