- Grinding chews the stump into chips below ground level. It's faster and cleaner than digging it out.
- Most stumps get ground 6 to 12 inches below grade, which is deep enough for sod or new plants.
- Buried lines get marked through Sunshine 811 before we grind. That's Florida law.
- Palm stumps and hardwood stumps grind differently, so tell us what kind of tree it was.
Why grind a stump
- It's in the way of the mower, the pavers or a new fence.
- It's a trip hazard for kids and guests.
- Rotting wood draws termites and carpenter ants close to the house.
- Some trees send up new sprouts from the stump for years.
- You want to plant, sod or build in that spot.
How stump grinding works
A stump grinder has a spinning wheel with carbide teeth. The operator sweeps it across the stump and cuts it into chips, a little deeper each pass. We grind the main stump and the large surface roots near it.
Most stumps go 6 to 12 inches below grade. If you plan to plant a new tree in the same spot, tell us. We'll go deeper and pull more chips out.
When we finish, we rake the chips back into the hole and level the area. You can keep the extra chips as mulch, or we can haul them off.
Safety before we grind
Florida law requires a call to Sunshine 811 before any digging, so buried power, gas, water and cable lines get marked. We also ask about sprinkler lines and septic before we start. Irrigation pipes often run right next to old stumps.
Palm stumps vs. hardwood stumps
Palm stumps are soft and fibrous. They grind fast but make stringy chips. Palms don't sprout back from the stump, and the roots break down on their own.
Oak, pine and other hardwood stumps are dense. They take more time. Some species can sprout from the roots if you don't grind deep enough.
What to do after
The chips will settle and break down over a few months. Top off the hole with soil before you lay sod. If you plant right away, mix in fresh soil, because breaking-down wood pulls nitrogen from the ground.
Common questions
How much does stump grinding cost?
It depends on stump width, wood type and access. Send a photo with a tape measure across the top and we'll give you a number.
Can you grind stumps from trees another company cut?
Yes. We grind stumps no matter who took the tree down.
Will the roots die?
Roots of most trees die once the stump is gone. Some species sprout from roots. We'll tell you if yours is one of them.
Can you get the grinder into my backyard?
Most backyards, yes. Tell us how wide your gate is so we bring the right machine.