Stump Grinding

Stump grinding or stump removal

What is stump removal?

Stump removal is the clearing away of a tree or bush stump. A stump is the small portion of the trunk attached to the roots in the ground after the tree or bush has already been cut down or otherwise removed.

There are several ways to remove a stump. The most common method is time. Just allowing the stump to rot away over time is a good option for stumps that are close to utilities, fences, or other obstacles. It is also good for people who are on a tight budget. You can help to speed up the process by adding chemical stump remover or burying the stump, although the most important ingredient in this process is time. In some cases a poison can be added to the stump after the last cut in the removal process in order to kill the root system. Coniferous trees like pine, spruce, and cedar will not sprout up from the roots or stump and therefore do not need to be poisoned to prevent suckers.

The second way to get a stump out is to dig it out. This process is usually done with an excavator and can be expensive, destructive, and is not always an option. However, some good candidates for this process are people with small trees, newly planted trees, or trees that are near the street. This process often requires the homeowner to call okie dig at 811 before the process can be performed which will add a few days to the process. Digging is also usually required if a new tree must be replaced in the same spot the previous tree was removed from.

The final method is stump grinding. Stump grinding is the process of mechanically shaving down the stump. Our stump grinder can reach a depth of 18” on level terrain. This process will not remove the roots nor is it intended to. Stump grinding is meant to remove the trunk to allow grass to grow back. This process is a good option for a stump that will hinder mowing, be a trip hazard, or is visually unappealing. The stump needs to be accessible with a 36” wide machine. It also needs to be clear of utilities or other obstructions. This process of shaving down the stump also produces an excellent byproduct of wood mulch. If you choose stump grinding and have flower beds or gardens where mulch can be used, be sure to ask the operator to leave behind the shavings for your use!

What about the roots left behind?

The roots left behind from stump grinding often send up suckers. Suckers are the tree’s way of trying to save itself and are simply new shoots or branches that can become trees if given enough time. This can mostly be prevented through the use of poison at the time of the tree removal. It is also important to consistently mow down the suckers to not allow a new tree to become established. If the sucker becomes too large to mow, be sure to cut it down as soon as possible with a strong pair of pruners or lopers. The roots will eventually decay over time. They generally will not ever grow again so long as the suckers are consistently removed for a time. In very soft trees, as the roots decay, you may see a slight depression forming on the surface of the yard. This is usually not enough of an issue to worry about and can be easily corrected with top soil.

How much does stump grinding cost?

Stump grinding starts at $150 per stump if the tree has already been removed. The price is based on the ease of access, the size of the stump, the depth of removal required, and the type of wood (i.e. hardwood, soft wood, rotten, etc.). Rock, brick, or other hard materials such as these in the area being ground can damage the stump grinder. This will add additional cost to the price of the stump removal.

Can I replant in the same place?

It is possible to plant a new tree in the same spot as the one removed. However, if the tree that was removed was large it will often be harder for the new tree to become established. We recommend moving the new tree to one side of the removed stump in order to clear the larger roots. This will give your new tree the best chance of success.