Short answer: Stump grinding shaves the stump down below ground level and leaves the roots to rot naturally. It is faster, less disruptive and usually costs less. Stump removal pulls out the stump and main roots, leaving a large hole, and is chosen when you need to build, plant in the same spot or remove roots completely.
After a tree comes down, the stump is often left behind. It can be a trip hazard, attract pests and get in the way of mowing. This guide compares stump grinding vs stump removal to help you choose.
Stump grinding
- A machine grinds the stump into chips, usually several inches below the ground
- Roots are left in the ground to decay over time
- Leaves a shallow hole filled with wood chips and soil
- Faster, with less damage to the yard
- Good for lawns and garden beds where you will plant grass
Stump removal
- The stump and main roots are dug or pulled out
- Leaves a large hole to fill
- More labor, more yard disruption
- Needed before building a patio, addition or driveway in that spot
- Good when you want to plant a new tree in the same place
Which to choose
- Grinding for most yards, when you want the stump gone and grass or plants over it
- Removal when you are building there, or roots are damaging pipes, foundations or paving
What about chemical stump removers?
Products that speed up decay can soften a stump over months, but they are slow and do not help with an urgent trip hazard. Burning stumps is dangerous and banned in many areas.
Why remove a stump at all
- Trip hazards for children and guests
- Obstacles for mowing and landscaping
- Can attract termites, ants and fungus
- New shoots can sprout from some species
- Roots of some trees can keep growing toward pipes and foundations
Before any stump work
- Call 811 before digging so underground utility lines are marked
- Ask whether the price includes cleanup of chips and filling the hole
- Check for roots near foundations, pipes and paving
- Ask about surface roots, which may need grinding too
Read about tree services, including tree removal and emergency tree removal.
Quick answers: stump grinding vs Stump removal
Is stump grinding or removal better?
Grinding suits most yards and is faster. Removal is needed when building in the spot or removing roots fully.
Do roots grow back after stump grinding?
Most trees do not regrow from the roots once the stump is ground, though some species can send up shoots.
How deep does stump grinding go?
Usually several inches below ground level, deeper on request.
What do I do with the hole after grinding?
Fill it with soil and plant grass or plants once the chips are removed or mixed in.
Who grinds stumps?
A tree service. Sifixit can connect you with a local tree service.
Related
This guide covered stump grinding vs Stump removal. For more background, see the International Society of Arboriculture’s homeowner site, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.