Who Do I Call to Grind a Stump?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to call to grind a stump, start with a stump removal company and consider a tree removal service next. Stump grinders weigh over 1,000 pounds and require training and experience to operate safely. Only local services carry sufficient liability insurance for this equipment, so hiring a pro is the safe, insured path.

Benefits of Hiring a Stump Removal Service for Stump Grinding

When you ask who to call to grind a stump, the best answer is a stump removal company. These pros are tree care and maintenance experts who know when grinding is the right method and how deep to go. They protect your property, improve appearance, and help prevent hazards and pests while eliminating the stump and visible roots.

• Trained to operate heavy, dangerous stump grinders safely

• Carries liability insurance for equipment and site work

• Grinds stumps and visible roots to proper depth

• Advises on regrowth risk and needed depth

• Leaves or hauls away wood chips per request

• Minimizes property damage and trip hazards

• Prevents mower damage from hidden roots

• Reduces pest breeding grounds in old stumps

• Improves yard appearance and frees space

• Understands when grinding is the right approach

If you have a particularly large or difficult stump, you might want to consider a stump removal pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Can I Hire a Tree Removal Service for Stump Grinding?

If you cannot book a stump specialist and still wonder who to call to grind a stump, a tree removal service is your next option. Many offer stump grinding as an add-on after removing a tree and have the equipment and expertise to finish the job. Confirm the team specializes in stump grinding before hiring. Availability may center on projects paired with tree removal, so scheduling can be limited. Ask directly about their stump grinding experience before you schedule.

How Do Pros Grind Stumps?

If you are choosing who to call to grind a stump, here is how pros complete the work and what to expect afterward.

1. Prepare the area and cut the stump as close to ground level as possible

2. Use a stump grinder to chip the stump and any visible roots into wood chips

3. Grind 3 to 8 inches below the soil surface

4. Leave the wood chips in the hole or haul them away based on your preference

5. You can fill the hole with soil, plant sod, or install hardscaping

Remaining stump and roots below grinding depth decay over the next decade. Deep-rooted plants or new trees may not establish well in that spot. Some species, such as black locust or Redford pear, can resprout without deeper grinding—ask your pro about the right depth.

How Much Does Grinding Stumps Cost?

Hiring a stump grinding company to remove a tree stump costs between $30 and $1,600, spending on stump diameter, tree type, quantity of stumps, and terrain conditions. The professional’s experience and location also influence overall price. Grinding down old tree stumps helps deter unwanted pests and improves curb appeal of your property. Pros know how to remove stumps safely and efficiently, saving you time and avoiding hazards. Always request a quote that includes labor, materials, and fees to avoid unexpected expenses.