Question 1

How do I measure it?

Accepted Answer

Run a tape across the widest point at ground level, bark to bark. Round up if it's lumpy — we confirm the number from your photo before anything is scheduled.

Question 2

Why do quotes differ so much?

Accepted Answer

Most companies price by diameter, so the same stump gets quoted several ways depending on their per-inch rate and minimum. We publish ours: $200 covers anything up to 12 inches, then $7 for each inch past that.

Question 3

How deep do you grind?

Accepted Answer

Four to six inches below grade as standard — all you need to seed grass, lay sod, or landscape over the spot. Planting a tree in the same hole, or paving it? We can go deeper for more.

Question 4

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

A small ornamental stump is half an hour. A medium maple runs closer to an hour. Big shade trees with wide root flares can take two or three — most of that is setup and grinding the flare, not the stump itself.

Question 5

What happens to the grindings?

Accepted Answer

A medium stump leaves about a wheelbarrow of chips. Leave them and they settle and break down over a season, or rake them into beds as mulch. Haul-away is an add-on if you want the spot clean.

Question 6

Can I plant grass or a tree there?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a wait. Fresh chips pull nitrogen out of the soil as they break down, so rake them out, mix in topsoil, and give it a few weeks before you seed. Planting a tree in the same hole? Ask for a deeper grind when you send photos.

Question 7

Do I need a permit?

Accepted Answer

Almost never — the tree is already down and grinding isn't a removal. The exception is a stump in the right-of-way or near a utility easement, where the original removal needed a permit. Two-minute call to your city clears it up.

Question 8

Do the roots have to come out?

Accepted Answer

No. Left in the ground the root system breaks down on its own. Surface roots crossing the lawn can be ground too — that's usually what pushes a job into the next price band.

Question 9

Will the machine fit in my yard?

Accepted Answer

One tracked grinder through a 36-inch gate, no trucks on the lawn. If the gate is narrower or the ground is steep, that's a possible access add-on.

Question 10

Do you call 811?

Accepted Answer

Every job, before any grinder touches the ground. The utility locate is included and is why scheduling runs a couple of business days out.

Size	Diameter	Typical range
Small	Up to 12"	$200 – $250
Medium	13" – 24"	$250 – $450
Large	25" & up	$450 – $900+

What to expect.