The tree’s gone. The stump stayed.
Now it’s a lawnmower trap, a toe-stubber, and a very slow-motion compost pile that’ll take years to rot on its own.
What grinding does
A stump grinder is basically a big spinning wheel with teeth. The operator sweeps it back and forth across the stump and chews it down below ground level. What’s left is a pile of wood chips and a hole.
Most crews grind several inches below grade, which is enough to put down topsoil and seed. If you’re planning to plant a new tree in that exact spot, or put a patio over it, tell the crew. They may need to go deeper or pull more of the roots.
Grinding vs. full removal
Grinding takes care of the stump. Pulling the whole root ball out of the ground is a much bigger job that usually takes an excavator and leaves a big hole. Most homeowners don’t need that. Ask the crew which one makes sense for what you want to do with the spot.
Before the grinder shows up
- Mark sprinkler heads, dog fences, and anything buried nearby.
- Call 811 (Dig Safely New York) or ask the crew whether they handle the utility markout. Hitting a gas line ruins everyone’s day.
- Decide whether you want to keep the chips. They make decent mulch once they’ve sat a while.
Questions people ask
How deep do they grind?
Several inches below ground is common. Tell the crew if you’re planning to plant or build in that spot so they can go deeper.
What happens to the chips?
Some crews haul them off, some leave them. Ask. A lot of people keep them for mulch.
Can you grind stumps from trees someone else cut down?
Yes. Old stumps, new stumps, whoever cut the tree. Doesn’t matter.
Will the roots grow back?
Most trees won’t sprout back once the stump is ground out. A few species can send up shoots from leftover roots. The crew can tell you what to expect.
Ready to get rid of it? We’ll find a grinder near you.
More: Tree removal · Trimming · Get a quote
Syracuse Tree Pros is a free referral service. We connect homeowners with independent, insured local tree service companies. We don’t perform tree work ourselves, and the crew you’re connected with sets its own prices and is responsible for its own work.