After a tree comes down, the stump stays behind. It gets in the way of mowers, can sprout suckers (some species much more than others), and slowly rots, which can attract insects. Grinding is the most common way to deal with it.
Grinding vs. full removal
Stump grinding uses a machine with a toothed cutting wheel to chew the stump into chips, typically several inches below grade. The main roots are left to decay in place. It is faster, less destructive and less expensive than pulling the stump out.
Full stump removal digs or pulls out the stump and main root ball with an excavator. It is usually reserved for construction, where a footing, foundation or driveway will go exactly where the stump was.
How deep?
Ask for a depth in the estimate. A shallower grind is fine for laying sod; replanting a new tree in the same spot, or a patio slab, calls for deeper grinding and removing more chips. Surface roots radiating from the stump can be ground too, at extra cost.
Access matters
Stump grinders come in sizes from compact machines that fit through a backyard gate to large tow-behind units. On the valley's steep backyards and narrow side yards, gate width and slope determine which machine can reach the stump. Measure your gate if you can.
Before grinding: utilities
Grinding goes below the surface. Utility lines should be marked first. Virginia has a free utility marking service reached by dialing 811; the contractor normally places the request. Also flag private lines that 811 does not mark, such as irrigation, low-voltage lighting, invisible dog fences, and septic components.
What to do with the chips
Grinding produces a surprising pile of chips and soil. You can keep it as mulch for beds (not piled against other trunks), or have it hauled away and the hole backfilled with topsoil. Chips settle as they decay, so a slight depression may develop over time.
Do the roots die?
For most species, grinding the stump below grade ends regrowth. Some species are prone to sprouting from roots; persistent sprouts can be cut back until the roots exhaust their reserves.
Multiple stumps
If you have several old stumps around the property, grinding them in one visit is usually more economical than one at a time.
Pricing basics
Stump grinding is usually priced by stump diameter, the number of stumps and access. Published 2026 figures from Angi put a typical single stump around $250, with many companies charging a minimum around $100 and additional stumps often cheaper each. Our stump grinding cost guide has the full published tables and sources.
Getting the best result
Tell the crew what you plan to do with the spot. For a lawn, a moderate grind with most chips removed and topsoil added works well. For a new tree, grind deeper and remove more chips, and consider planting slightly off the old center where roots are still decaying. For a patio or shed, deeper grinding and compaction of fill are important to avoid settling later. Measure the narrowest gate on the route so the right size grinder is sent.
Use our free quote form with the number of stumps, their approximate diameters, and how the machine would reach them.