Stump Grinding & Removal
Left with an ugly stump after a tree came down? We grind it out below ground level so you can turf over it, plant something new, or just have your garden back the way you want it.
What to expect
Once a tree comes down, you're left with the stump, and it's not just an eyesore. Stumps are trip hazards, they can harbour diseases like honey fungus that spread to your other trees, and some species will keep sending up new shoots that you have to keep cutting back. Grinding it out is the quickest, cleanest way to get rid of it, and it's far less disruptive than trying to dig it out with a mini digger.
We grind the stump and its major surface roots down to about 150–300mm below ground level. How deep depends on what you want to do with the space afterwards. A shallow grind is fine for turfing, while a deeper grind is better if you want to replant a tree or lay paving in the same spot. The grinding produces a mix of soil and wood chip that we use to fill the hole, or we can remove it and bring in topsoil if you prefer a cleaner finish.
Worried about access? Our machines range from narrow pedestrian grinders that fit through a standard garden gate, right up to bigger tracked machines for large stumps and site clearances. We can grind stumps in lawns, borders, driveways, and right up against walls and fences. If we're already felling a tree for you, we can grind the stump on the same visit to save you time and money. We also regularly deal with old stumps left behind by previous contractors.
How It Works
We check the stump and access
We look at the stump size and location, and check how to get our machine in. If access is tight, we have narrow grinders that fit through a standard garden gate or side passage.
We check for underground services
Before we start, we make sure there are no water pipes, gas mains, electric cables, or drains underneath. We'll ask you about anything you know about services in your garden.
We protect the surrounding area
The area around the stump is cleared and ground sheets are laid to catch the grindings and protect your lawn or borders. Any old nails, stones, or metal are removed from the stump first.
The stump is ground out
We grind the stump down to the agreed depth below ground level. The major surface roots are ground out too, so there's no regrowth and you get a level finish.
We fill the hole and tidy up
The hole is backfilled with the grindings, or we can remove them and bring in topsoil if you want a cleaner finish. The area is raked level and left tidy.
What's Included
Stump Grinding: Common Questions
How deep does the stump grinder go?
Usually between 150mm and 300mm below ground level, enough for turfing or planting shrubs. If you want to replant a tree in the same spot or lay paving, we can go deeper. Just tell us what you're planning and we'll adjust.
Can you grind a stump near a wall or fence?
Yes. Our machines can work close to walls, fences, and other structures. In really tight spaces we have smaller equipment that can get in. The only limit is we can't grind closer than about 50mm to a solid structure without risking damage to it.
Will stump grinding damage my lawn?
There'll be some disturbance right around the stump, but we protect the rest of your lawn with ground sheets. The affected patch can be re-turfed or reseeded once we're done. For stumps in the middle of a nice lawn, we take extra care during access.
Can the area be replanted after grinding?
Absolutely. Once the stump is out and the hole filled with topsoil, you can plant new trees, shrubs, or turf. We recommend letting the soil settle for a few weeks first. If the tree was removed due to disease, we can advise on which species are safe to replant in the same spot.
Get a Free Quote
Send us a few photos on WhatsApp for a quick estimate, or fill in the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Tell us a bit about it
Don't worry if you're not sure on the details. Antony will come and have a look.
Related Services
Tree Felling & Removal
Got a tree that needs to come down? We remove trees of any size, even in tight spots next to buildings, fences, or power lines. Everything cleared away and your garden left clean.
Learn More
Logs & Garden Services
We don’t just do trees. Need your garden cleared, new turf laid, or fencing put up? We do that too. And if you want logs from your tree job, we’ll cut them to size for your fire.
Learn More
Hedge Planting & Trimming
Whether you need a new hedge planted or an existing one brought back into shape, we’ll keep it looking sharp all year round.
Learn More