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Edited by Ali Lijee Edited by Ali LijeeLooking for “stump grinding near me” in the UK? Say goodbye to that ugly old stump and say hello to a qualified tree surgeon or arborist near you by using TreeMend.
Stump grinding is something that’s often done along with tree felling, but it’s quite often left as-is to save on the cost of felling. If you’ve decided you’ve had enough with that stump sitting there on your property or if it’s beginning to sprout fungus or attract disease, the most sensible thing to do is to have it destroyed.
This guide to tree stump grinding aims to answer some of the most common questions homeowners may have about stump grinding in the UK.
Table of contents
- What is tree stump grinding?
- Why is stump grinding needed?
- Types of tree stump grinding
- The tree stump grinding process
- Tree stump grinding vs stump removal
- Professional tree stump grinding vs DIY: how to decide
- How to get tree stump grinding near you
- Tree stump grinding in the UK: frequently asked questions
- Get a tree stump grinding quote today
What is tree stump grinding?
Tree stump grinding is the process of eradicating a tree’s stump through mechanical grinding. It is a service provided by stump grinding specialists, as well as tree surgeons and arborists. Before discussing stump grinding in greater detail, it is first important to understand tree stumps:
What is a tree stump?
A tree stump is the visible portion of a tree after it’s been felled. Ideally, tree felling involves the removal of the bulk of the tree but leaves behind a stump of at least 1.2m (4ft) above ground. The stump can be left as-is, ground down completely, or removed along with the root system.
It’s important to note that the stump is still connected to the roots of the tree, which often span the same lateral distance as the canopy (when the tree was still there). These roots can still develop after the tree has been felled.
Furthermore, a tree stump will often sprout new shoots, which can attract mould or fungal diseases. Eradication of the stump prevents new growth whilst killing off the root system underneath, allowing it to decay over a period of around 10 years.
What is tree stump grinding?
Stump grinding is a specific service involving the removal of the tree’s stump through mechanical processes. It is similar to, but not the same as, stump removal. Stump removal typically uses manual or chemical processes to remove the stump and the root system.
Old tree stumps can pose a tripping hazard or obstruct parts of your property, while the root system may pose hazards to the soil condition or damage your home’s foundation. While many tree stumps can be left in situ, it is often preferable to have the stump ground or removed altogether, with or without the root system.
Stump grinding is often done after felling a tree, but many homeowners forego stump grinding to save money. If you want a tree completely removed, stump and all, it’s usually best to ask a tree surgeon or arborist near you for stump grinding in addition to tree felling.
Why is stump grinding needed?
Tree stumps do not always need to be ground or removed, but it is often preferred for various reasons. These include:
- Personal safety: tree stumps can pose a tripping hazard to you or others on your property.
- Containment of disease: idle tree stumps can sometimes introduce and harbour root diseases, the most pernicious of which is honey fungus disease.
- Reduce damage to property: a stump’s roots can continue to grow and move, potentially damaging the foundation walls of your home.
- Aesthetics: tree stumps can look out of place and detract from the beauty of a home and garden.
- Free up garden space: homeowners often need stump grinding to free up space for flowerbeds, new turf, or to build a shed.
Benefits of tree stump grinding
Stump grinding offers many benefits to homeowners, including:
- Can be used in most gardens: stump grinding equipment is mobile and, especially for stumps with smaller diameters, can fit in fairly tight spaces and small gardens.
- Cheaper than stump removal: stump grinding is much cheaper than stump removal, perhaps 2-5x cheaper due to the speed and efficiency of the equipment and if no root removal is needed.
- Clears up your garden: stump grinding clears an obstruction out of your garden and makes it safer to walk through.
- Allows the space to be reused: your outdoor space is left with a clean finish which can be used for replanting turf or a replacement tree, shrubs, or other vegetation.
Honey fungus disease
While aesthetics is one of the most common reasons for stump grinding, honey fungus disease is an extremely important health reason. Stumps can harbour many root diseases, perhaps the worst of which is honey fungus disease. It’s a disease that cannibalises the stump itself for food whilst infecting surrounding trees and woody plants.
Trees that are already weak are much more susceptible to honey fungus disease, so a stump with its root system intact can certainly attract it. Some species are much more vulnerable to honey fungus disease than others. The table below shows which species are weak to or resistant to it:
| Susceptible to Honey Fungus Disease | Resistant to Honey Fungus Disease |
|---|---|
| Apple | Ash |
| Birch | Bamboo |
| Cedar | Box Elder |
| Cherry | Beech |
| Cypress | Cherry Laurel |
| Eucalyptus | California Black Walnut |
| Leylandii | False Acacia (Robinia Pseudoacacia) |
| Lilac | Grand Fir |
| Monkey Puzzle | Hornbeam |
| Privet | Juniper |
| Walnut | Larch |
| Wellingtonia | Noble Fir |
| Willow | Oak |
| Whitebeam | |
| Yew |
Removal of a tree stump and its root system may not completely eliminate honey fungus disease, but it will remove its primary food source and greatly help contain the disease.
Stump grinding is commonly needed for reasons such as aesthetics, to remove hazards, and to contain disease from the stump and/or root system
Types of tree stump grinding
When referring to tree stump grinding, we are singling out one of many forms of stump removal, as it is the most commonly used method by tree surgeons and arborists. There are other methods of stump removal worth mentioning, however.
Mechanical stump grinding
Stump grinding involves the use of machinery equipped with a rotating grinding wheel to gradually eradicate the tree stump down to and below ground level. Stump grinding is the best solution for those in need of fast, cost-efficient, and practical stump removal as it only takes around 1-4 hours - depending on the diameter of the stump and the type of wood (softwood or hardwood) - to completely finish the job and restore the soil.
Mechanical grinding is typically necessary for any stumps that are 6 inches in diameter or larger, where complex root systems are present, or manual stump removal is not possible.
Stump grinding leaves the roots intact, but they will die and decay over a period of up to 10 years. When roots must be removed, manual removal methods are necessary since grinders only remove the stump.
The machinery reduces all garden waste to sawdust or stump chippings, both of which can be recycled as compost layers and mulch, respectively. Alternatively, a tree surgeon or arborist will haul away the garden waste for you and dispose of it himself.
Manual stump removal
Manual stump removal may quite literally mean manually yanking a tree stump out by hand or with the aid of winches, excavators, or other equipment. It is the best solution for homeowners wanting to completely rid themselves of a stump and its roots.
For trees around 5-6 inches in diameter or smaller, manual removal is sometimes preferred because it may be much easier to pull it out. For larger trees, manual removal may be impossible and the stump may need to be mechanically ground down first.
The process involves hand tools such as a mattock, pickaxe, and shovel to clear out the soil around the roots. Long roots are pruned away. A winch or excavator may then be used to yank the tree stump from the soil.
Manual removal ensures that the stump and roots are fully removed so that the soil can be remediated. It typically takes much longer and will often cost significantly more than mechanical grinding.
Chemical stump removal
A popular DIY method of stump removal is with the use of chemical products, which may be injected into holes, painted, or sprayed on the stump. Chemical stump killer products may require multiple uses and results may take weeks to show, or they may not even work at all. In many cases, all they do is accelerate the natural decaying process by a few weeks!
Chemical stump removal can appear convenient, but many homeowners may end up harming nearby vegetation or adjacent trees with reckless use of chemical products.
A much safer alternative to harsh chemical products is to apply Epsom salt to the stump. The tree will die and decay much faster and there is much less risk of harming or killing nearby flora with careful use of Epsom salt to the stump. The decaying process could take around six months.
Mechanical stump grinding is the preferred method of stump removal in the majority of circumstances
The tree stump grinding process
In order to grind a stump, the tree must be felled and reduced to a stump. A tree surgeon will then use a chainsaw to reduce the stump down as close to ground level as safely possible. Never attempt to make the stump completely flush with the ground - just a few inches higher above the ground is all right.
Make sure that any debris around the stump is removed, such as stones or children’s toys, which could get caught up in the stump grinding machinery. It may be wise to also mow the surrounding lawn as low as possible.
The remaining steps in the stump grinding process are fairly straightforward:
Stump grinding
A stump grinder uses a powerful cutting wheel rotating at over 1,000 RPM to gradually pulverise the tree stump. Every stump grinder has a specified diameter and depth at which it can operate; grinders with large grinding diameters and depths are bigger and may be more difficult to manoeuvre in small gardens or in urban areas, such as in London.
The first movements should come at an angle from the top of the stump and along the circumference. The operator gradually grinds away at the circumference of the stump, moving it left-right (some grinders do this automatically) and adjusting positions around the stump until it is completely eradicated.
The stump grinder should always be able to grind at least 10cm below the ground; more is preferable, depending on how you want to use the space afterwards.
If you intend to fill the hole and lay turf on top, aim for around 20-25cm (8-10 inches) depth. If you intend to fill the hole and reuse the space for landscaping or planting new vegetation, aim for at least 30cm (1ft) depth.
Root removal (optional)
The roots left behind after stump grinding will naturally decay, but this can take many years and could interfere with the soil’s pH level or be an obstruction for planting a new vegetable garden, for example.
If the homeowner wants the roots removed, they will need to be manually dug out after the stump has been pulverised.
Large roots can often be thrown into a log pile, whereas small roots can usually be tossed into the council green waste bin. If the roots have been pruned to a small, thin size, they can make for great compost material.
Landscaping and backfilling
When the stump has been fully ground, there will be a hole left behind where it once stood. This hole can be backfilled with stump chippings as a mulch if the stump was fairly small and typically a softwood species.
Hardwood trees and large diameter stumps can create mulch that is far too high in acidity and these can cause an imbalance in the soil’s pH. Refrain from overfilling the hole with too much stump chipping mulch. Check the soil’s pH levels if you suspect there is an imbalance.
This sort of mulch can be ideal for decorating your garden and used around vegetable or flower beds once it’s matured. If you want to reuse stump chippings from these types of trees, lay it in a pile and allow it to mature for around half a year before using it as backfill or mulch for your garden. The mulch will biodegrade slowly over time (around three years for complete decomposition) and nourish the soil.
Also note that decaying tree roots (if left behind) can also increase the soil’s acidity level. If you want to ensure that the soil is ideal for replanting it may be best to have the root system completely removed after stump grinding.
Sawdust should not be used for backfilling the hole. A little sawdust left behind is usually no problem, but too much can lead to nutrient lockup. Use chicken manure, ammonia sulfate, or add nitrogen fertiliser to rebalance the soil’s acidity levels.
Homeowners who wish to reuse sawdust should either layer it between organic matter in a compost bin or have it disposed of by a garden clearance company or the tree surgeon who removed the stump.
Tree stump grinding vs stump removal
Stump grinding achieves many similar goals to stump removal, but they are not exactly the same thing. Stump grinding is a mechanical process that pulverises the remaining tree stump down and below the ground to a depth of 10cm or deeper. Stump removal is often done manually or in combination with mechanical grinding to remove the stump and root system.
In many cases, it isn’t practical to completely dig out the stump and roots. Mechanical stump grinding is much cheaper, faster, and will eventually lead to the death and decay of all roots anyway.
For homeowners who want complete remediation of the soil and removal of the tree, root removal may be necessary. This will take much longer and cost significantly more, but it will ensure that the soil can be completely reused for replanting afterwards.
Stump grinding removes the stump quickly and efficiently, but stump removal may be preferred for complete removal of all roots
Professional tree stump grinding vs DIY: how to decide
Stump removal of small trees with manageably small root systems can often be done safely as a DIY project. Stump grinding, while possible to DIY, is often best left to professional tree surgeons and arborists near you.
Stump grinding can be incredibly dangerous, even with adequate PPE. Kicked up stones and other debris could cause serious injury to people and property. These machines can be hired, and doing it yourself can be cheaper than hiring a professional, but the risks involved and the time and labour spent hauling the equipment to and from the shop to your property all add up.
Unless your tree stump can be plucked out manually and with minimal effort, it’s almost always a better idea to hire a tree surgeon or arborist to perform stump grinding instead.
To save time and money on stump grinding, enquire with a tree surgeon or arborist near you about bundling stump grinding with tree felling or having multiple stumps ground in one visit.
Stump grinding is a task best left to professional tree surgeons and arborists in the UK
How to get tree stump grinding near you
Stump grinding is an arboricultural service commonly provided by stump grinding specialists, tree surgeons, arborists, and landscape contractors in the UK. Due to the risks involved in stump grinding, it’s a task best left to trained professionals with requisite experience and knowledge of the best solutions for your home and garden.
Whether you need to clear out space for replanting, want to eliminate an unsightly stump or two, or you need to contain the spread of root and stump diseases like honey fungus, your best choice for quick and affordable stump removal is to contact a professional tree surgeon or arborist in the UK by using TreeMend.
Get no-obligation quotes for tree stump grinding near you by using TreeMend
Tree stump grinding in the UK: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to grind a tree stump in the UK?
According to our tree surgery pricing guide, the average cost of stump grinding in the UK is approximately £205 per tree stump. More specifically, our estimates for tree stump grinding are £120, £200, and £365 for small, medium, and large-diameter stumps, respectively.
Is it worth it to grind a stump?
Stump grinding is not always necessary, but it’s often preferred to remove an obstruction in the garden or to contain certain stump and root diseases. Stump grinding is generally preferred over stump removal because it’s much faster, cheaper, and allows the land to be reused. Stump removal is more invasive, but fully restores the soil for replanting.
How long does it take for stump grindings to decompose?
Stump grindings normally take around three years to fully decompose. This process can be accelerated greatly with composting. Roots left in the ground after stump grinding can take up to 10 years to fully decompose. These figures are approximate and it may be shorter or longer depending on the tree species and whether it’s softwood or hardwood.
What is the fastest way to get rid of tree stumps?
The fastest way to get rid of a tree stump is with mechanical stump grinding machinery. Stump grinding eradicates the stump in as little as an hour (or even less) and the root plate system, allowing homeowners to backfill the hole and reclaim the land. Other stump removal methods take much longer.
What are the disadvantages of stump grinding?
Stump grinding is ineffective at dealing with the remaining root system and it leaves a hole which must be filled in afterwards. Homeowners who need to get rid of roots (e.g. disease, soil pH imbalance, or structural damage to property) must consider manual root removal after stump grinding since mechanical grinding is only useful for the stump itself.
Do tree roots keep growing after stump grinding?
Tree roots will not grow after stump grinding, but they will remain in place and can continue to harbour diseases and spread them to adjacent vegetation. The roots will slowly decompose over around 10 years, depending on the soil, tree species, and complexity of the root system.
Is it better to grind or remove a tree stump?
Stump grinding is better than stump removal for the majority of homeowners in most circumstances. Stump removal, including the roots and stump in its entirety, is more thorough and complete but will cost much more and take longer.
How deep does stump grinding go?
Stump grinding should always go at least 10cm under the soil level, but the depth is limited by the stump grinding machinery used. Many common stump grinders used in the UK can achieve depths of around 20-30cm. Deeper stump grinding may require bigger machinery that could be challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces and in urban environments.
Will the stump grow back after grinding?
Stump grinding will completely remove the visible portion of the tree but it does not absolutely guarantee that there won’t be any regrowth. Shoots may sprout from the root system or from the trunk if the stump is not ground to a sufficient depth.
Should I leave stump grindings?
Reusing stump grindings can save you money as it removes garden waste removal from the tree surgeon or arborist. It’s also environmentally friendly and can be reused as a rich mulch for your garden. Fine sawdust is ideal for composting, whereas larger stump chippings can make an excellent above-soil mulch or nutrient rich way to nourish and aerate heavier soils.
Get a tree stump grinding quote today
An unsightly old tree stump can be quite an eyesore in your garden, so it’s often convenient to have it ground down to a pulp and say goodbye to that obstruction for good. TreeMend is your ideal platform for connecting with qualified, professional tree surgeons and arborists in the UK. Get no-obligation quotes for stump grinding and tree stump removal services through our platform.