Below-grade grinding
The stump is ground well below the soil line so you can cover it with topsoil and grass, or plant right over it.
Stump Grinding · Chattanooga, TN
Professional Stump Grinding in Chattanooga
Stumps ground below the surface, surface roots chased out, and the mess cleaned up. Get a free quote from a local crew that does this every day.
- Ground 6–12 inches below grade
- Compact grinders fit through most gates
- Discounts on multiple stumps
Get Your Free Stump Grinding Quote
Takes about a minute. No obligation.
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What's included
Everything you need to make that stump disappear
Stump grinding uses a powerful cutting wheel to chew the stump down into small chips, below the level of your lawn. Here is what a typical job covers.
Surface root removal
Roots that snake across the top of your lawn can be chased out and ground down along with the stump.
Cleanup
Chips are raked back into the hole and the area is tidied up. Patios, beds and siding are protected while the crew works.
Chip haul-away (optional)
Prefer a clean hole? Ask to have the grindings hauled off and the spot backfilled with topsoil.
Tight-access equipment
Backyard behind a fence or on a hillside? Compact grinders can reach stumps that big machines cannot.
Multi-stump pricing
Grinding several stumps in one visit costs much less per stump than scheduling them one at a time.
The process
What to expect on grinding day
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1
Check the site
The crew looks over the stump, nearby structures and anything underground, and clears rocks and debris around the base.
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2
Grind it down
The grinder sweeps back and forth across the stump, working it down below grade. Most stumps take well under an hour.
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3
Clean it up
Chips are raked into the hole or hauled away, and you are left with a level spot ready for topsoil and seed.
Grinding or removal?
Which one do you need?
Most popular
Stump grinding
- Stump ground below the surface
- Deep roots left to break down naturally
- Faster, cleaner and less expensive
- Best for lawns, beds and most yards
For construction & replanting
Full stump removal
- Stump and main root ball pulled out
- Leaves a larger hole to backfill
- Needed before footings, slabs or driveways
- More time, equipment and cost
Pricing
How much does stump grinding cost?
Most stump grinding jobs are priced by the stump’s diameter, measured a few inches above the ground. A few other things can move the price up or down:
- Hardwoods like oak and hickory take longer than pine
- Large surface roots add grinding time
- Steep slopes, tight gates and rocky ground
- Hauling away chips and backfilling
Small stump (under 12") $100–$150
Medium stump (12–24") $150–$250
Large stump (24" and up) $250–$450
Each additional stump Discounted
Typical industry ranges, shown as a guide. Your quote is free and based on your actual stumps.
FAQ
Stump grinding FAQ
How long does it take to grind a stump?
An average residential stump takes 15 to 45 minutes to grind. Very large stumps, hard woods and stumps with big surface roots can take longer. Most jobs with a few stumps are finished in a single visit.
Will the stump or roots grow back?
Once the stump is ground below grade, most trees cannot sprout again. A few species can send up shoots from leftover roots for a season. Simply mow or clip them and they will stop as the roots die off.
Can you reach a stump in a fenced backyard or on a slope?
Usually, yes. Compact grinders can fit through gates around 36 inches wide and handle moderate slopes. Mention any tight spots or steep ground in your quote request so the crew brings the right machine.
Do buried utility lines need to be marked first?
It is smart to have them marked. Tennessee 811 and Georgia 811 locate public underground lines for free. Let the crew know about any private lines you are aware of, like irrigation, invisible fences or lines to a shed.
Is it easier to grind an old stump or a fresh one?
Both can be ground. Older stumps are often softer and grind faster, but there is no reason to wait. Grinding right after a tree comes down keeps the area from becoming a home for termites and fungus.
Get that stump out of your yard
Free quotes for stump grinding across Chattanooga, Hamilton County and North Georgia.