A stump is the tree problem that doesn’t go away on its own. It dulls your mower blades, sprouts suckers every spring, invites carpenter ants, and sits in the exact spot where you wanted lawn, a garden bed, or a new tree. Rotting out naturally takes a decade or more — grinding takes under an hour.
We grind stumps of any size 8–12 inches below grade (deeper on request for replanting), including the surface roots that radiate from old cottonwoods and silver maples. Our machines fit through a 36-inch gate, so backyard stumps aren’t a problem. You’re left with a mound of mulch and a hole ready to backfill — we can haul the grindings and bring topsoil if you want it finish-ready.
What you get
Below-grade grinding, any size
Standard grind is 8–12" below grade — enough to re-sod over. Planting a new tree in the spot? We grind deeper and chase the main roots.
Backyard access
Our grinders fit through a standard 36" gate. Fences, narrow side yards, and tight corners are routine.
Finish-ready cleanup
Grindings raked and hauled on request, hole backfilled with topsoil, ready for seed or sod.
How it works
- 1
Locate and mark
We confirm utility locations (Blue Stakes) when grinding near lines, and mark the grind area.
- 2
Grind below grade
Stump and surface roots ground to mulch, 8–12" down or deeper for replanting.
- 3
Backfill or haul
Grindings left as mulch, or hauled and replaced with topsoil — your call at quote time.
Stump Grinding questions, answered
How much does stump grinding cost?
Most residential stumps in the Salt Lake Valley cost well under what the tree removal did — pricing is usually by stump diameter, with discounts for multiple stumps and for grinding at the same visit as a removal. Access matters too: a front-yard stump is cheaper than one behind a narrow gate. Estimates are free and firm.
Can I plant a new tree where a stump was ground?
Yes, with two caveats. We need to grind deeper than standard (we’ll chase the root flare down 18–24"), and the fresh grindings should be removed rather than mixed into the backfill — decomposing wood chips rob nitrogen from new roots. Tell us you’re replanting and we’ll prep the hole for it.
Will grinding get rid of the roots too?
Grinding removes the stump and the surface roots immediately around it. The wider root system stays in the ground and decomposes over several years — it won’t keep growing once the stump is gone. For sucker-prone species like cottonwood and tree-of-heaven, we treat the grind to stop regrowth.