A stump grinder is a machine with a heavy spinning wheel set with hardened teeth. It's swept from side to side across the stump, chewing the wood into chips a few centimetres at a time, until the stump is gone and the grinder is working below the soil. What's left is a hole full of wood chip and soil, which can be levelled, topped with soil and turfed or planted.
It's the quickest and tidiest way to get rid of a stump in a lawn, bed or where a new patio is going. We connect you with one local specialist with the right machine. A few clear photos of the stump are usually enough for a price; see what to photograph for a tree quote. If you're not sure grinding is right for your stump, our stump removal page compares the other options.
What it costs
Prices are by the width of the stump measured across the cut surface.
| Stump width | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Under 30cm | £120–£180 |
| 30–60cm | £180–£280 |
| Over 60cm | £280–£400 |
Several stumps on one visit cost less each. Two or three stumps come to roughly 1.8 times the single price; four or more roughly 2.5 times. For example, three medium stumps from an old conifer row would be around £324–£504.
If you're having the tree taken down as well, grinding at the same visit costs only £70, £100 or £150 by size. See tree removal.
These prices are indicative. The specialist confirms a fixed price from your photos, usually the same day. The stump grinding cost guide has more examples.
What affects the price
- Width, not height. A wide, low stump takes longer than a narrow tall one, because the grinder has to cover more area. Tall stumps are usually cut down with a chainsaw first.
- Species and roots. Hardwoods such as oak take longer to grind than softwoods. Stumps with big buttress roots flaring out at the surface add time.
- Getting the machine in. Compact grinders fit through a standard side gate. If the only way in is through the house, or the stump is more than 20m from where the van can park, expect around 15% more. Steps without a ramp need mentioning.
- What's nearby. Stumps hard against a wall, fence post or path take more careful work. Buried stones and old metal fencing wear the teeth and slow the job.
- Taking the chip away. The ground-out material bulks up to more than you'd expect. Leaving it on site to use as mulch or backfill takes about £75 off.
What the job involves
- Checking for services. The specialist asks about pipes, drains and cables near the stump and looks for manholes, meter boxes and outside lights. Grinding usually goes 15–30cm down, so it's worth telling them what you know.
- Cutting the stump low. Any tall stump is chainsawed close to the ground.
- Setting up. Screens or boards protect windows, cars and fences from flying chips.
- Grinding. The wheel is swept across the stump in passes, working down below the surface and out along the main surface roots.
- Backfilling. The hole is filled with the chip and soil mix and raked level. Most people then top it with a layer of topsoil before turfing or seeding once it has settled.
- Clearing away. Excess chip is bagged and removed, or left in a pile for you if you've asked.
A single small stump is often done in under an hour. Grinding doesn't remove the whole root system. The deeper roots are left in the ground to rot down slowly, which is fine for lawns and planting but may not be enough if you're building on the spot.
Stump specialists cover Solihull, North Birmingham and South Birmingham, among other areas.
What to photograph for a quote
Good photos usually mean a fixed price without a visit. More photo tips.
- The whole thing, with your house or fence in shot for scale
- The base or ground level and what’s around it: walls, sheds, beds
- The route in from the road: side gate, steps, the path through
Questions about stump grinding
How deep does stump grinding go?
Typically 15–30cm below ground, which is enough to lay turf or plant most shrubs. If you need it deeper, for example for a new tree in the same spot, say so when you enquire as it takes longer.
Will the stump grow back after grinding?
Most conifers, including Leylandii, don't regrow from the roots once the stump is gone. Some broadleaved trees, such as sycamore, cherry, poplar and willow, can send up suckers from the remaining roots for a while. These can be cut or mown off and usually stop within a season or two.
Can I turf over it straight away?
You can, but the chip settles as it breaks down, leaving a dip. Most people remove some of the chip, add topsoil, firm it down and then turf or seed. Wood chip can also temporarily draw nitrogen from the soil, so a little fertiliser helps new grass establish.
Will grinding damage pipes or cables?
It can if they run right under the stump, which is why the specialist asks. Tell them about any known drains, water pipes, gas pipes or cables before they start. Old properties sometimes have services in unexpected places.
How big a gap does the machine need?
Compact stump grinders are designed to fit through a typical side gate. If your widest access point is narrower than a standard garden gate, measure it and mention it in your enquiry.