Complete Stump Removal Below Grade
Professional stump grinding that eliminates trip hazards, prevents regrowth, and restores your lawn. Available standalone or bundled with removal.
What It Is & When You Need It
Stump grinding uses a specialized machine to mechanically grind a tree stump below the surface of the surrounding soil. The grinding process reduces the stump and major surface roots to wood chips, which are then used to backfill the hole or removed from your property, depending on your preference.
Grinding is the most effective method for removing tree stumps. Unlike chemical treatments (which take months and leave the stump in place) or manual extraction (which is destructive to the surrounding landscape), grinding is fast, thorough, and minimally invasive to the surrounding area.
Pelfrey grinds stumps 6-8 inches below grade as standard practice. This depth allows for topsoil backfill and new grass or landscaping without encountering remaining wood. For stumps in areas where new trees will be planted, we can grind deeper to accommodate root development.
Our Process
Assessment
Evaluate stump size, root spread, proximity to structures, and underground utility marking.
Written Estimate
Not-to-exceed pricing. Bundled pricing available with tree removal.
Area Prep
Clear debris and rocks. Place ground protection for equipment access.
Grinding
Stump ground 6-8 inches below grade. Major surface roots included.
Backfill & Cleanup
Hole backfilled with grinding debris or clean topsoil. Area raked clean.
Assessment
Evaluate stump size, root spread, proximity to structures, and underground utility marking.
Written Estimate
Not-to-exceed pricing. Bundled pricing available with tree removal.
Area Prep
Clear debris and rocks. Place ground protection for equipment access.
Grinding
Stump ground 6-8 inches below grade. Major surface roots included.
Backfill & Cleanup
Hole backfilled with grinding debris or clean topsoil. Area raked clean.
Why Pelfrey
ISA Arborist Oversight
Every job plan reviewed by a certified arborist
Fully Insured
GL and workers comp on every job
Communication Protocol
Updates at every stage of your project
Written Estimates
Not-to-exceed pricing, no surprise fees
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you grind stumps?
Standard grinding depth is 6-8 inches below the surrounding soil grade. This is sufficient for topsoil backfill and lawn restoration. If you plan to plant a new tree in the same location, we can grind deeper (12-18 inches) to provide clearance for new root development. Discuss your plans with your arborist during the estimate.
Do you offer bundled pricing for removal plus stump grinding?
Yes. When stump grinding is scheduled with tree removal in the same visit, we offer bundled pricing that is less than scheduling each service separately. The bundled price is reflected on your written estimate as a combined line item.
Will stump grinding damage my underground utilities?
Before any stump grinding, we coordinate underground utility marking (811 or local equivalent) to identify gas, water, electric, and communication lines in the grinding area. If utilities are within the grinding zone, we adjust our approach or hand-dig around them.
What happens to the wood chips from grinding?
You have two options: we can use the wood chips to backfill the hole and spread the excess in your landscape beds, or we can remove all grinding debris and backfill with clean topsoil. Both options are included in the estimate at no additional charge.
Storm Damage? We Respond 24/7.
Active hazards -- fallen trees on structures, blocked driveways, downed limbs near power lines -- get same-day triage.
Request a Proposal
Written estimate. Not-to-exceed pricing. ISA arborist oversight.
Get a Free Proposal