Stump Grinding & Removal

Why Stump Removal Matters

After tree removal, you are left with an unsightly stump in your yard. Many homeowners think they can just leave it there, but stumps cause more problems than you might expect. At SturdyPros Lancaster Tree Services, we specialize in professional stump grinding and removal that completely eliminates the stump and lets you reclaim that space for better uses.

Tree stumps are not just eyesores. They create real problems for your property. Stumps become homes for insects like termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. These pests can spread to healthy trees or even your home. Stumps also send up new shoots, creating ongoing maintenance headaches. Plus, they make mowing a challenge and create tripping hazards, especially for children playing in the yard.

Problems Caused by Leaving Stumps in Your Yard

Here are the main issues that stumps cause when left in place:

• Attract wood-boring insects and other pests to your property
• Create tripping hazards that can cause injuries
• Make lawn mowing difficult and increase maintenance time
• Take up valuable space that could be used for landscaping or recreation
• Send up new shoots that require constant cutting
• Gradually decay, creating soft spots and eventual sinkholes in your lawn
• Reduce property value and curb appeal

The longer a stump stays in your yard, the more problems it causes. Fresh stumps are actually easier to grind than older ones that have started to decay. If you are planning new landscaping, building a fence, or installing a patio, removing stumps first makes the project much simpler. We also provide land and lot clearing for larger projects that involve multiple stumps.

Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal

We offer two methods for dealing with stumps, and the right choice depends on your situation and plans for the area.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is the most popular option. We use a powerful grinding machine to chip away the stump, turning it into mulch. We grind the stump down to 6-12 inches below ground level, which is deep enough to plant grass over the area. Grinding is faster and less disruptive than full removal. It leaves the roots underground where they gradually decay naturally. This method works well for most residential situations.

Complete Stump Removal

Full stump removal involves digging out the entire stump and major root system. This is more intensive and creates a larger hole that needs to be filled. However, complete removal is necessary if you plan to build in the area, install in-ground pools, or want to ensure no roots remain. We handle both methods and can help you decide which approach makes sense for your project.

Our Stump Grinding Process

Stump grinding might look simple, but doing it right requires professional equipment and experience. Here is how we handle your stump removal from start to finish.

We start by clearing the area around the stump, removing any rocks, debris, or decorations. This protects our equipment and prevents damage to your property. We also check for underground utilities before we begin grinding. Safety is always our first priority.

Our commercial-grade stump grinder has a rotating cutting wheel with carbide teeth that chip away the wood. We grind the stump down below ground level, typically 8-12 inches deep. The grinding process creates wood chips and mulch, which we can either haul away or leave for you to use in your landscape beds. Many customers appreciate having free mulch.

After grinding, we level the area and fill any low spots with the wood chips and soil. The area is ready for grass seed or sod. Within a few weeks, you will not even know there was a stump there. If you prefer, we can handle the final grading and seeding to give you a finished lawn ready for use.

What Happens to the Wood Chips?

After grinding, you are left with a pile of wood chips. You have a few options for what to do with them. Many homeowners use the chips as mulch around flower beds, trees, and shrubs. The wood chips decompose slowly and add organic matter to your soil. This is an economical way to get free mulch for your landscape.

If you do not want the wood chips, we can haul them away as part of our service. Some customers ask us to spread the chips in wooded areas of their property. Others prefer to have everything removed so they can proceed with new landscaping plans. We are flexible and work with your preferences.

Keep in mind that fresh wood chips should not be mixed directly into garden soil, as they can temporarily tie up nitrogen as they decompose. Use them as surface mulch instead, or let them age for a season before incorporating them into planting beds.

Frequently Asked Questions