Clear the stump for the next job.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding across Sussex and Surrey, with access, grinding depth and disposal of grindings agreed before booking.

Established 1982NPTC qualified£10m insured

What the job involves

A stump can get in the way of a new lawn, fence or planting. Grinding breaks it down below the surface. The depth depends on what you plan to do next, and some roots may remain beyond the ground-out area. Access needs checking before choosing the machine.

Grinding does not remove every root

The cutting wheel breaks up the stump and the roots within its working area. Roots extending farther into the garden remain and decay over time. Digging out a root ball removes more material but also disturbs more ground.

A lawn and a new tree need different preparation

The intended use determines the grinding depth. A new planting hole needs usable soil and room for roots, while a fence post needs a clear footing. A mixture of grindings and soil is not a finished planting bed or a compacted base for paving.

Getting a machine to the stump

Measure tight turns as well as gates. Steps, slopes and soft ground can prevent access even where the gate is wide enough. Locate buried services before work and identify walls or retained trees close to the stump.

Check what the ground is going back to, turf, paving, planting, since that affects the depth needed
Check the full access route and choose suitable equipment
Grind below surface to a level that suits the follow-on use of the area
Handle grindings and backfilling as specified in the quote
Advise on backfill, surface preparation, and the next step

Mini excavator with grab clearing timber and cut limbs after tree removal work.

Large timber sections being cleared with machinery during a site clearance job.

Ground worker preparing a residential site with cut timber and tools after tree work.

Ground worker processing timber at the base of a large estate tree.

Mini digger and chipper positioned in a garden during tree clearance work.

Wood chipper and truck set up beside a property during hedge and tree clearance.

Stump grinding and ground reinstatement work after tree removal in a residential garden - image 3

Planning the work

If the ground will become a lawn or patio, agree the grinding depth and who will remove the grindings, backfill and prepare the surface.

Questions People Ask

Before you book stump grinding.

Is there a stump grinding service near me?

Send your postcode and access details to confirm coverage and availability. Include the stump diameter and intended use of the ground.

How is stump grinding different from digging a stump out?

Grinding breaks down the stump within the agreed working area below the surface. Excavation removes a root ball and disturbs more ground. Roots can remain after grinding, and further preparation may be needed for planting or construction.