Stump Grinding

When you hire a tree service or landscaping company to cut down trees on your property, the contract price seldom includes removing the stumps. That unenviable task is typically left to the homeowner. But have you ever tried to dig out a tree stump? I have, once. Worked at it for an entire day using an ax, shovel, hoe, pick and chain saw. Ended up with a hole about the size of a Buick, and still couldn't get the stump out.

Clearing Tree Stumps

        Use a garden mattock or shovel to clear the area around the stump of any rocks that could damage the cutting wheel.

Landscapers charge according to the size of the stump. Expect to pay between $90 and $150 to have a 24-in.-dia. stump removed. You can rent a gas-powered stump grinder for about $100 to $190 per day, depending on the size of the machine.
Therefore, if you only have to remove a stump or two, you'd be better off hiring a pro.
However, if you have more than two stumps or plan to share the rental expense with a neighbor, renting is definitely the more economical way to go.
Make certain the rental dealer explains the controls and shows you how to safely operate the machine. Never use a stump grinder without wearing eye and hearing protection.


       Trim the stump close to the ground with a chain saw. This will greatly reduce the time spent with the stump grinder.


Note that you'll need a vehicle with a trailer hitch to tow the machine, which weighs about 1000 pounds.
If that's not possible, most rental dealers will deliver it to your home for an additional fee.

To remove the 30-in.-dia. red maple stump shown here, we used a Vermeer Model SC252 stump grinder, the same size machine found at most rental dealers.
It has a powerful 25-hp engine and 16-in.-dia. cutting wheel that's studded with 16 forged-steel teeth.
This is a loud, powerful machine with a sophisticated hydraulic system, but it's surprisingly simple to operate.


       Lower the cutting wheel into the stump, then swing it side to side to slowly grind the wood into small chips.

Start by using a shovel or garden mattock to remove any rocks from around the base of the stump (Photo 1). This is
important because rocks can dull or damage the teeth on the cutting wheel. Next, use a chain saw to carefully trim the stump close to the ground (Photo 2).
You could skip this and start right in with the grinder, but this extra step speeds up the job.


       Fill the 4-in.-deep crater with screened topsoil. Then, tamp down the surface and add more soil if necessary.

Use the hydraulic lever to raise the grinder wheel a few inches above the stump.
Drive the machine forward to position the wheel directly over the stump's front edge. Start the wheel spinning and slowly lower it about 3 in. into the stump.
Use the hydraulic lever to slowly swing the wheel from side to side to clear out the wood. After you've dug down at least 4 in., raise the wheel, advance the machine a few inches, and repeat the process.
While operating the machine, always stand at the control panel (Photo 3), which is located near the rear of the machine and well away from the cutting wheel.

       Spread grass seed over the entire area, making sure you don't miss any spots. Rake in the seeds, then water.

Little by little, continue to grind your way through to the other side of the stump.
Stop and check to make sure that the freshly dug hole is at least 4 in. below the ground.
Rake up all the wood chips and fill the crater with screened topsoil (Photo 4) .

Tamp down and lightly rake the soil. Spread out an even layer of grass seed (Photo 5), and then rake the seeds into the soil. Water the area and cover the seeds with a thick cover of mulch hay.

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