After a tree comes down, the stump stays behind. It gets in the way of mowers, can sprout suckers (some species much more than others), and slowly rots, which can attract insects. Grinding is the most common way to deal with it.
Grinding vs. full removal
Stump grinding uses a machine with a toothed cutting wheel to chew the stump into chips, typically several inches below grade. The main roots are left to decay in place. It is faster, less destructive and less expensive than pulling the stump out.
Full stump removal digs or pulls out the stump and main root ball with an excavator. It is usually reserved for construction, where a footing, foundation or driveway will go exactly where the stump was.
How deep?
Ask for a depth in the estimate. A shallower grind is fine for laying sod; replanting a new tree in the same spot, or a patio slab, calls for deeper grinding and removing more chips. Surface roots radiating from the stump can be ground too, at extra cost.
Access matters
Stump grinders come in sizes from compact machines that fit through a backyard gate to large tow-behind units. On the valley's steep backyards and narrow side yards, gate width and slope determine which machine can reach the stump. Measure your gate if you can.
Before grinding: utilities
Grinding goes below the surface. Utility lines should be marked first. Virginia has a free utility marking service reached by dialing 811; the contractor normally places the request. Also flag private lines that 811 does not mark, such as irrigation, low-voltage lighting, invisible dog fences, and septic components.
What to do with the chips
Grinding produces a surprising pile of chips and soil. You can keep it as mulch for beds (not piled against other trunks), or have it hauled away and the hole backfilled with topsoil. Chips settle as they decay, so a slight depression may develop over time.
Do the roots die?
For most species, grinding the stump below grade ends regrowth. Some species are prone to sprouting from roots; persistent sprouts can be cut back until the roots exhaust their reserves.
Multiple stumps
If you have several old stumps around the property, grinding them in one visit is usually more economical than one at a time.
Pricing basics
Stump grinding is usually priced by stump diameter, the number of stumps and access. Published 2026 figures from Angi put a typical single stump around $250, with many companies charging a minimum around $100 and additional stumps often cheaper each. Our stump grinding cost guide has the full published tables and sources.
Getting the best result
Tell the crew what you plan to do with the spot. For a lawn, a moderate grind with most chips removed and topsoil added works well. For a new tree, grind deeper and remove more chips, and consider planting slightly off the old center where roots are still decaying. For a patio or shed, deeper grinding and compaction of fill are important to avoid settling later. Measure the narrowest gate on the route so the right size grinder is sent.
Call (540) 904-1819 with the number of stumps, their approximate diameters, and how the machine would reach them.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
Grinding chews the stump and main surface roots into mulch below grade. Full removal digs or pulls the whole root ball, leaving a large hole and needing heavy equipment. For most yards grinding is enough; full removal is used when building a foundation, driveway or hardscape where buried wood would rot and settle.
Published stump grinding prices
Angi's 2026 guide puts a typical stump at about $250, with a range up to about $1,600, often figured at $2 to $5 per inch of diameter and with minimum charges around $100. Hauling the grindings can add $50 to $200, and Angi notes winter can be the cheapest season. See our stump grinding cost guide for detail.
Before the grinder arrives
Have Virginia 811 mark buried utilities; it is free. 811 does not mark private lines such as irrigation, low-voltage lighting or invisible pet fences, so flag those yourself. Clear rocks, edging and decorations from around the stump.
After the grinding
The grindings are a mix of wood chips and soil. They can be left as mulch, spread in beds, or hauled away. If you plan to seed grass, remove most of the chips, fill with topsoil and allow for settling as remaining roots decay.
Stump options compared
| Option | Best for | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding below grade | Lawns and beds | Roots remain and decay slowly |
| Full stump excavation | Foundations, driveways, hardscape | Big hole, heavy equipment, more cost |
| Leave the stump | Wooded areas, wildlife habitat | Sprouts, mowing obstacle, insects |
| Chemical or natural decay | No access for machines, no hurry | Can take years |
Access matters
Grinders range from compact walk-behind units that fit through many backyard gates to large tow-behind machines. Measure your narrowest gate and mention steps, slopes and retaining walls when requesting a quote.
What to ask in a stump grinding quote
- Number of stumps and diameter of each.
- Grinding depth below grade.
- Whether surface roots are ground out.
- Whether grindings are left, spread or hauled.
- Any minimum charge.
Stumps near buildings and hardscape
Stumps against foundations, fences, walls or patios need care; a grinder cannot always reach the full stump without damaging the structure. Ask how the crew will handle the last few inches, and whether some hand work will be needed.
Many stumps at once
For lots with many stumps, such as after land clearing or old storm damage, ask about a day rate or a per-stump discount. A quick site walk with counts and diameters gets a firmer number.
Stump grinding and lawn repair
After grinding, rake out most chips, add topsoil a little above grade to allow for settling, and seed or sod. Expect to top up the spot once as remaining roots decay.
Stump grinding in the Roanoke Valley: local considerations
Rocky soils and steep backyards are common in the valley. Rocks dull grinder teeth and slow the job, and slopes limit which machines can reach a stump. Mention both when requesting a quote. Inside the City of Roanoke, stumps in the strip between the sidewalk and street may be city property; ask Urban Forestry before grinding one.
Utility marking rules
Virginia 811 must be contacted at least three working days before digging or stump grinding; working days exclude weekends and legal holidays.
Marking is free. Once utilities have marked their lines, or the marking period ends at 7:00 a.m. on the third working day, work can begin. Keep the marks visible until grinding is done.
Common questions
How deep does stump grinding go?
Typical grinding goes several inches below grade, enough to plant grass. Ask for deeper grinding if you plan to replant a tree or build.
Do roots die after stump grinding?
For most species, removing the stump stops the roots from producing leaves and they decay over time. Some species can sprout from roots; remove sprouts as they appear.
Can I rent a stump grinder in Roanoke?
Rental grinders are available, but they are heavy and dangerous. For large or numerous stumps, a professional is usually faster and safer.
Should I call 811 before stump grinding?
Yes. Virginia 811 marking is free and protects buried utility lines.
How much notice does Virginia 811 need before stump grinding?
At least three working days, not counting weekends and legal holidays. Marking is free, and private lines such as irrigation are not included.