Stump removal: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What stump removal is

Stump removal takes out a tree stump and its main roots by digging, winching or machine, as an alternative to grinding, and then fills and levels the hole. People choose it when they want the whole stump gone, when the roots need to come out of the ground, or when the area will be built on or dug later.

Signs you need it

  • The stump is large and the roots are deep, so grinding would leave roots in the ground
  • You plan to build, pave or dig in the spot and want the stump and main roots gone
  • The stump is rotting and unstable, or sits where the ground settles under it
  • The stump is in a spot where grinding equipment cannot reach
  • You want the hole cleared so a new tree or structure can go in with no buried wood

What the pro does

  • The crew locates buried lines and checks the stump for the size and depth of the root system
  • The soil is loosened around the stump and the main roots are exposed by hand or with a machine
  • The stump is pulled, winched or lifted out, and the main roots are cut or pulled out as well
  • The hole is cleared of loose roots and debris, then filled with soil and compacted in layers
  • The surface is leveled and raked, and any turf or grade damage is restored as agreed

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Stump size and the depth and spread of the root system
  • Soil type, such as clay that holds tight or sand that collapses in
  • Access for machines, winches and the crew, and any nearby structures
  • Whether buried lines, rocks or old foundations must be dealt with
  • Amount of soil needed to fill and level the hole
  • Whether the hole is filled with topsoil or with a compacted base
  • Whether the surface is restored with turf or left for the customer to finish

What a written quote should spell out

  • The stump count and the size of each one
  • The method, such as hand digging, winching or machine removal
  • How the main roots are removed, and how far from the stump the digging goes
  • The fill material, how it will be placed and how it is compacted
  • The level and grade of the finished surface, and any restoration of turf
  • Locate and damage responsibility for buried lines and sprinkler heads

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you pull the whole stump and the main roots, or grind it?
  • How do you protect sprinkler lines, utilities and nearby trees while you dig?
  • What fill material do you use, and how do you compact it?
  • Will the hole settle over time, and how will you handle that?
  • How deep will you dig, and what happens to the soil that comes out?
  • Do you restore the surface, or does that have to be arranged separately?
  • What happens if you hit rock, an old foundation or a buried object?

Red flags

  • They pull the stump without locating buried lines or sprinkler heads first
  • They fill the hole with loose debris, leaves or wood instead of soil
  • They leave the hole unfilled or only partly filled, so it becomes a hazard
  • They say the stump will be gone without explaining the method or the depth
  • They dig a wide area with no plan for the soil and the surface afterward

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can dig out a small stump by hand on a small, cleared spot, cutting the roots with a hand saw or pruning saw. Call a pro for large stumps, for roots under structures or hardscape, for work that needs a winch or machine, or when buried lines may be near. Locate buried utilities before any digging, and keep hands clear of any stump or root that is under load.

Licenses and permits

Stump removal may fall under tree service or excavation contractor rules in some areas, and digging near buried utilities may fall under separate rules. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your utility locate process before you hire or dig.

Stump removal questions

Is stump removal better than stump grinding?

Removal takes out the main roots, while grinding chews the stump and surface roots below grade. Removal is better when you plan to dig, build or plant in the spot. Grinding is often faster and less disruptive. Ask the crew which one fits your plan.

Will the hole sink after the fill settles?

Loose fill can settle over time, especially if it is not compacted in layers. Ask the crew how they will fill and compact the hole, and whether they will top it up after the first season.

What happens to the roots that stay in the ground?

Small roots left behind decay over time, but large roots can cause settling or sprouting. Ask the crew how far they dig and whether they remove the main roots completely.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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