Stump grinding, and what happens after

Once a tree is down, the stump is often the last thing standing between you and the lawn, garden or new tree you want. Here’s what grinding does, and what to expect after.

What grinding does

A stump grinder uses a spinning cutting wheel to chip the stump away, a little at a time, until it’s below the surface. It doesn’t pull the roots out. The larger roots beyond the stump stay in the ground and break down slowly over the years.

Locates first

Grinding goes into the ground, so buried utility lines are located and marked before work starts. Private lines that the utilities don’t mark, such as a gas line to a barbecue or power to a shed, need a private locate. Tell us about anything you know is buried near the stump.

How deep it goes

A stump is normally ground several inches below the soil surface, enough for lawn or a garden bed. If you plan to plant or build in that exact spot, say so before the work, so it can be ground deeper or more widely where that’s possible.

What to do with the grindings

Grinding leaves a pile of wood chips mixed with soil. Some options:

• Use them as mulch in beds or under other trees, kept back from trunks.
• Remove most of them from the hole if you want lawn there, then fill with topsoil.
• Don’t mix lots of grindings into soil you’re planting in. Fresh wood breaks down slowly and can tie up nitrogen that plants need.

The stump goes. The big roots stay, and break down slowly over the years.

Lawn, garden or a new tree

• Lawn. Clear most of the grindings, fill with topsoil, firm it down, then seed or lay sod. The spot can settle as the old roots decay, so expect to top it up.
• Garden bed. Add plenty of soil and compost, and plant shallow-rooted plants first.
• A new tree. It’s often better to plant slightly to one side of the old stump, away from the old roots and grindings. Ask us and we’ll suggest a spot.

What you might see later

Mushrooms can appear over the old roots as they decay. That’s normal. Some trees, such as poplars, can send up sprouts from the remaining roots for a while. Cut or mow them regularly and they’ll usually stop.

This is general information. Every tree and site is different. For advice on a specific tree, get a free quote or book a Certified Arborist Assessment.

About the author

Jason Korkidakis

Jason is Koala Tree’s Owner and Lead Arborist in London, ON. He leads an 8-person crew and assesses trees for homeowners, condo boards and property managers.

ISA Certified Arborist ON-3263ATRAQ qualifiedPPQ qualified

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