A stump left behind after a tree comes down is more than an eyesore. It's something to mow around, something to trip over and a home for insects. Grinding it out is the fastest, least disruptive way to get that part of your yard back.
We grind stumps as an add-on to our tree removals, and we also grind old stumps on their own — even ones left by another company years ago.
How stump grinding works
A stump grinder uses a spinning cutting wheel to chew the stump into small chips, working down below the surface. We typically grind 6 to 12 inches below grade. That's deep enough to cover with soil and grow grass, and it removes the root crown so most trees won't sprout back.
We also grind the large surface roots near the stump — the ones that lift sod and catch mower blades. Deeper roots are left to break down naturally in the soil, which is normal and doesn't cause problems.
Chips: leave them or haul them
Grinding leaves a pile of chips mixed with soil. You can keep them as fill in the hole, where they'll settle over a season, or have us haul them off and leave the spot level and ready for topsoil and seed or sod. Some homeowners like keeping a portion for mulch in flower beds. Just tell us what you want on the estimate.
Why stumps are worth removing
Stumps damage mowers and are easy to trip over, especially low ones hidden in grass. As they rot they attract ants, beetles and other pests, and some species keep sending up sprouts from the roots for years. A stump in the middle of the yard also blocks you from replanting, building a patio or putting up a fence where you want it.
Standalone or add-on
If we're already removing the tree, adding the stump is the easiest option because we're on site anyway. Standalone grinding is just as welcome — send a photo or request an estimate and we'll come take a look.
What's included
- Grinding 6–12 inches below grade
- Large surface roots around the stump
- Chips left as fill or hauled away — your choice
- Area raked and left ready for seed or sod
- Care around fences, beds and sprinkler lines you point out
- Free written estimate
How we price it
Stump grinding is priced by the stump. The biggest factors are the stump's diameter, how many stumps you have, and access — whether we can get the grinder through your gate and how close the stump is to fences, foundations or utilities.
Multiple stumps on one visit cost less each, and adding grinding to a removal saves a separate trip. You'll see every stump listed on your written estimate.
Why Wilmer's
- Licensed & insured
- 7 years experience
- Cleanup & haul-away included
- Free written estimate
- Se habla español
Kansas City neighbors trust us
4.6 ★ on Google · 10 reviews
"Great work! They showed up on time and got to work right away. They were detailed and answered all my questions. Would recommend them to friends and family needing tree service."
"Wilmers had done work for me in the past and I had them back again because they do such great work, attention to detail and price very well."
"Great company hundred percent recommended they are always good to provide the best service."
"El equipo fue profesional, puntual y cuidadoso al remover nuestro árbol. Trabajaron de manera segura y dejaron el área limpia."Frequently asked questions
How deep do you grind stumps?
Typically 6 to 12 inches below the ground surface, deep enough to cover with soil and plant grass. If you plan to plant a tree or build in that spot, tell us and we'll discuss grinding deeper.
What happens to the wood chips?
You choose. We can leave the chips to fill the hole and settle, or haul them away and leave the area ready for topsoil and seed or sod.
Can you grind a stump from a tree someone else removed?
Yes. Stump grinding is available as a standalone service for old stumps, not just as an add-on to our own removals.
Will the stump grow back?
Grinding below grade removes the root crown, which stops regrowth for most trees. A few species can send up root sprouts for a while; those are easy to mow or pull.
Get your free written estimate
No pressure, no hidden fees. We come out, look at the job and give you a fair price in writing.