Tree stumps can attract pests like termites, cause trip hazards, damage lawn equipment, or regrow shoots. Removing them improves your yard’s safety, appearance, and usability.

Stump grinding is the process of removing a tree stump by using a specialized machine called a stump grinder. This machine grinds the stump into wood chips, below ground level, allowing the area to be replanted or landscaped.

The cost of stump grinding varies based on the size and number of stumps. For a quick idea of what we need to do an estimate over text or phone, is a photo of the entire stump including the area around it to about 5 feet extended beyond the stump itself along with a standard water bottle or tape measure along the top of the stump.

To get a proper idea of how we measure the stump to arrive at the price is located in the picture below.  

We measure the total length from left to right in diameter in inches that represents the area we will need to grind down to make the area level.  This often includes some root structure that might appear underground but is in fact not level.  

We will often have some additional fees depending on unusual circumstances. 

For example, a hardwood stump might incur additional fee because it takes longer to grind, and wears the equipment out much faster. 

Another potential fee is the ease of getting our machine to your stump.  If it is a long way from where we have to unload, or if a gate needs to be removed, all these issues could incur an additional fee. 

Stones, rocks, metal, around or in the stump could also lead to an additional fee, as this takes time and could potentially damage our equipment. 

Another potential fee is if we need to cut down the existing stump.  Sometimes people have stumps that are 3-4 feet high.  We need that stump to be cut flush to the ground as possible to eliminate grinding time and wear.  If we need to make additional cuts to the stump before we can start grinding, each cut will incur a $10 fee.  For example, a large stump might need 4-6 additional cuts to cut the stump into maneagable pieces by a chainsaw.  To save money, you might want to cut that stump down before we come out.  

Any fees will be stated before the work is started, and will be on the estimate.  We will not add on fees after work has started, unless the customer requests additional work outside what was originally estimated.  

Yes, our team follows strict safety protocols and uses specialized equipment to ensure safe and efficient stump removal.

Our business hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.  That being said, we often work outside these hours depending on the work needed.  We also have a phone service that you can call at any time and our assistant will answer almost any question.  This line is open all hours, even at 4:00 am in the morning.  You can leave your name and number and someone will get back to you.  

Yes, we specialize in providing customized solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Stump grinding removes the stump down to below ground level but leaves the roots to naturally decompose. Stump removal typically involves digging out the entire stump and root ball, which is more invasive and costly.

We typically grind stumps 4–12 inches below ground level, depending on your plans for the area (e.g., replanting grass, installing sod, or planting a new tree).

Minimal disruption occurs, but the equipment may leave some tire marks. We use protective mats when necessary to reduce impact.  Our machines use tires instead of tracks to minimize damage.  Rainy and wet conditions might leave more marks than dry weather.  

You can keep the wood chips for mulch, or we can haul them away for an extra fee. Many customers choose to use them in garden beds.

Yes, we can grind surface roots that pose a hazard or are unsightly.

Fill the hole with soil or topsoil and plant grass seed, sod, or landscaping plants. The wood chips will decompose over time.

Most trees will not regrow, but some species (like willows or maples) may sprout shoots. If this happens, we can treat the area to prevent regrowth.

It’s best to plant a new tree a few feet away from the old stump site to allow roots to establish in fresh soil.

 It’s not necessary, as long as we have access to the stump and any gates are unlocked.

Yes. We take care to avoid damage to surrounding property. We will mark utilities if required.

We proudly offer local stump grinding in St Joseph, including Benton Harbor, Stevensville, Niles, and all of Berrien County. (Use keywords for local SEO like stump grinding near me, [City] stump removal, etc.)

 Call us or request a free quote online. We may ask for photos or come to your property for an assessment.  The best way is to add in a water bottle for scale so we can determine from the photo approx how big the stump is.  Another way is to use a tape measure and measure either the stump itself, or you can add a more correct estimate by using the tape measure to measure the whole area including any raised mound around the stump.  

So in this case, a 14 inch stump measured across the top of the stump itself would have a more accurate estimate at 45 inches.  

We accept cash, check, Venmo, Cashapp, Paypal, and major credit cards.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.

Yes! We provide discounted rates for multiple stumps on the same property.

We provide stump grinding services year-round, weather permitting.