Can you grind a stump from a tree someone else cut down?

What we need to know

Tell the office how many stumps there are, roughly how big they are and where they stand. Several stumps can go in one estimate. Mention anything unusual: a stump against a fence, in a flower bed, close to a wall or on a slope.

What the arborist checks

At the visit the arborist looks at access first. Gate width, fences, steps, slopes and plantings decide whether a machine can reach the stump and which approach fits. Old stumps from other tree work may have been cut high, hold rock or wire, or have roots through a lawn. None of that stops the work; it shapes the plan.

Point out sprinkler lines, drip tubing and lights. For public utilities, call 811, which is standard practice before any grinding below grade.

Before you call

Know what you want the spot to be afterward. Tell us whether you want the chips left, spread or taken, and what you plan to put there. Read how deep we grind. The estimate is free and written after the arborist sees the site.

Stumps left for years can be harder than fresh ones, and old stumps near sidewalks or driveways often have roots under the paving. The arborist will tell you what can and cannot be reached from the lawn side. If the tree was cut by a neighbor, a previous owner or a utility, you are still the one to decide about the stump on your side of the line. For a stump that straddles the property line, talk to the neighbor before work starts. If you are not sure how old the stump is or what species it was, send a photo anyway. The arborist can often tell from the bark and the roots, and the guess does not have to be perfect for the estimate to be written.