What do I do with the hole and the grindings after stump grinding?

Your choices

You can leave the chips to settle in the hole, which sinks as they break down. You can ask for them to be spread in a bed away from the house, or hauled away. Soil on top of the chips and seed or sod on that is the usual lawn fix, but topping up may be needed more than once as the chips decompose. Tell the arborist your choice at the estimate and it is written into the job.

We also sell wood chips, so call the office about availability and pricing. We have not published delivery terms, so ask when you call.

Keep wood away from the wall

The University of Nevada, Reno Extension Living With Fire guide describes Zone 0 as the first 0 to 5 feet around the home, kept ember-resistant. Wood chips and bark mulch burn, so do not pile grindings against the foundation, a deck or a fence that joins the house. Further out, in Zone 1 (5 to 30 feet), keep it thin and away from plants that burn. Read free wood chips: uses and limits.

Leveling and planting

Fresh chips pull nitrogen from the soil as they break down, so seed laid straight over them can struggle. Ask the arborist what is under the surface before you plant. Tree planting is not a service we offer.

If you plan to fill the hole with soil, ask the crew to leave the chips in a pile rather than spreading them, or to remove them, so you can put clean soil in. Compact the fill in layers and leave it slightly mounded, since it will settle. A lawn patch laid on a fresh grind may need topping up for a season or two. Tell the arborist your plan so the estimate covers what you want done and what you will do yourself.