Will stump grinding harm my sprinklers or nearby plants?

Why it happens

A stump grinder cuts a wheel of teeth through the wood, usually to some depth below the surface. Anything shallow and close to the stump, such as a PVC sprinkler line, drip tubing or a buried light cable, is in range. Chips and sprayed debris also land on nearby plants.

What 811 covers, and what it does not

Calling 811, the USA North 811 line, gets public utility lines marked before any grinding below grade, and that is standard practice. The utilities do not mark private lines. Sprinkler lines, low-voltage lighting, a private gas line to a grill and a septic system are yours to point out. Tell the arborist at the visit, and flag heads and valve boxes with flags or stakes before the day.

Protecting plants and walls

Shrubs and flower beds near the stump are part of the access check. The arborist may recommend moving a plant, covering it or approaching the stump from a different side. A fence or foundation also limits how close a machine can work; see grinding next to a fence or foundation.

We cannot promise nothing will be touched without seeing the site. Tell the office when you call, and again when the crew arrives.

A good way to prepare is a quick map. Sketch where the heads, valves and lines run, mark the stump, and send the picture with the estimate form. Turn the sprinkler system off before the crew arrives, and tell them where the shutoff is. If a line is cut by accident, say so right away so it can be repaired before the trench fills with water and chips. Ask the office what is covered in your estimate. Pets and children should stay away from the work area, since the grinder throws chips and small stones. Cover or move pots and garden furniture, and hose nothing down until the crew has finished and left.