Stump grinding and stump removal

When a tree is cut down you are typically left with the stump, and a stump can be a hazard. It is something to trip on, something to mow around, and in some species a source of new sprouts for years.

At a glance

• Stumps from our removals or stumps that were already there
• One stump or a whole row
• Can be added to any tree removal estimate
• Free, detailed estimate
• Serving Carson City, Reno, Sparks, Carson Valley and Tahoe's Nevada side

What does stump grinding do?

Stump grinding effectively removes the stump from the ground while preventing new foliage from growing from the roots. A grinding machine works back and forth across the stump and turns the wood into chips. One customer put it this way: "the tree-trunk was shredded below the ground." (Richard V., Google review)

Once the stump is gone you can plant grass, shrubs or even new trees where the old tree stood. If replanting is the goal, read can you plant after stump grinding? first.

Stump grinding or full stump removal?

Our service list has both. Grinding is the usual answer for a yard: it takes out the stump and leaves the far roots to break down in the soil. Full removal means digging out the stump and the main roots, which leaves a bigger hole and makes sense when something is going to be built on the spot.

Tell us what you plan to do with the area and the estimate will say which approach fits. The differences are laid out in stump grinding vs full stump removal.

What should happen before a stump is ground?

Buried lines matter. Gas, water, power, cable and irrigation lines can run close to an old tree. 811 is the free national before-you-dig service. A request is made a few days ahead so the utilities can mark their buried lines, and the work goes carefully around the marks. Private lines, such as sprinkler pipe and low-voltage lighting, are not marked by the utilities, so tell us about any you know of.

More in call 811 before stump grinding.

• Tell us about sprinklers, drip lines and lighting wire near the stump
• Point out any septic tank or leach field
• Say how the machine can reach the stump: gate width, steps, slopes
• Decide what you want done with the grindings

Which stumps sprout back?

Some of the most common yard trees in Northern Nevada are strong sprouters. Cottonwoods, Siberian elms, aspens, poplars, willows and black locust can all send up shoots from a stump or from roots after the tree is cut. Grinding the stump is the first step in stopping that. Our tree guide has a page for each of these species.

Is stump grinding part of tree removal?

Only if you want it to be. All estimates are tailored to each client and their needs. Some people want the stump gone the same visit, some leave it, and some call us years later about a stump another company left. Ask for it when you request your free estimate and it will be listed with the rest of the job.