Stump Grinding and Removal

Information about stump grinding and removal

When stump grinding may be useful

Stump grinding is often recommended when a stump is in the way, creating a trip hazard or preventing the area from being reused properly.

It is commonly used to:

• Remove unwanted stumps after tree felling
• Reduce trip hazards in gardens, lawns and public areas
• Prepare an area for turfing, planting or landscaping
• Clear space where a stump is close to a path, driveway or boundary
• Stop a stump from being left as an obstruction
• Improve the appearance and usability of the surrounding area

Stump removal options

There are several ways to deal with a tree stump.

The first option is to dig the stump out by hand using tools such as a spade, axe and small handsaw. This can take several hours, is physically hard work and is generally only suitable for the smallest stumps.

Another option is to use a winch where the stump is small and there is a suitable anchor point. This still involves digging and severing roots, but can be useful where access is limited and a machine cannot reach the stump.

A stump may also be treated using specialist plugs placed into pre-drilled holes around the cambium layer. This can help kill the stump and stop regeneration, but it is only suitable where the stump can safely be left in the ground and is not likely to create a trip hazard.

How stump grinding works

Stump grinding involves the use of specialist machinery with a rotating cutter wheel. The wheel chips away the wood and gradually removes the main stump.

The stump can usually be ground down to around 30cm, or shallow ground enough to allow turf to be laid over the top, depending on what is needed.

The grinding process mixes the stump material with soil. This material can often be left on site and used as mulch, or removed if required.

Large stumps and reinstatement

Where a stump is very large, we can remove the spoil and replace it with good quality topsoil and grass seed if required.

Stump grinding does not remove every root from the ground. It removes the main stump and any roots located above ground or within the grinding area.

In many cases, it is more cost-effective to have the contractor who felled the tree also carry out the stump grinding work.

Professional stump grinding by Norfolk Trees

Norfolk Trees was established in 2002 by Ashley Barnes and operates throughout Norfolk and East Anglia. Our tree surgeons are fully qualified for the work they undertake and have experience across all aspects of tree care.

Our work includes dismantling, felling, crown lifting, crown reductions, dead wood removal, formative pruning, tree surveys to BS5837, tree hazard reports, pest and disease diagnosis, bat inspections, stump grinding or treating and tree planting.

Clients can be confident in the quality of our work. Norfolk Trees holds £10,000,000 public liability insurance and all work is carried out to BS3998:2010.

In addition to domestic tree work, we undertake commercial work for local authorities, parish councils and other organisations, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Serco, South Norfolk Council, Broadland Council, NCC Highways, KierMG and Anglian Water, along with numerous other clients.

We are also approved by the Norfolk County Council, and are CHAS Accredited through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.