Once a tree comes down, you're left with a stump. It can be a trip hazard, get in the way of the mower, sprout new shoots, or just spoil a nice yard. There are two main ways to deal with it: grinding and full removal.
What is stump grinding?
A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning cutting wheel fitted with hard teeth. It chews the stump down into chips, working back and forth until the stump is below ground level. The main roots are left in the ground to break down naturally over time.
Grinding is the most common choice for home gardens because:
- It's quicker and causes less disturbance to lawns, paving and garden beds
- Compact grinders fit through narrow side gates and into tight backyards
- It leaves a pile of mulch you can keep for the garden, or we can take it away
What is full stump removal?
Full removal takes out the stump and its root ball, usually with an excavator, leaving a larger hole that is then backfilled. It's more work and more disruptive, but it makes sense when:
- You're building, laying a slab or putting in a pool where the tree was
- You want to plant a new tree in exactly the same spot
- The roots are lifting paths, driveways or pipes and need to come out
Which one is right for you?
If you just want the stump gone so you can lay turf, plant a garden bed or mow over it, grinding is almost always the better choice. If something is going to be built on the spot, or the roots are causing damage, full removal is usually worth it.
What to expect on the day
- Access: let us know how wide your side access is. We'll bring a machine that fits.
- Underground services: water, gas, power and sewer lines can run close to stumps. We check for services before we start, and you can lodge a free request with Before You Dig Australia.
- Clean-up: we rake the area and either leave the mulch for your garden or take it away, whichever you prefer.
Will the stump grow back?
Some species, including many eucalypts, can send up new shoots from the remaining roots after the tree is cut. Grinding below ground level usually stops this. If a few shoots appear afterwards, they can be cut off as they come up until the roots run out of energy.
