Stump Grinding New Lenox IL | Stump Removal Service

Why get rid of a stump?

Stumps are trip hazards for kids and guests
They damage mowers and make trimming a pain
Rotting stumps can attract carpenter ants and other insects
Some stumps keep sending up sprouts
They take up space you could use for grass, beds, or a patio
A clean yard looks better when selling a home

Stump grinding vs. stump removal

Stump grinding

A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning wheel of carbide teeth. It chews the stump down into wood chips below the soil line. The roots stay in the ground and break down over time. This is the most common way to get rid of a stump, and it is much less work on your yard.

Full stump removal

Pulling the whole stump and root ball out of the ground takes digging and leaves a large hole. It is usually only needed when you are building something right on that spot. Ask us and we will explain your options.

Stump grinder chewing a tree stump in a front yard

How we grind a stump

1. Mark the utilities

Grinding goes into the soil, so underground lines need to be located first. In Illinois, that is done through JULIE by calling 811. Private lines like sprinklers, invisible dog fences, and landscape lighting are not marked by JULIE, so show us where yours run.

2. Grind below grade

We grind the stump down below the soil surface, along with the big surface roots near it.

3. Clean up

Grinding makes a pile of chips and soil. We can rake it into the hole, haul it away, or leave it for you to use as mulch. Tell us what you prefer.

4. Get it ready to plant

If you want grass there, the chips should be mostly cleared and topsoil added. Fresh wood chips pull nitrogen from the soil as they break down, which can stunt new grass. We can fill the spot with soil, seed it, or lay new sod.

Surface roots

Some trees, like silver maples, leave thick roots running across the lawn. We can grind the main surface roots near the stump so your lawn is smooth again.

Old stumps and new stumps

We grind stumps from trees we just took down, and old stumps left by someone else years ago. Old stumps are often softer, but can be hidden under grass or rocks. Show us where they are and we will take care of them.

Pair it with tree removal

If you are having a tree taken down, grinding the stump at the same time saves a trip. See our tree removal service.

Stump grinding questions

How deep do you grind a stump?

We grind below the soil surface so you can put soil and grass over the spot. Tell us if you are planning something that needs a deeper grind.

What happens to the roots?

The roots stay in the ground and break down over time. We grind large surface roots near the stump.

Can grass grow where a stump was?

Yes. Clear out most of the chips, add topsoil, and then seed or sod. Fresh chips can slow new grass.

Do I need to call JULIE?

Underground utilities should be marked before grinding. In Illinois, call 811 to reach JULIE. Private lines like sprinklers are not marked, so point those out to us.