What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding involves using a machine with a large carbide tipped cutter on it. This machine actually grinds away the stump turning it into sawdust. The machine is moved across the surface of the stump in an arc causing the cutter to cut into the stump gradually cutting away the solid wood.
The idea is to grind away the stump to a level that is below the grade, in this way the remainder of the stump is left below the original grade and can be covered with loam or other material and one would never know it is there.
The drawback to stump grinding comes well after the grinding process. As the remains of the stump deteriorate below the surface the ground slowly slumps to fill in the void created by the rotting stump. Depending on the size of the stump this can create large crater like configurations on the surface of the ground.
If the original objective of the grinding was to plant a lawn or other finished landscape feature, these slumps or craters will need to be filled to maintain the original grade and the finished look of the lawn or other landscape feature.
We never recommend grinding in cases where the stump is in the way of a retaining wall (to be built) or other landscape feature that requires a firm and stable foundation.