How deep do you grind the stump?

It depends what the ground is for. Around 150 to 200mm below ground level is enough for turf. For replanting we go deeper and wider, and for paving or a shed base deeper still, with the grindings removed rather than backfilled.

Can I plant or lay turf straight afterwards?

Turf, usually yes, once good topsoil is in. Planting a new tree in exactly the same spot is harder, because what is left underground is still decaying timber. We can grind wider and deeper for replanting, or you can plant slightly to one side.

Will the stump grow back?

Not once it has been ground out. Left alone, many species will keep throwing up suckers for years, which is one of the main reasons people have grinding done.

Do you need machine access?

Yes. Our grinders fit through a standard side gate, but fully enclosed gardens can be a problem. Send a photo of the access route when you ask for a quote and we will tell you before booking.

What about the roots further out?

Grinding deals with the stump and the main roots around it. Smaller roots running out into the garden are left to rot down naturally, which does no harm.

Stump Grinding & Removal in Kent, Surrey & Berkshire

Grinding Or Digging Out

There are two ways to deal with a stump. Grinding uses a machine with a toothed wheel to cut the stump and its main roots into chippings below ground level. Digging out removes the root plate whole, which means an excavator, a great deal more disruption, and a sizeable hole to fill.

For almost every garden, grinding is the right choice. Digging out only really makes sense where the ground is being dug anyway — for foundations, a new drive, or drainage.

How Deep, And Why It Depends

How far down we grind depends on what the ground is for afterwards, and it is worth saying up front because it affects the price:

Lawn or turf — around 150 to 200mm below ground level is usually enough to get topsoil over it and grass established.
Planting a new tree or shrub — deeper, and wider than people expect, because new roots need somewhere to go that is not full of old timber.
Paving, decking or a shed base — deeper again, and the grindings taken away rather than backfilled, since they rot down and settle.

Tell us what the area is going to be used for and we will grind to suit it.

Why Stumps Are Worth Removing

They are a trip hazard, particularly once grass grows over them.
Many species send up suckers from a cut stump for years — cherry, poplar and lime are persistent.
Decaying stumps can host honey fungus, which spreads to healthy plants nearby.
You cannot turf, pave, or plant over one properly.

Access And What Gets Left Behind

Stump grinders need to reach the stump. Our machines will pass through a standard side gate, but genuinely enclosed gardens — rear access only through the house, or a raised terrace with steps — can rule machinery out. Send a photo of the access along with the stump and we will tell you honestly before booking rather than turning up and failing.

Grinding produces a surprising volume of chippings. By default we backfill the hole with them and level it off, which is free and fine for most situations. If you are paving or planting, we will take them away instead.

Stump Grinding & Removal