Stump Grinding - Professional Tree Service
Remove the trip hazard.
Reclaim the space. Know what the job includes before work begins.
Vanderbilt Tree Service provides professional stump grinding for homes and properties across Madison and Dane County.
We grind unwanted stumps below grade, manage the debris as agreed in your written estimate and leave the work area ready for its next use. Call 608-351-1134 for a free, no-obligation estimate.
What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding uses a rotating cutting wheel to reduce the visible stump and upper roots into wood chips below ground level. It is usually faster and less disruptive than excavating the entire stump and root ball.
How much does stump grinding cost in Madison?
The price depends mainly on stump diameter, species, access, root flare, number of stumps, target depth and cleanup. As a planning benchmark—not a Vanderbilt quote—current Madison prices for professional projects start from about $150 to $1,200. Small, open-access stumps tend to fall near the low end; large hardwood stumps, tight access and deep grinding can cost more.
Planning category | Common market range* | What changes the price |
Small: under 12 inches | $150–$350 | Easy access, shallow standard grind |
Medium: 12–24 inches | $300–$700 | Species, root flare and cleanup |
Large: over 24 inches | $500–$1,200+ | Hardwood, spreading roots, restricted access |
*Your written Vanderbilt estimate is the price that applies to your property.
What affects your stump-grinding quote?
- Diameter: Measure across the widest part of the stump at ground level, including the main root flare.
- Tree species and condition: Dense hardwoods and stumps with wide surface roots can take longer to grind.
- Access: Gates, slopes, steps, fences, landscaping and soft ground affect which equipment can safely reach the stump.
- Depth and next use: Grass, a planting bed, paving and construction do not require the same depth or site preparation.
- Number of stumps: Multiple stumps can often be assessed in one visit.
- Cleanup: Chip removal, backfill, topsoil and seeding should be defined in the written scope rather than assumed.
- Nearby utilities or structures: Underground lines, irrigation, foundations and hardscape can limit the safe grinding area.
FASTER ESTIMATE: Send a clear photo, the widest stump measurement, the number of stumps, your gate width and what you want to do with the space afterward. |
What is included in stump grinding?
Every property is different, so the written estimate should identify the grinding depth, work-zone protection and cleanup plan. Standard work typically includes site assessment, removal of loose obstacles, grinding below grade and cleanup of the immediate work area. Tell us before quoting if you want chips hauled away, the hole backfilled or the site prepared for grass, landscaping or construction.
How deep will the stump be ground?
The correct depth depends on the next use of the site and what utilities or structures are nearby. A shallow below-grade grind may be suitable for lawn restoration, while replanting, paving or construction may need a different scope. We confirm the practical depth during the estimate instead of promising one depth for every stump.
Stump grinding vs. complete stump removal
|
Question |
Stump grinding |
Excavation / complete removal |
|
What is removed? |
Visible stump and reachable upper roots are chipped below grade. |
Stump and root ball are dug or pulled out. |
|
Site impact |
Smaller work zone and less soil disturbance. |
Larger hole, heavier equipment and more restoration. |
|
Typical use |
Lawns, beds and clearing ordinary trip or mowing hazards. |
Some construction or projects that require the root mass gone. |
|
Cost |
Usually the more economical option. |
Usually costs more because excavation and restoration are greater. |
Our stump-grinding process
- Assess the stump, access route, nearby structures and intended use of the area.
- Confirm diameter, scope, cleanup and price in a free written estimate.
- Check the work zone and account for marked or known underground utilities before grinding.
- Protect the surrounding area and grind the stump to the agreed practical depth.
- Handle chips and finish cleanup according to the written scope.
Private-property stumps, terrace stumps and utilities
A stump in the terrace—the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and street—is associated with a City of Madison tree. Contact Madison Urban Forestry before arranging private work. For private-property stumps, underground utilities still matter: Diggers Hotline marks facility locations, but those marks do not show exact depth. Tell the estimator about irrigation, pet fencing and private lines that public locating may not identify.
Why remove an old stump?
- Reduce a trip and mowing hazard.
- Create usable space for lawn or landscaping.
- Remove decaying wood that can shelter insects or fungi.
- Address unwanted sprouting from species that can regrow from the stump or roots.
- Finish a tree-removal project with a cleaner, easier-to-maintain yard.
- Our Mission is Your Satisfaction
- Safety is Our #1 Priority
- We are Mindful of Your Time
Stump grinding FAQs
How long does stump grinding take?
Many ordinary stumps can be ground in less than a few hours, but diameter, species, access, roots, utilities and cleanup determine the actual time. The estimate should account for the complete scope, not only machine time.
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
Grinding is usually less expensive because it chips the stump below grade without excavating the full root ball. Complete removal creates a larger hole and generally requires more labor and restoration.
Will a tree grow back after stump grinding?
Grinding prevents the original trunk from regrowing, but some tree species can send shoots from surviving roots. Tell us if the stump has active sprouts so the site can be assessed correctly.
What happens to the wood chips?
Wood chips may be left for mulch or removed, depending on the written scope. If you plan to establish lawn immediately, discuss chip removal and backfill before work begins.
Can I plant a new tree in the same spot?
Sometimes, but not directly into a shallow grind full of old roots and chips. A new tree usually does better offset from the old location. Ask an arborist to consider species, spacing, soil volume and remaining roots.
Can you grind a stump near a fence or building?
Often, yes, but access and clearance control which equipment and depth are safe. Photos and an on-site assessment are the best way to define the scope.
Do I need a permit for a stump on my property?
Private-property work is different from work on a terrace or other public right-of-way. If the stump is between the sidewalk and street, contact Madison Urban Forestry before hiring a contractor.
Serving Madison and Dane County
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday – 7am – 6pm
Saturday – 8am – 5pm
Sunday – Appointments Only