ServicesStump Grinding
Stump Grinding in Lake Buena Vista
An old stump gets in the way of mowing, invites pests and keeps sprouting. We grind it down below the grass line, walk you through what happens to the chips and roots, and leave the spot ready for whatever you want there next.
What stump grinding is, and when it makes sense
Stump grinding uses a machine with a spinning, toothed wheel that chews the stump into small chips, working down until the wood sits several inches below the surrounding soil. It is different from stump removal, which pulls out the whole root ball and leaves a large hole. For most yards, grinding is the faster, tidier and less disruptive option.
The main roots stay in the ground after grinding, and that is normal. Without a trunk above them, they slowly break down over time. If you plan to build a patio or plant a new tree in the exact same spot, we will tell you during the walkthrough whether that changes how deep we should go.
We are a family-owned business, licensed and fully insured, and we treat your yard the way we would want ours treated. If the tree is still standing, our tree trimming and removal crew can take it down first and we grind the stump in the same visit.
What the work includes
Utility locate before we start
We have underground utility lines marked before grinding begins. Gas, electric and cable lines can run closer to a stump than you would expect.
Checking for sprinkler lines
We look for irrigation heads and lines near the stump and flag them. If a line has to be moved or repaired, we tell you before we touch it, and our irrigation service can handle it.
Grinding below grade
We grind the stump and the surface roots around it down below ground level, deep enough for soil and grass to cover the spot. If you need it deeper for a new planting, just say so.
Your choice on the chips
Grinding leaves a mound of wood chips mixed with soil. We can rake them into the hole, spread them in a bed or haul them away, and we explain the tradeoffs of each.
Cleanup and backfill
We rake up flying chips, blow off driveways and walkways, and backfill the hole with soil if you want it level. The area is ready for sod installation or a new bed.
Signs it is time to grind that stump
New shoots keep coming up
Some trees keep sending up suckers from the stump and roots. Cutting them back only buys a few weeks. Grinding removes the source.
Soft, crumbling wood
A decaying stump can draw termites, carpenter ants and fungus. In our warm, humid weather, rot moves quickly, and you do not want those pests settling in close to your home.
It is in the way of mowing
If you mow around a stump every week or have nicked a blade on it, grinding gives you a flat, open lawn again.
It is a trip hazard
Low stumps hidden in grass are easy to miss, especially for kids and guests. Grinding takes the hazard away.
You are planning a project
New sod, a garden bed or a paver patio needs a clear, level spot. Old stumps should come out before any of that starts.
How a stump grinding visit works
- 1
Walkthrough and estimate
We come out, look at each stump, check access and talk through what you want for the spot afterward. You get a free estimate before any work is scheduled.
- 2
Locates and prep
Utility lines get marked, and we flag sprinkler heads and nearby plants. We set up guards so chips do not land on windows, cars or flower beds.
- 3
Grinding
Most stumps take well under an hour once the machine is in place. Our compact grinder fits through most standard side gates, so we rarely have to cross a large stretch of lawn.
- 4
Cleanup and final look
We handle the chips the way you chose, rake and blow the area clean, and walk the yard with you before we leave.
What moves the price of stump grinding
Every stump is a little different, so we price after seeing it in person. Here is what we look at, so the estimate makes sense when it reaches you. If grinding is one piece of a bigger yard project, you can finance as much as $100,000 and spread the payments over anywhere from two to twelve years, with no penalty for paying it off early.
- Stump size
- Diameter at ground level matters most. A wide oak stump takes much longer to grind than a small ornamental tree.
- Wood type and roots
- Hardwoods like oak grind slower than pine. Large surface roots spreading across the lawn add time if you want them ground too.
- Access to the stump
- A stump in an open front yard is simpler than one behind a narrow gate, on a slope or tucked against a fence or foundation.
- Number of stumps
- Several stumps in one visit cost less per stump than scheduling them one at a time.
- Cleanup choices
- Leaving chips in place costs less than hauling them away and bringing in fresh soil to backfill.
Stump grinding questions we hear often
Something not covered here? (407) 305-2563
How deep do you grind the stump?
We grind below ground level, deep enough for soil and grass to cover it comfortably. If you want to plant a shrub or tree in the same spot, we can go deeper. Tell us your plans at the walkthrough and we will set the depth to match.
Will the roots keep growing after you grind?
Most trees stop once the stump is gone, and the leftover roots break down over time. A few species can send up a shoot or two afterward. If that happens, those sprouts are small and easy to pull or clip.
Can you grind palm stumps?
Yes. Palm stumps are fibrous rather than solid wood, and their roots are thin and many instead of a few large ones. They grind differently but cleanly. If the palm is still standing, our palm tree pruning and removal service can take it down first.
Will the grinder damage my lawn?
Our machine is compact and rolls on wide tires, so it leaves very little mark on healthy turf. Grass right around the stump will be disturbed by chips and digging. We clean that up and can patch it with new sod if you want.
Can I use the wood chips?
You can. They work as a rough mulch on paths or under shrubs. Fresh chips can pull nitrogen from soil as they break down, so we suggest keeping them out of vegetable gardens and new flower beds.
Ready to get rid of that stump?
We will come look at it, explain your options plainly and give you a clear price before anything is scheduled.