What equipment is used for stump grinding?
Stump grinding uses a petrol or diesel-powered grinder fitted with a rotating cutting disc holding 8 to 16 carbide-tipped teeth. Machines range from 13hp walk-behind units 660mm wide for narrow gates up to 50hp tracked grinders for stumps over 36 inches. PPE includes a face shield, ear defenders, kevlar trousers, and steel toecaps.
| Machine class | Engine | Width | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact walk-behind | 13–14 hp | 660mm | Garden gates, small stumps under 12" |
| Standard self-propelled | 23–27 hp | 750–850mm | Most domestic jobs, 12–24" stumps |
| Tracked grinder | 35–50 hp | 900–1,100mm | Hardwood, 24"+ stumps, slopes |
| Tow-behind / PTO | 50–90 hp | 1,200mm+ | Commercial, woodland clearance |
What are the steps in the stump grinding process?
The 6-step process: 1) site survey and utility check, 2) clear debris and protect surroundings with boards, 3) cut the stump down to ground level with a chainsaw, 4) position the grinder and lower the wheel onto the wood, 5) sweep side-to-side grinding 150–300mm deep, 6) backfill with chips and clean the area.
Steps 1–3 take 10–15 minutes combined. Step 5 — the actual grinding — accounts for 80% of total time on site. Step 6 takes 10 minutes for a single stump. Our single fixed price covers every step including disposal of surface debris.
How do I get rid of a tree stump without digging it out?
Four no-dig methods exist: stump grinding (1–2 hours, leaves chips), chemical killers like SBK Brushwood (3–12 months, residue in soil), natural rotting with Epsom salts (12–24 months), and burning (illegal in most UK gardens). Grinding is the only method that removes the stump on the same day with no chemicals.
- Stump grinding — mechanical, same-day, 150–300mm below ground.
- Chemical killer — slow, leaves a dead stump in the ground for 6+ months.
- Epsom salts or rock salt — folk method, 12–24 months, kills surrounding soil too.
- Wait and rot — 5–10 years untouched; harbours honey fungus and pests meanwhile.
How deep does a stump grinder go?
A stump grinder reaches 150mm to 300mm below ground level — 6 to 12 inches. Standard depth is 200mm (8 inches), which is enough for a new lawn or planting bed. For paving, decking foundations, or a fence post, we grind to 300mm. Anything deeper requires excavation, not grinding.
The lateral roots radiating from the stump are not removed by grinding. They stay in the ground and decay over 5–10 years. For most gardens this is invisible; for new-build foundations it matters and a full removal may be needed instead.
What is the best time of year for stump removal?
Stump grinding works year-round in the UK. Autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) are ideal because the ground is firm but workable. Frozen winter ground slows the grinder by 10–20%; saturated winter clay risks rutting lawns. We grind 12 months a year — weather only affects access, not the cut.
How long does the whole process take?
Total time on site is 15 minutes to 2 hours per stump. A 12-inch pine stump takes 15–25 minutes; a 24-inch oak takes 45–70 minutes; a 36-inch hardwood takes 90–120 minutes. Setup adds 10 minutes and cleanup adds 10–15 minutes. Most single-stump bookings finish inside 90 minutes door-to-door.
| Stump diameter | Soft wood (pine, birch) | Hardwood (oak, beech) |
|---|---|---|
| 8" | 10–15 min | 15–25 min |
| 12" | 15–25 min | 25–40 min |
| 18" | 25–40 min | 40–60 min |
| 24" | 40–60 min | 45–70 min |
| 36" | 60–90 min | 90–120 min |
Multi-stump jobs are far faster per unit — after the first stump the machine is already on site, so a row of six conifer stumps often takes the same as two single visits. See our duration guide for species-by-species timing.
What happens to the wood chips?
Grinding produces 3–8 wheelbarrows of mixed wood-and-soil chips per stump. By default we rake them back into the hole — the chips settle and decompose over 12–18 months, releasing nitrogen as they rot. Removal off site costs £25–£50; chips can also be reused as mulch on borders away from living plants.
The chip pile looks larger than the void it came from because the grinding action mixes wood with air. After 2–3 weeks of settling the mound flattens; after a winter it sits level with the surrounding soil. If you want a clean finish on the day for turfing, our cleanup options cover full chip removal.
Is stump grinding safe for my garden?
Yes, when done correctly. The grinder works in a 1-metre radius around the stump and leaves the rest of the garden untouched. We use 600mm protection boards on lawns, check for buried services before starting, and the operator wears full PPE. Pets and children must stay 10 metres away during grinding.
We work across Canterbury and Ashford as well as 26 other East Kent towns, so most jobs are reached inside 30 minutes. Send us a photo of the stump with a rough diameter and we return a fixed price within the hour.
