Chilham is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque villages in Kent, with its medieval square, castle grounds, and timber-framed cottages set on a hilltop above the Great Stour. The entire village is a conservation area, and the North Downs Way passes right through it — which means stump grinding in Chilham is rarely just a matter of turning up with a machine. Most properties around the square, up School Hill, and along Mountain Street sit within sight of Grade II listed buildings, and many of the mature oaks, beeches, limes, and yews you see today were planted when the village was already old. We cover Chilham village, the Old Wives Lees end of the parish, and the lanes running down to Chartham on the Canterbury side.
How much does stump grinding cost in Chilham?
Stump grinding in Chilham typically costs between £100 and £300 per stump, with most single garden jobs landing around £150. Pricing works out at roughly £2 to £3 per inch of stump diameter measured at ground level, with a minimum call-out of £80 to £150.
Hardwoods raise the price. Oak, beech, and yew — the three species we see most often in older Chilham gardens — grind more slowly than birch or cherry, so a 24-inch oak near the square costs more than a 24-inch birch in a newer Old Wives Lees plot. Second and subsequent stumps on the same visit are usually around 35% cheaper.
What does the stump grinding process involve?
Stump grinding uses a machine fitted with a rotating cutting disc and carbide-tipped teeth that chip wood into small chips and sawdust. We grind 150 to 300mm below ground level, removing the stump itself and the top of the root crown. The remaining roots are left to decay naturally underground.
On site we assess the stump, check for underground services, lay ground protection across lawns or gravel, and grind in a clear safety zone. Chips are either backfilled into the hole as a slow-release mulch or bagged and taken away. The area is left swept clean and ready for turf or planting.
How long does stump grinding take?
Most residential stumps in Chilham are ground in 15 to 60 minutes per stump. Hardwood like oak or beech can take up to 2 hours; softer wood like birch is faster. A typical village garden job with one stump takes under an hour including setup and cleanup.
Why shouldn't you leave a tree stump in the ground?
Three main reasons: stumps are trip hazards in lawns and near paths, they attract pests and fungi (honey fungus, wood-boring beetles, wasp nests), and species like sycamore regrow vigorously from the cut stump. Mature oak roots in Chilham's clay-influenced soils can also drive subsidence claims if left near foundations. Read the full answer on why remove a tree stump.
Do I need permission to grind a tree stump in Chilham?
For most garden stumps from already-felled trees, no permission is needed. Permission rules apply to living trees, not to the stumps that remain after a tree has lawfully come down. However, because the entire village of Chilham is a conservation area, it is always worth checking before any work begins.
Canterbury City Council manages the TPO register for the Canterbury District. Inside a conservation area, any work on a tree over 75mm in diameter (measured at 1.5m up the trunk) requires six weeks written notice to the council before work starts. Dead or dangerous trees only need 5 working days' notice. If you are unsure, we will help you confirm the position with the council before booking the job.
Ready to clear a stump in Chilham? Request a free, no-obligation quote and we will come out, measure the stump, and give you a fixed price the same day where possible.
