Stump Grinding & Removal

Why You Should Remove Tree Stumps

Many homeowners think they can just leave a stump and forget about it. Unfortunately, stumps create more problems than you might expect. They take up space you could use for landscaping, patios, or play areas. They're hazards for kids running around the yard or anyone walking in the area, especially once grass grows around them and makes them harder to see.

Stumps also attract unwanted visitors. As the wood decays, it becomes a perfect home for termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other insects. These pests don't always stay in the stump. They can migrate to your home or healthy trees nearby. Fungi and diseases that killed the original tree can also remain in the stump and spread to surrounding plants.

Our Stump Grinding Process

Stump grinding is the most practical and cost-effective removal method. We use specialized machines with carbide teeth that grind the stump into small wood chips, working our way down until the stump is 6 to 12 inches below ground level. This depth is perfect for covering with soil and replanting grass, or for any other use you have planned.

The process is straightforward. We assess the stump size and location, then position our equipment for the best access. Our grinders can handle stumps of any size, from small ornamental trees to massive oak stumps several feet across. We grind the stump and major surface roots, creating wood chips that you can use as mulch or that we can haul away as part of our service.

After grinding, we fill the hole with the wood chips and soil, leaving your yard level and ready for your next project. The entire process typically takes a few hours depending on stump size, and we always clean up thoroughly before we leave. You'll barely know there was ever a tree there.

Stump Grinding vs. Complete Removal

You have two main options: grinding or complete removal. Grinding is what we recommend for most situations. It's faster, less expensive, and less disruptive to your yard. The grinder takes care of the visible stump and top portion of the root system without tearing up large areas of your property.

Complete stump removal means digging out the entire stump and root ball. This method is necessary only for specific situations, like when you're planning major construction directly where the stump sits, or if you need to plant a new tree in the exact same spot. It requires excavation equipment, creates a large hole, and costs significantly more than grinding.

For most homeowners in Brea, grinding solves the problem perfectly. The roots left underground naturally decompose over time, and you can immediately use the space for planting grass, flowers, or anything else you want. We'll discuss both options with you and recommend the best approach for your specific situation.