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How Deep Does Stump Grinding Go?

Most stump grinding removes the stump 8 to 12 inches below ground level, which is deep enough to cover the area with soil or grow grass over it. In some cases the stump can be ground deeper if landscaping or replanting is planned for that spot.

What Happens During Stump Grinding

Stump grinding uses a specialized machine with a rotating cutting wheel that gradually grinds the stump into small wood chips. The grinder removes the visible stump and part of the root flare just below the soil line. 

Most residential stump grinding jobs are surprisingly quick once the machine is in place, and you can learn more about how long stump grinding usually takes depending on the size of the stump.

The wood chips created during grinding stay in the area where the stump was removed and can be spread out or mixed with soil to help fill the hole.

What Happens to the Roots?

Stump grinding does not remove the entire root system. The roots remain underground but slowly break down over time once the tree is gone. If you’re curious about what happens underground after the stump is removed, you can read more about what happens to roots after stump grinding.

For most residential yards this causes no problems. The roots simply decompose naturally in the soil over several years.

Can You Plant Grass After Stump Grinding?

Yes. Once the stump is ground below grade, the area can be leveled with soil and seeded with grass.

Some homeowners choose to remove some of the wood chips and replace them with topsoil to help grass grow more quickly, but this is not always necessary.

When Deeper Grinding May Be Needed

In some situations a stump may be ground deeper than the typical 8–12 inches. This can happen if you plan to:

  • plant another tree in the same location (not usually recommended)
  • install a garden bed or landscaping feature
  • level the area for a patio or walkway

The exact depth depends on stump size, root structure, and site access.

The wood chips created during grinding stay in the area where the stump was removed and can be spread out or mixed with soil to help fill the hole.

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A Quick Tip From Chip It Guy

If you’ve got a stump hiding under weeds, mulch, rocks, or garden edging, clear it out before the grinder arrives. It makes the job quicker, safer, and saves everyone from playing a surprise game of “what’s buried around this stump?”

Stump Grinding for Homes in Halton Hills and Nearby Areas

Leftover stumps are common after tree removal, and grinding them below ground level is usually the fastest way to reclaim the space. Chip It Guy provides stump grinding services for homeowners across Halton Hills, Milton, Georgetown, Acton, Guelph, and surrounding communities. If you still have a stump in your yard, you can learn more about our stump grinding service.

Common Stump Grinding Questions

Does stump grinding remove the entire root system?

No. Stump grinding removes the stump and part of the root flare below ground level, but most roots remain underground and gradually break down over time.
No. Once the stump is ground below grade the tree cannot regrow.
The wood chips remain in the grinding area. Homeowners can spread them out, use them as mulch in garden beds, or remove some and replace the area with soil.

Got a stump that needs to go?

If a leftover stump is taking up space in your yard, Chip It Guy can grind it below ground level so the area can be used again. Serving homeowners across Halton Hills, Milton, Georgetown, Acton, and nearby communities.

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No-Stump-Left-Behind Guarantee

We stand behind our work — and our stump grinder. If we quoted it, we grind it. Simple as that. But here’s what that actually means:

What's covered

  • Complete grinding of all stumps and exposed roots quoted at the time of booking
  • Any visible roots within the immediate stump base (i.e., part of the flare/root crown)
  • Grinding to approximately 8–12 inches below grade, depending on site conditions
  • Return visit at no extra charge if a quoted stump was accidentally missed or not fully ground due to oversight

What's not covered

  • Roots outside the immediate stump zone (especially those extending into driveways, lawns, or garden beds)
  • Unquoted stumps or roots not discussed or included in the original estimate
  • Return visits to address changes to landscaping after the stump grinding (e.g., digging, paving, or leveling)
  • Grinding that’s limited by inaccessible areas, utilities, or buried obstacles
  • Removal or hauling of wood chips/mulch unless separately quoted

Every stump — and yard — is different. If you have concerns about surface roots or future landscaping plans, let us know when requesting your estimate. We’re happy to walk through it with you so you know what to expect.

It’s extremely important to us that our customers feel confident, informed, and happy with the service and the results. If something’s not right, we want to hear about it — and we’ll always do our best to make it right.

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