Tree Service FAQ's
Stump Grinding, Brush Chipping & Small Tree Removal Questions Answered
We've answered the most common questions about stump grinding, brush chipping, and small tree removal. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us for a quick estimate.
Get An EstimateFrequently Asked Questions
Chip It Guy provides brush chipping, stump grinding, and small tree removal services for homeowners across Southern Ontario. Below are answers to the most common questions about our services, including how to prepare brush piles, stump grinding details, and how to request an estimate.
General Service FAQ's
What areas do you service?
Chip It Guy provides stump grinding, brush chipping, and small tree removal services for homeowners across Halton Region and surrounding communities.
We regularly serve Acton, Georgetown, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Cambridge, Guelph, Erin, Brampton, Mississauga and nearby areas. If you’re unsure whether you’re within the service area, feel free to send a photo of your stump, brush pile, or small trees and we can confirm availability.
How accurate are your photo estimates?
Most estimates are very accurate when clear photos of the stump, brush pile, or trees are provided.
Photos allow us to see the size, access, and surrounding obstacles so we can provide a reliable estimate without needing an on-site visit. In most cases the final price matches the estimate, unless the actual size or site conditions are significantly different from what was shown in the photos.
Why do you provide estimates from photos instead of on-site quotes?
Providing estimates from photos allows us to respond faster and keep service costs lower for homeowners.
Most stump grinding and brush chipping jobs can be accurately estimated using a few clear photos showing the size of the stump or brush pile and the surrounding access. This approach saves time for both the homeowner and the contractor while still providing a reliable estimate.
Are you insured?
Yes, Chip It Guy is fully insured.
Insurance helps protect both the homeowner and the contractor during the job. Our equipment is designed for residential properties, and we take care to work safely around fences, landscaping, and nearby structures.
Do you operate during the winter?
Yes, stump grinding and brush chipping services are often available during the winter months depending on weather and ground conditions.
Frozen ground can sometimes make stump grinding easier and reduce lawn disturbance. However, heavy snow or limited access may affect scheduling, so availability may vary during severe winter weather.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, Chip It Guy provides free estimates for stump grinding, brush chipping, and small tree removal.
Estimates are provided online, by phone, email, or text using photos of the stump, brush pile, or trees along with your location. This allows us to quickly assess the size of the job and provide an accurate estimate without needing an in-person visit.
How do I request an estimate?
The easiest way to request an estimate is by completing our online estimate form and uploading photos of the stump, brush pile, or small trees along with the required details.
You can also call or text if that’s easier, but clear photos will still be required so we can properly assess the size of the job and access for our equipment. Photos help us provide fast and accurate estimates without needing an in-person visit.
Do I need to be home while the work is completed?
No, you do not need to be home while the work is completed as long as we have clear access to the work area.
Many customers send photos, receive an estimate, and schedule the job without needing to be present. As long as the stump, brush pile, or trees are accessible and we have confirmed the details beforehand, the work can usually be completed while you are away.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment is typically accepted by e-transfer or cash once the job is completed.
Payment details will be confirmed when the job is scheduled. If you have any questions about payment options, feel free to ask when requesting your estimate.
How do I pay my invoice if I am not home when the work is completed?
Invoices can be paid by e-transfer to [email protected] once the job is finished.
Many customers are not home during the service. After the work is completed, an invoice will be sent and payment can be made by e-transfer. If you have any questions about payment, feel free to ask when scheduling your service.
Brush Chipping FAQ's
How long does brush chipping take?
Most residential brush chipping jobs take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the branch pile and how well the material is stacked.
Our commercial wood chipper can process brush quickly when branches are left long, and piled neatly with the cut ends facing the same direction. Jobs may take longer if branches need to be repositioned or dragged long distances to the chipper.
Do I need to be home for brush chipping service?
No. As long as the brush piles are accessible and located where the truck and chipper can park nearby, the work can usually be completed while you are away.
We will notify you once the job is finished and provide your invoice electronically.
What items cannot be chipped?
Wood chippers are designed for clean branches and brush only.
The following items cannot be chipped:
• Furniture
• Construction lumber or treated wood
• Root balls
• Dirt, rocks, cement, or garbage mixed in the pile
• Any material containing nails, screws, or metal
These materials can damage the chipper and may require additional time to remove from the pile before chipping.
What size branches can your chipper handle?
Our commercial wood chipper can handle branches up to about 6 inches in diameter.
Branches larger than this typically cannot be chipped, even if they are cut into shorter pieces. Larger wood may need to be cut into firewood or removed separately. If you’re unsure whether your material can be chipped, photos can help us determine if it is suitable for brush chipping.
How can I estimate the size of my brush pile?
Brush piles are typically estimated in cubic yards, which helps determine how long the chipping will take.
A simple way to visualize this is by comparing the pile to the exterior size of a minivan. Roughly 15 cubic yards of brush is about the size of one minivan, while 30 cubic yards is about the size of two minivans.
When requesting an estimate, please include the approximate number of cubic yards along with photos of the pile so we can confirm the size and provide the most accurate estimate.
How should I prepare my brush piles for brush chipping?
Brush piles should be stacked with the cut ends of the branches all facing the same direction and pointed outward toward the driveway or roadside where the truck and chipper will be positioned.
Branches should be left as long as possible after they are cut from the tree. Our chipper is hydraulically fed and pulls full branches through quickly. We can trim branches as needed to go through the chipper.
Where should I place my brush piles?
Brush piles should be stacked near the driveway or roadside where the truck and chipper can park. This allows branches to be fed directly into the chipper and keeps the job fast and efficient.
If piles must be dragged from the backyard, the job can take significantly longer depending on distance and access.
Can you chip branches that are in my backyard?
Branches located in a backyard can still be chipped, but they will need to be dragged to the chipper location, which is normally positioned near the driveway or roadside.
To keep the job quick and affordable, we strongly recommend moving and stacking brush piles close to where the truck and chipper can park before the appointment. If branches need to be dragged from the backyard, the time required can increase significantly depending on the distance, terrain, and access to the pile.
On some rural properties, and only when you plan to keep the wood chips, we may be able to use a small ATV to tow the chipper closer to the brush pile if access conditions allow.
Will you drive the chipper on my lawn?
In most cases, no.
The chipper is a 4-foot wide trailer weighing over 2000 pounds and is normally positioned near a driveway or roadside. We do not drive the truck and chipper across lawns or soft ground.
On some rural properties, and only when you plan to keep the wood chips, we may be able to bring a small ATV to tow the chipper closer to the pile if there is at least 4 feet of access and favourable ground conditions.
Will you collect branches from around my property or forest?
No. Chip It Guy does not provide yard cleanup or property maintenance services.
All branches should be collected and piled in advance before the appointment. Once the brush piles are prepared, we can chip them quickly and efficiently.
Will you chip very old brush piles?
Sometimes, but it depends on the condition of the branches.
Very old brush piles can become dry and brittle, which causes branches to break apart when handled instead of feeding cleanly through the chipper. In some cases this makes the material too deteriorated to chip efficiently.
Freshly cut branches and recently trimmed brush piles are always the fastest and most suitable for brush chipping.
What happens to the wood chips after chipping?
Wood chips can either be left on-site for you to use as mulch or hauled away if requested.
Many homeowners choose to keep the wood chips for garden beds, landscaping, or pathways.
Stump Grinding FAQ's
How long does it take to grind a stump?
Most tree stumps can be ground in 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the size and conditions.
The exact time varies based on the diameter of the stump, tree species, age of the wood, and whether there are rocks, roots, or other obstacles in the ground.
Do I need to be home during stump grinding?
No. As long as the stump is accessible and access to the yard is available, you do not need to be home.
Many stump grinding jobs are completed while homeowners are away. Once the work is finished, we will notify you and provide your invoice electronically.
Do you need photos of the stump for an estimate?
Yes. Photos of the stump are usually required to provide an accurate estimate.
Photos help us confirm the stump size, root flare, access to the area, and any nearby obstacles that may affect the grinding process. Estimates can typically be provided quickly once photos and the stump diameter are submitted through our estimate form.
How deep do you grind the stumps?
Tree stumps are typically ground to about 8-12 inches below ground level.
If deeper grinding is required, we can attempt to grind 12 to 16 inches below grade, which may be necessary for certain landscaping or construction projects. Deeper grinding takes additional time and may increase the cost.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Stump grinding costs are based mainly on the diameter of the stump at ground level and site access.
Larger stumps take longer to grind, especially when the root flare is wide at ground level. Access to the stump, nearby obstacles, and the number of stumps being removed can also affect the final price. If you need a ballpark estimate, try our stump grinding cost calculator, or get an estimate for a more accurate cost based on your specific project.
How should I measure my stump for an estimate?
Measure the diameter of the stump at the widest point at ground level including the above grade root flare.
Ensure to include the root flare at the base of the stump, not just the cut surface at the top. Providing the widest measurement helps ensure the most accurate estimate.
Will there be a hole where the stump was removed?
No. Stump grinding turns the stump into wood chips which remain in the area where the stump was located.
For small to medium stumps, the wood chips usually settle into the hole left by the stump. Larger stumps can produce a pile of mulch in the area after grinding. Homeowners usually spread these wood chips around landscaping, garden beds, or add them to compost.
Can you grind multiple stumps during the same visit?
Yes. Grinding multiple stumps during the same visit is common and often more efficient.
When several stumps are located on the same property, they can typically be completed in one appointment. Providing the diameter of each stump and photos of the area helps ensure an accurate estimate.
Do you remove the wood chips after stump grinding?
No. The wood chips created from stump grinding are left on site.
The chips can be used as mulch in garden beds, added to compost, or left in the hole where the stump was to naturally decompose.
Will you remove surface roots?
Yes, surface roots can usually be ground with the stump if needed.
If you have visible roots extending across your yard or landscaping, please let us know when requesting your estimate so we can include them in the scope of work.
Can your stump grinder get into my backyard?
Yes, surface roots can usually be ground with the stump if needed.
If you have visible roots extending across your yard or landscaping, please let us know when requesting your estimate so we can include them in the scope of work.
Can you grind a stump close to a house, fence, sidewalk, or walkway?
Usually yes, as our stump grinder requires a 36 inch opening to access a yard.
This is roughly the width of a standard backyard gate. Please measure your gate opening and let us know if there are slopes, stairs, decks, or other barriers that could affect access.
Can I plant grass where the stump was removed?
Yes, but access and safety can limit how close we can grind.
Our machine can typically grind to within about 8 inches of a structure, but we may not be able to completely remove stumps that are directly against foundations, walls, or other obstacles.
Can I plant a new tree where the old stump was?
Yes, grass can grow where a stump was removed with some basic soil preparation.
Wood chips left from grinding can temporarily reduce nitrogen in the soil. Removing excess chips and adding nitrogen rich fertilizer before seeding will help new grass establish more successfully.
What happens to the roots after stump grinding?
Most underground roots are left in place after stump grinding.
The grinding process removes the visible stump and the upper portion of the root system. The remaining underground roots naturally decompose over time and usually do not cause problems for lawns or landscaping.
Do I need to request a locate for underground wires, cables, or pipes?
It is possible, but generally not recommended to plant directly in the same location.
Wood chips, remaining roots, and nutrient depletion from the previous tree can make it difficult for a new tree to establish healthy growth. Planting several feet away from the original stump site is usually a better option.
Small Tree & Shrub Removal FAQ's
What size trees can you remove?
Chip It Guy removes small trees and shrubs up to approximately 13 feet tall.
This service is designed for smaller trees, overgrown shrubs, volunteer trees, and hedge sections that are manageable without large climbing equipment.
Do you remove the stump when cutting down a small tree?
Stumps can either be left in place or removed with stump grinding.
Many customers choose to have the stump ground during the same visit so the area can be used for landscaping, grass, or garden beds.
What happens to the branches and debris after the tree is removed?
Branches and debris from small tree and shrub removal are typically taken away from the property.
Depending on the volume of material, it may be chipped on site or may be removed from the job site and processed through our chipper off site.
Do you remove large trees?
No. This service is specifically for small trees and shrubs under about 13 feet tall.
Larger trees require specialized climbing or heavy equipment and are typically handled by full tree service companies.
Can you remove hedges or overgrown shrubs?
Yes. Overgrown shrubs, hedge sections, and large bushes can usually be removed if they are under about 13 feet tall.
Please include photos when requesting an estimate so we can confirm the size and access to the area.
Do I need to be home for small tree removal?
No, as long as the tree or shrubs are accessible you do not need to be home.
Many jobs are completed while homeowners are away. We can notify you once the work is finished and provide your invoice electronically.
How do I get an estimate for small tree removal?
Estimates are usually provided through our online estimate form.
The form allows you to submit photos of the tree or shrubs along with details such as height, access to the area, and whether stump grinding is required. Providing clear photos helps us review the job and respond with the most accurate estimate.
Can you remove trees close to fences, sheds, or houses?
Yes, in many cases small trees near structures can still be removed safely.
Access to the tree and the surrounding space will determine how the removal is completed. Photos are helpful so we can assess the situation before providing an estimate.
Will removing a small tree damage my lawn?
Small tree and shrub removal normally causes very little disturbance to the lawn.
Because the trees handled in this service are relatively small, removal is usually done using hand tools and controlled cutting rather than heavy equipment.
Can you remove multiple small trees during the same visit?
Yes. Multiple small trees or shrubs can often be removed during one visit.
If you have several trees or shrubs that need to be removed, include them in your estimate request so we can plan the job accordingly.
Learn More About Our Services
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