Stump Grinding in Chattanooga, TN

Grinding vs. full removal

Grinding chews the stump down 4–12 inches below the soil line with a rotating cutting wheel. The roots stay in the ground and decompose naturally over the following years. Full stump extraction with an excavator is a different (and much more expensive) service — necessary only if you're building, paving, or installing a pool directly over the spot. For lawns, gardens, and most replanting, grinding is what you want.

What grinding includes

We grind the stump down below grade and reduce it (and any visible surface roots) to chips. The chips can be left to backfill the hole, mixed with topsoil, or hauled away depending on your preference. We sweep or blow the area clean and leave the spot ready for re-sodding, mulching, or planting.

Pricing

Stump grinding is typically priced by stump diameter — roughly $4 to $8 per inch in the Chattanooga market, with a minimum charge of $100 to $200. A typical 18–24 inch stump runs $120–$250. Access matters: a stump in the open back yard is cheaper than one tucked between a deck and a fence.

After grinding — what to expect

The remaining root system will continue to decompose underground over several years. The ground may settle slightly as it does, so it's a good idea to top up the spot with soil before re-sodding or planting. Sucker-prone species like sweetgum, elm, or Bradford pear can send up new shoots from leftover root mass; we can treat or revisit if that happens.