Sometimes grinding is not enough — you need the whole stump gone. Full stump removal means digging the stump out completely, root ball and all, so nothing is left in the ground. For most yards, stump grinding is the quicker option — removal is for when you need the ground completely clear.
When is full removal better than grinding?
Grinding is right for most yards, but full removal is the better choice when you are building something where the stump was, replanting a new tree in the same spot, or doing fence or foundation work nearby. A ground-down stump and its roots can get in the way of footings, posts, and new roots, and the leftover wood can settle over time. If you need the ground completely clear and solid, removal is the way to go.
What does full removal look like?
We dig around the stump, cut through the roots holding it in place, and lift the whole stump and root ball out of the ground. We backfill the hole with the soil we dug out and tidy the area when we are finished. Removal takes longer and leaves a bigger hole than grinding, so it costs more — we will quote both options when you ask, so you can choose what fits your plans and your budget. See typical stump grinding costs first if you like.
Before the job
Because removal digs into the ground, it helps to know what is buried nearby. Tell us about any sprinkler lines, buried cables, or other utilities near the stump when you request a quote, and keep pets and kids clear of the work area on the day. If you are not sure what is underground, ask us — we will talk through it with you before we start digging.
Request a quote
Thinking about taking a stump out completely? Request a quote using the quote form — tell us how many stumps there are, roughly how big they are, and what you plan to do with the spot, and we will get back to you with a price for grinding and for full removal.