Stump Grinding & Removal
Complete stump removal that clears your yard and prepares it for what's next.
Why Stumps Need to Go
That leftover stump from a removed tree might not seem like a big problem at first. But stumps create more issues than most homeowners realize. They take up valuable yard space, attract pests, spread disease to other trees, and create safety hazards for anyone walking or mowing in your yard.
Stumps also keep trying to grow. You'll notice new shoots sprouting around the base, which means you're constantly fighting regrowth. Even worse, the roots continue spreading underground, potentially damaging foundations, sidewalks, and underground utilities. What starts as an eyesore can become a genuine headache.
Professional stump grinding eliminates these problems permanently. After we finish removing your tree, grinding the stump completes the job and gives you full use of your property again.
Our Stump Grinding Process
Stump grinding uses specialized machinery to chip away the wood below ground level. It's the most effective and affordable way to eliminate stumps completely. Here's how we handle every job:
Step 1: Site Preparation
We clear the area around the stump and check for underground utilities. Our equipment is powerful, so we make sure the work zone is safe and free of obstacles that could cause problems.
Step 2: Grinding
Using our professional stump grinder, we reduce the stump to wood chips, going several inches below ground level. This ensures the stump won't regrow and leaves you with a level surface. The depth depends on your plans for the area.
Step 3: Cleanup and Mulch
We fill the hole with the wood chips created during grinding, which makes excellent mulch. We also rake the area and remove excess chips if you prefer. You're left with a clean space ready for grass seed, landscaping, or whatever you have planned.
Problems Stumps Cause
Still thinking about leaving that stump in place? Consider these issues that stumps create for Altoona homeowners:
- •Trip hazards that put your family and visitors at risk of injury
- •Damage to lawn mowers and other yard equipment
- •Attraction of termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-boring pests
- •Fungal growth and diseases that can spread to healthy trees
- •Wasted yard space that could be used for landscaping or recreation
- •Reduced property value and curb appeal
- •Constant new growth that requires ongoing maintenance
These problems only get worse over time. The sooner you remove the stump, the less chance it has to cause damage or attract pests to your property.
Stump Grinding vs. Removal
Many people ask about the difference between stump grinding and complete stump removal. Both methods eliminate the visible stump, but they work differently and suit different situations.
Stump grinding is faster, more affordable, and less invasive. We grind the stump down several inches below ground level, which is sufficient for most projects. The roots gradually decay underground over time. This method works great if you're planting grass, adding mulch, or building something like a patio where the remaining roots won't interfere.
Complete stump removal involves digging out the entire stump and root ball. This method is necessary if you're planning to replant a tree in the same spot, build a foundation, or install in-ground pool. It's more labor-intensive and leaves a larger hole to fill.
We'll help you decide which approach makes sense for your situation and budget. For larger projects involving multiple trees, we also provide land clearing services to prepare your entire property.