Stump Grinding

Ever wonder what happens to the bottom of a tree after it’s been cut down?

Are you left with an ugly tree stump in your garden and not sure what to do with it?

At Leicester Tree Services, we’re here to help explain what stump grinding is, how the process works, and how long it usually takes. If you’ve recently had a tree removed—or there’s been an old stump sitting in your lawn for years—you’ve probably noticed how it gets in the way or spoils the look of your garden. That’s where stump grinding comes in. It’s the easiest and cleanest way to deal with leftover stumps, and when done properly, it can completely transform the appearance and safety of your outdoor space.

So, what exactly is stump grinding? When a tree is cut down, the trunk is removed, but the base and the roots are still left in the ground. That part is called the stump. Depending on the tree and how it was removed, the stump might be a few inches tall or much higher. Some people choose to leave stumps in place, especially if they’re in a quiet corner of the garden. But in most cases, tree stumps get in the way, become a trip hazard, or just look unattractive. Over time, they can also rot and attract pests like ants, beetles, or fungi. That’s why stump grinding is such a useful service—it allows you to get rid of the stump safely and quickly, without digging up the whole root system.

The stump grinding process starts with a simple site visit. When you contact us, we’ll arrange a time to come out and take a look at the stump. We check the size, location, and type of wood, as well as how much access we have to the area. Some stumps are easy to reach, like those in open lawns or front gardens. Others might be tucked into tight corners or surrounded by plants, fences, or paving. No matter the setup, we always find the best and safest way to get the job done.

Once we’ve had a look, we’ll explain the process to you and give you a free quote. We always keep things simple, with no hidden costs or complicated terms. We’ll tell you how long it’s likely to take and answer any questions you have before starting the work. When you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll book in a time that works for you.

On the day of the job, we bring a stump grinder, which is a powerful machine designed to chip away at the stump until it’s completely below ground level. The grinder has a spinning wheel with sharp teeth that grinds the wood down into small pieces. It sounds like a big job, but the machine is designed to do it efficiently and safely. Depending on the space and the size of the stump, we may use different types of grinders—smaller ones for narrow spaces and larger ones for big, open areas.

Before we begin grinding, we make sure the area is clear and safe. That means removing stones, garden decorations, or anything that might be in the way. We may also put up barriers or covers to protect nearby plants or structures from flying wood chips. Safety is always our top priority, and our team is fully trained and insured to handle the equipment with care and confidence.

Once everything is ready, we start the grinding process. The machine is moved carefully over the stump, grinding it layer by layer. We usually grind to a depth of 4 to 6 inches below the surface, but we can go deeper if you need to replant in the same spot or lay turf over the area. As we grind, the stump is turned into fine wood chips, which build up around the area like mulch. Some people choose to keep these wood chips for their flowerbeds or compost, while others ask us to take them away. We’re happy to do whichever suits you best.

So, how long does stump grinding take? The answer depends on a few things. Smaller stumps, like those from young or narrow trees, can often be ground down in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Larger stumps, especially from wide or old trees, may take an hour or more. On average, most stump grinding jobs take between 30 minutes and two hours from start to finish. The exact time depends on the size of the stump, the type of wood (harder woods take longer), how deep you want it ground, and how easy it is to access the area. If there are multiple stumps on your property, we may be there a bit longer, but we’ll always let you know what to expect ahead of time.

Once the grinding is complete, we make sure the area is left clean and tidy. If you’ve chosen to keep the wood chips, we’ll spread them out evenly or bag them up for you. If you want them removed, we’ll load them up and take them away, leaving behind a smooth and level patch of soil. The ground might be a bit soft for a few days, but after a little time and some rain or watering, it will settle nicely. You’ll then be able to replant, reseed, or just enjoy your newly cleared space.

One of the best things about stump grinding is that it’s quick and doesn’t cause a lot of disruption. Unlike stump removal, which involves digging out the whole root system and can tear up lawns or paving, grinding is gentle on the surrounding area. There’s no heavy digging, no large holes, and no long recovery time for your garden. It’s a clean and simple way to finish the job properly after tree removal.

At Leicester Tree Services, we’ve helped hundreds of local homeowners, landlords, and businesses with stump grinding. We understand that no two gardens are the same, and we take pride in offering friendly, professional service from the moment you call. Whether it’s one small stump in a back garden or several large ones after major tree work, we’ve got the tools, experience, and care to get the job done right.

Some customers ask whether grinding removes the entire stump. The answer is that while the visible part of the stump is removed, some of the roots are left behind. These roots will naturally rot away over time, usually within a few years. They don’t cause any problems underground, and in most cases, you’d never even know they’re there. If you’re planning to plant a new tree in the same spot, just let us know—we can grind deeper to make room for new roots.

Another common question is whether stump grinding is noisy or messy. The machine does make some noise, but we work quickly and keep the sound to a minimum. We also clean up thoroughly afterward. You won’t be left with a mess or a pile of sawdust—unless, of course, you want to keep the mulch. We always work with care and respect for your property and leave it just as we found it—only better.

If you have a stump that’s been bothering you, or if you’ve just had a tree removed and want to finish the job properly, stump grinding is the answer. It’s quick, safe, and surprisingly affordable. Most of all, it helps you make full use of your garden again—whether you’re planning to plant, build, or simply enjoy a tidy lawn.

Give Leicester Tree Services a call today for a free quote and friendly advice. We’re happy to visit your property, take a look at your stump, and explain exactly what’s needed. No pressure, no hassle—just expert help from a local team that cares.

Let’s get that stump out of the way and give your garden the clean, clear finish it deserves.

Leicester Tree Services
6 St Georges Way
Leicester
LE1 1SH
Phone: 01164035555