Call (708) 665-4874 for a free stump grinding estimate. We grind stumps below grade and clean up the mess.
Get Rid of That Stump for Good
After a tree comes down, the stump stays — and it's a problem. It trips people, damages mower blades, attracts insects, and makes the yard look unfinished. Stump grinding solves it in a single visit.
Our stump grinder chews the stump down well below grade, turning it into wood chips. We backfill the area and haul away the debris, leaving you with a clean, level spot you can seed, sod, or landscape over.
Why Grind Instead of Digging Out a Stump?
- Faster and less destructive. Digging out a stump tears up a huge section of yard. Grinding leaves a small, manageable work area.
- Handles any size. Our grinders handle small ornamental stumps and large hardwood stumps alike.
- Kills regrowth. Grinding below grade destroys the root crown, so the stump doesn't send up suckers.
- Same-day service for most jobs. Most residential stumps are ground in under an hour.
Common Reasons to Grind a Stump
- Leftover stump from a tree that was already removed
- Tripping hazard near walkways, patios, or play areas
- Stump interfering with mowing or landscaping plans
- Decaying stump attracting ants, termites, or fungi
- Preparing a spot for a new tree, fence, or patio
- Clearing stumps across a lot or property line
- Stump grinding needed after a neighbor's tree removal left debris on your side
What We Check Before Grinding
Before we start, we confirm what's around the stump — underground utilities, sprinkler lines, and nearby plantings. If you're unsure where utilities run, we'll help you get them marked. Grinding near concrete or fences takes extra care, and our operators have done it hundreds of times.
We also grind surface roots that are lifting sidewalks or driveways, where doing so won't destabilize a tree you want to keep.
How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Stump grinding is usually the most affordable tree service we offer. Price depends mainly on the stump's diameter, how many stumps there are, and access — a grinder needs to reach the stump. Multiple stumps on one property are almost always cheaper per stump than a single callout, so it pays to have us do them all at once.
Pair It With Tree Removal
If you still have the tree, schedule removal and stump grinding together. One crew, one visit, and a lower combined price than booking separately. See our tree removal page.
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal
People often ask about the difference. Stump grinding shreds the stump in place, below grade — fast, affordable, and minimally disruptive. Stump removal means digging or pulling the entire stump and root ball out of the ground, which leaves a large hole and tears up the surrounding yard.
For most residential situations, grinding is the right choice. Full removal is usually only needed when you're building directly on the spot — a foundation, a pool, or a driveway — where every root must go.
What Happens After Grinding?
Once the stump is ground below grade, we backfill the area with the resulting wood chips mixed with soil. Within a few weeks the chips settle, and you can:
- Spread topsoil and seed or sod over the spot
- Plant a new tree nearby (not directly in the old hole — the decomposing roots need time)
- Extend a patio, walkway, or garden bed over the area
The spot blends back into your yard quickly. Most customers are surprised how clean the finished result looks.
Reclaim Your Yard
That stump isn't going away on its own — it's just going to rot, slowly, for years. Call The Best Tree Guys at (708) 665-4874 for a free stump grinding estimate in the southwest Chicago suburbs. Fast, clean, and done right.