How to Remove a Tree Stump

Stump grinding, sometimes referred to as root grinding, is by far the most effective way to remove a tree stump. The stump is ground down into woodchip below ground level, leaving the area clear and ready to replant, turf, pave or gravel over.

It’s a quick, tidy process that causes minimal disruption to the surrounding area, making it suitable even in tight spaces or close to buildings, walls and fences.

Other Ways to Remove Tree Stumps

While there are various ways to deal with a tree stump, stump grinding remains the quickest, safest, and most practical solution in almost every situation. Below we cover a few different options which are generally slower and more labour-intensive than a mechanical option.

Digger Removal

Using a digger can remove a stump, but it comes with some serious drawbacks. The main issue is access, getting a machine large enough to do the job without causing significant damage to lawns, paving or surrounding areas.

Once the stump is removed, you’re left with a large hole that needs filling, and the stump itself then needs to be disposed of. While this method can work on larger landscaping projects, it’s often not practical for domestic settings.

We’re regularly called in by landscapers where stump grinding is the better option. It’s cleaner, more efficient, and can be carried out in areas where diggers simply can’t reach.

Jacks and Winches

For very small stumps, it’s sometimes possible to dig underneath and use a jack to force them out of the ground.

Winching can also be used on smaller trees, but it requires leaving at least 1.5 metres of trunk to provide enough leverage. Even then, it leaves a large hole and carries a significant safety risk if not done properly.

Burning Stumps

Burning out a stump is often attempted but rarely successful. Fire needs oxygen to sustain itself, and with the stump surrounded by soil, it’s extremely difficult to keep it burning effectively.

Most attempts result in a lot of time wasted with very little progress.

Axe removal

We regularly get enquiries from people who have tried to remove stumps with an axe and quickly realised how difficult it is. It’s extremely hard work and only really viable for very small stumps.

Leaving it to Rot

If you’re prepared to wait long enough, a stump will eventually decay naturally. This can take many years (sometimes over a decade), and in the meantime you’re left with an unsightly stump and a potential trip hazard.

Get a Quick Estimate Without a Visit

If you want a quick, hassle-free online price, you can send us the following through our ‘get a quote’ form and we’ll get right back to you:

Diameter of the stump(s)
Number of stumps
Your location/address
Any access details (steps, narrow gates, restricted access)
A photo of the stump and surrounding area
With this, we can usually give you a reliable estimate without needing to visit.

Important Information Before We Start

Most underground services run from the road into the front of the property, and cables such as broadband are often close to the surface. Please let us know if you are aware of any underground services near the stump area so we can avoid any risk of damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few common questions about stump grinding in Edinburgh.

How are tree stumps removed?

We use a professional stump grinding machine (sometimes called a root grinder), which breaks the stump down into wood chip. This is left in place and can be used as mulch, left to naturally rot into the soil, spread under hedges, or disposed of in your garden waste.

If you’d prefer everything removed from site, we can arrange that too.

For a more detailed breakdown of the process, see how to remove a tree stump.

How deep does stump grinding go?

Stumps are typically ground to a depth of between 15cm and 30cm below ground level. The exact depth depends on access, the size of machine we can get in, and the surrounding conditions.

In some situations, going deeper may not be practical or safe — full details are outlined in our terms and conditions.

Are stump grinding quotes free?

Yes. We offer a simple online quote system where you can send over the details of your stump, and we’ll get back to you with a price. All quotes are based on the accuracy of the information provided, so in some cases the final price may need adjusting once we see the job in person.

If needed, we can still arrange a site visit. You can get started via our contact page.

What happens to the wood chip?

The grinding process produces wood chip, which is usually left on site and backfilled into the hole. This helps level the ground and can improve soil structure over time.

If there’s excess material from larger stumps, it can be spread across beds, used as mulch, placed under hedges, or disposed of via your garden waste bin. If none of those options work, we can quote to remove it completely.

Can I plant over the old stump after grinding?

Yes, in most cases you can turf, seed, plant or fence directly over the area once the stump has been ground out. We’d usually recommend adding some topsoil or compost first.

If you’re planting a new tree, it’s often better to slightly offset the position rather than planting directly on top of the old stump.

Will the tree grow back after stump grinding?

In almost all cases, no. Stump grinding effectively kills the stump and is one of the most reliable ways of preventing regrowth.

If anything unexpected does come back, we’ll return and deal with it. For comparison with other methods, see how to kill tree stumps.

Do you remove all the roots?

No — we remove the main stump and the immediate surrounding area to a depth of at least 15cm, and up to 30cm where access allows.

Full root removal isn’t usually necessary and can be far more disruptive. If required, we can grind out visible surface roots. For more involved jobs, see tree root removal.

Can you get a stump grinder through a gate or tight space?

Yes! Access is rarely an issue. We have a range of machines designed to get through narrow gates, across steps, and into confined areas such as raised beds or enclosed gardens. For very large stumps, wider access may be required, but we’ll advise on that upfront.

Will underground services be affected?

Most underground services are buried deeper than the typical grinding depth of 15cm to 30cm. However, it’s important that you let us know about anything in the area beforehand.

Shallow services such as broadband or garden cabling are the most common issue, as these are often laid close to the surface.

How much does stump removal cost?

The cost depends on the size of the stump, how many there are, access for machinery, and your location.
Most customers are surprised at how affordable stump grinding is.

You can get a quick estimate using our online form, or read more about pricing here → cost of stump grinding.

Ready to get a price?

Call 0131 356 0428 or send us your details today and we’ll get back to you promptly.