Tree Root Removal in Edinburgh
- NPTC Qualified
- £10m Public Liability
- 20+ Years Experience
- Family Run Edinburgh Business
Removing Problem Surface Roots
When we carry out stump grinding, customers will often ask for major surface roots to be removed at the same time. In many cases, this can be done by following the root out from the stump using the grinder.
Certain species, such as cherry, are well known for producing surface roots that track across the ground and quickly become a nuisance.
Targeted Root Grinding (Not Full Clearance)
We don’t usually grind out every root across a wide area, as this can cause unnecessary disruption and make a mess of the surrounding ground. It also adds wear to machinery and increases costs without much benefit.
Instead, we focus on the main stump and any larger roots that are actually causing issues.
Useful for Planting, Edging & Groundworks
If you’re planning new planting, installing edging, or carrying out paving or trenching work, we can grind through major roots where needed to make the area usable again.
This is often far quicker and cleaner than trying to dig through roots by hand.
Include Roots in Your Quote
If you need roots removed as well as the stump, it’s important to mention this when requesting a quote. Our standard pricing is usually based on the removal of the main stump only.
You can send details and photos through our quote page, and we’ll include everything in the price.
What Affects the Cost of Stump Grinding?
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Stump Size
Pricing is usually based on diameter. Larger stumps take longer to grind and require more work. -
Number of stumps
Multiple stumps can often be completed more efficiently, reducing the cost per stump. -
Type of Timber
Some species, such as cherry or holly, are denser and take longer to grind than softer woods. -
Access to the Area
Whether we can reach the stump directly, or need to go through a property, navigate steps, or use smaller equipment will affect time and setup. -
Location
Jobs further outside Edinburgh may include additional travel time, which is reflected in the quote.
Stumps, Roots or Both
We’re happy to quote for any combination of work, whether that’s a single stump, problem roots, or a full clearance.
If you’re unsure what needs removing, have a look at how stump grinding works or just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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.
Need roots or a stump removed?
Call 0131 356 0428 or send us your details today and we’ll get back to you promptly.