FAQ

How do I correctly measure my stump for stump removal to receive an estimate?

For stump removal, the tree stump is easily measured using a straight ruler or standard carpenter’s tape measure using the procedures below.

Measure the widest diameter (width) at ground level.
Measure the width of the hole you would like to be left with when we are finished.
Include surface roots in overall diameter if you want them removed.

How does your machine work for stump removal?

The Greyt Grinders tree stump grinder is a new RAYCO RG45 TRAC. Watch the below video to see just how well it works.

How do I measure the diameter of a tree that has not yet been cut down?

If you need to estimate a standing tree that has not yet been cut you will measure and calculate the diameter of the tree using one of the options described below.

If you only have a few trees you may use a regular cloth measuring tape to measure around the tree and divide the reading by 3.14 to obtain the diameter. Measuring diameter to the nearest even inch (25”, 26”,27”, etc.) is adequate for the purpose of stump grinding.
If you have many trees you may consider purchasing diameter tape measure to measure the trees’ diameter. This is a special flexible tape measure is calibrated to read the tree’s diameter by measuring its circumference or distance around its trunk. If used correctly, this is a very accurate measuring device. Diameter tapes can be purchased at your local Home Depot, Lowes or online at Amazon and cost about $20 to $50 each.

How deep do you grind stumps?

How deep we grind the tree stump below ground level depends upon the size and type of tree ie. pine, oak, maple, poplar, hickory. Grinding to about eight inches below grade is standard however we generally grind deeper to 12 to 16 inches below grade. This is done to allow replanting in the same spot.

Will your equipment damage my lawn?

No, our machines weigh little more than garden tractors and travel on large turf tires. If the ground is hard enough to walk on, it’s solid enough for our equipment. In case of extremely wet or soft conditions, we will inspect the site before working and contact you with alternative suggestions. For some very large stumps, it is necessary to use larger equipment, in which case we will also contact you to discuss options.

Why grinding, as opposed to pulling stumps?

It’s much safer to hire a professional with the proper equipment than to use a shovel and a chain. Grinding will not damage as much of the surrounding terrain and plantings. Stump grinding results in usable mulch.

How much mulch will result from grinding?

As a general rule you can expect three to five times as large as the stump itself. The actual amount of mulch produced is dependent on a number of factors:

How large the stump is above ground.
How much of the root system needs to be removed from under the surface.
What type of tree it was.

What can I do with the mulch?

Spread it in a garden.
Place it around trees to control weeds and retain moisture.
After stump removal backfill the stump hole (usually some mulch will still be left after backfilling).
Mulch from diseased trees (such as Dutch Elm) is still usable with no danger to live plants.

Do you remove or dispose of the mulch?

We do not haul off mulch. Please see previous questions for recommended uses of the mulch created by the stump removal process.

Will I be left with a hole in the ground?

Only if you request it, otherwise we backfill with the mulch produced from the stump grinding process.

What can I do with the area after the stump removal?

Cover with at least two inches of topsoil, then seed or sod.
Mound slightly to allow for settling. More mounding is needed for larger diameter stumps.
Plant small shrubs or plants.
Plant a tree if deep grind was ordered.

Will the tree grow back once the stump is ground up?

No, the remaining stump and underground roots will eventually decay and change to dirt.

What about underground utilities (phone lines, cable TV, electric lines, gas pipe, etc.)?

We call Georgia 811 to have public utilities located and marked.
Georgia 811 is a free service, but does not locate private lines, such as sprinkler systems, outdoor lighting, and gas lines to swimming pools or gas grills. Please inform us of any of these that may be near stump areas.
Note: We are not responsible for damages to lines we are not informed of.

A storm uprooted my stump. How do I measure it?

Uprooted trees need to be estimated onsite by one of our technicians.

Can I save money with a stump grinder rental and doing it myself?

No, most times the average rental fee is $275.00/day NOT including your time and fuel.

FAQ