Stump grinding and removal is a straightforward process. A high-powered stump grinder, about 3 ft. wide, is brought in to literally grind down the stump, 8-12 inches below ground level (sometimes lower, depending on what will be done with the area).

Tree stumps and above-ground roots are a nuisance and are unsightly. At only $4-6 per inch for removal, you don't have to tolerate them. To estimate removal cost, measure the stump width, but do so from the base of the roots that are protruding above ground, if any (see picture below), since these must be removed as well.

Those ugly roots are more than just unsightly, they are frequently the culprits of cracked foundations, sidewalks and driveways, and damaged underground pipes. Older homes are especially prone to tree root damage, as fine root hairs probe for moisture, find the wet clay-based sewer drainage lines, and work at the joints to break apart pipes.

Therefore, we generally recommend not only the removal of the stump and visible root system, but also application of a root-killing chemical treatment.