If a tree is actively threatening a house or road, most crews will come look the same day. Routine removals usually get worked in fairly quick, though it can take longer once hurricane season backs everybody up.
- Standard grinding removes wood down to a depth of four to twelve inches below your lawn.
- The grinding process produces a large pile of fresh mulch that works well in flower beds.
- Utility line location is required before any grinding machinery touches your property.
- Crew members place protective mats over soft grass to protect your lawn from heavy equipment tires.
- Tough mesquite and live oak stumps require heavy machinery with specialized carbide teeth.
- Your backyard gate must be wide enough for the grinding machine to pass through safely.
Questions people ask about stump removal and grinding
Is stump grinding included in the price of tree removal?
Usually, no. Most tree service pros quote stump grinding as a separate service. Always ask the contractor if the price they gave you covers the stump or just cutting down the branches.
What happens to the deep roots left in the ground after grinding?
The deep roots stay underground and slowly rot over several years. In our warm Coastal Bend climate, soil insects and moisture break down this buried wood naturally without harming the rest of your yard.
How do you protect my driveway and yard from heavy machines?
Local professionals use machines with rubber tracks or lay down heavy wood boards. This spreads out the weight of the equipment so your driveway in Robstown or your lawn on Padre Island does not crack.
Can you grind a stump that is right next to a water or gas line?
If utility lines are too close, machine grinding is highly dangerous. In these tight areas around Alice, the contractor will recommend hand digging or chemical decomposition to keep your utility lines safe.
Will grass grow over the spot where the stump used to be?
Yes, but you must shovel out the leftover wood chips first. Sawdust starves the soil of nitrogen, so you must fill the hole with fresh topsoil before laying down new sod or grass seed.