Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal — Which Do You Need?
When people call us about getting rid of a tree stump, the first question is often: *"Should I grind it or pull it?"* It's a fair question, and the answer depends on what you're planning to do with the space afterward.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding uses a specialized machine with a rotating cutting disc to chip away the stump — and a few inches of the root system — down to 6 inches below ground level. The result is a pile of wood chips (mulch) and a flat, workable surface where the stump used to be.
The remaining root system is left underground, where it will naturally decompose over several years without causing any problems.
Stump grinding is right for you if:
- ✓You want to reseed or resod the area with grass
- ✓You plan to plant a garden or shrubs nearby
- ✓You need the space cleared quickly (same-day results)
- ✓You're on a budget — grinding is significantly less expensive than full removal
What Is Full Stump Removal?
Full stump removal means physically excavating the entire stump *and* the root ball — pulling everything out of the ground. This is far more invasive, requires heavy equipment like a backhoe or excavator, and leaves a large hole that needs to be filled and graded.
Full removal is necessary if:
- ✓You're pouring a concrete pad, driveway, or foundation directly on that spot
- ✓The root system is causing damage to underground pipes or a foundation
- ✓You're doing major land clearing for a construction project
For the vast majority of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario homeowners, stump grinding is the right choice — it's faster, cleaner, cheaper, and the results are just as good for any landscaping use.
What Happens to the Roots After Grinding?
This is one of the most common questions we get. After grinding, the leftover root system stays in the ground but is no longer alive — without the stump to support it, it simply decomposes over time. The timeframe depends on the tree species and soil conditions, but most root systems are fully broken down within 3–7 years.
During that time, the roots do not:
- ✓Continue growing
- ✓Damage nearby structures (in most cases)
- ✓Prevent grass or plants from growing on the surface
The one exception: if you're planning to plant a new large tree exactly where the old one was, you may want to wait a year or two for the old root zone to clear.
Can You Plant Grass Over a Ground Stump?
Yes — and this is the most common use case. After grinding, we rake the area level. You can:
- ✓Topsoil and seed — sprinkle a few inches of fresh topsoil, add seed, and water regularly
- ✓Sod — lay new sod directly over the area within days of the grinding
- ✓Mulch bed — use the wood chips from the grind as a natural mulch base for a garden
Most customers in Ottawa have fresh grass growing within 3–4 weeks of a grinding job.
The Bottom Line
For 95% of Eastern Ontario homeowners, stump grinding is the answer. It's what we specialize in at Stickman — and we can usually have it done within the same week you call.
Have questions about your specific stump? Give us a call and we'll walk you through the best option for your yard.
📞 (613) 791-5366
✉️ Team@stickmanstumpremoval.ca
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