Grinding depth

Grinding depth is the number of inches below ground that the machine cuts. A shallow cut leaves the stump even with the soil. A deeper cut removes more wood and the top of the larger roots.

Illinois Extension says grinders can remove stumps to a certain depth, ranging from flush to the soil line to over a foot deep. It also says the deeper you want a stump ground out, the more it will cost. Iowa State Extension says typical grinding reaches 8 to 12 inches.

Plan depth around what comes next. Grass needs less depth than a new tree. Roots below the cut stay in the ground. See how deep stump grinding goes. Compare with a flush cut and the term below grade.