Before you grind: 811, the tree lawn and street tree permits

Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding?

No statute names stump grinding, and both states point you to the 811 center when you are unsure. The Ohio definition of excavation does not mention stumps. OHIO811 still asks you to contact it “any time the soil is disturbed.” Kentucky 811 says to contact 811 before you dig. The request is free.

This guide does not say the law requires a call for stump grinding. It reports what the statutes and the 811 centers say, word for word. If the answer matters to you, ask OHIO811 or Kentucky 811 directly. Ask about the grinding crew’s own process when you request your free estimate.

What does Ohio law say about digging?

Ohio law defines excavation and sets a notice window for the person who digs. The definition lives in ORC 3781.25, and the notice rule lives in ORC 3781.28(A). The Ohio Laws site shows 3781.28 as effective June 9, 2026.

ORC 3781.25(I) defines excavation this way: “Excavation” means the use of hand tools, powered equipment, or explosives to move earth, rock, or other materials in order to penetrate or bore or drill into the earth, or to demolish any structure whether or not it is intended that the demolition will disturb the earth.

The definition does not name stump grinding. It also covers hand tools, so shovel work counts as well. The word “excavator” means “the person or persons responsible for making the actual excavation,” per ORC 3781.25(K).

ORC 3781.28(A) sets the timing. The section reads, in part: “at least two working days, not including the day of the notification, but not more than sixteen calendar days before commencing excavation, the excavator shall notify the protection service of the location of the excavation site and the date on which excavation is planned to commence.”

The OHIO811 FAQ repeats that timing for homeowners. It adds: “To be clear, contact OHIO811 any time the soil is disturbed, like tree planting, landscaping and fences, installing a mailbox, leveling for a pool, and of course larger excavation tasks.” That sentence is OHIO811’s guidance. It does not list stump grinding either. The glossary has plain entries for OHIO811 and for excavation under Ohio law.

What does Kentucky law say?

Kentucky sets its own window: two to ten full working days before work starts. KRS 367.4911(1)(a) reads: “Each excavator, or person responsible for an excavation, planning excavation, or demolition work shall, not less than two (2) full working days nor more than ten (10) full working days prior to commencing work, unless a future start date is agreed upon as provided in KRS 367.4917(7), notify each affected operator’s designated protection notification center of the excavator’s intended work and work schedule.”

The same statute says locate requests stay valid for twenty-one calendar days from the first request. Plan the grind inside that window, or file again.

Kentucky 811 describes its role on its About page: “Kentucky’s Underground Facility Damage Prevention law requires everyone who digs to contact Kentucky 811 at least two full business days before breaking ground.” Its FAQ answers a small-project question this way: “Even small projects like planting trees, installing mailboxes, or building fences can damage underground utilities.” Neither source lists stump grinding. See Kentucky 811 in the glossary.

Compare the two states side by side.

What do the 811 centers mark, and what stays yours?

811 centers pass your request to registered public utilities. Those utilities mark their own lines. Lines you own are not part of that process. A locate ticket is the record of your request.

OHIO811 explains: “Private utility lines may need to be marked by you or your excavator using a utility locating service for hire.” Its FAQ lists examples of private utility lines: downspout drain lines, electric lines to a shed or lamppost, septic lines, well lines, pond fountains and outdoor security system wiring. Kentucky 811 says: “Public utility operators typically mark their lines, but private utilities may not be included.”

Use this table to sort what is on your lot.

Sprinkler lines and invisible fence wire are also owner-installed. Tell your crew where they run. Ask about private line handling when you request your free estimate.

What is the tree lawn, and who owns the tree on it?

The tree lawn is the grass strip between the sidewalk and the street. It usually sits on right-of-way land, which is public ground. A tree there is a street tree. Who owns it depends on your town. Cincinnati, Wyoming and Fort Thomas say the city maintains these trees. Milford, Hamilton and Fairfield put the cost on the property owner.

Tree lawn rules come from city code, not from the state. So the same stump can have a different owner one town over. The next section shows seven towns.

How do street tree rules differ by town?

They differ a lot. The table below uses each city’s own page, as of October 2026. Each town name links to our page for that town.

Read one pair of rows together. Wyoming says the city grinds the stump. Milford says the owner does. A tree on a Wyoming tree lawn and a tree on a Milford tree lawn can look the same, and the paperwork is different. Read more in who owns the stump on the tree lawn.

Do I need a permit to remove a street tree or grind its stump?

For a street tree, most of these cities ask for a permit or written approval before the tree comes down. The pages above do not all address the stump on its own. Check the stump rule with the city before you hire anyone.

Permit names differ. Cincinnati requires, in its code, a Public Tree Work Permit before work on a public tree (see the glossary entry for public tree work permit). Milford asks for a street tree permit. Hamilton asks for written approval, and if the city approves the removal, a free right-of-way permit from Public Works follows. Covington asks for a Street Tree Permit. Fort Thomas asks for prior written permission.

Trees on private ground work differently. Covington’s page says that trees on private property “generally don’t fall under City regulation unless they’re in a historic overlay zone or on a hillside.” Its Chapter 51 says the chapter “shall not regulate trees, shrubs or other plants located on private property.” Look at the historic overlay zone entry if you live in an older district.

The table covers seven towns only. If your town is not in it, call city hall or the public works office.

Can I burn a stump in city limits?

It depends on the city, and some cities limit when you can burn. Fort Thomas, for one, publishes this rule on its Fire Department page: “Open burning allowed only between October 1 and April 30.” It issues a permit for each day. Other towns set their own dates and bans.

Call your fire department or city hall before any fire. Our guide to burning a tree stump covers the method and the risks. See stump burning for a short definition.

Where do yard waste rules stop at stumps?

Curbside yard waste programs often stop at stumps. Cincinnati’s yard waste page lists “Logs or stumps thicker than 6” in diameter” among items it does not accept. Milford’s brush collection page says logs, root balls and stumps are not accepted.

That matters for the tree lawn. If you hire a grinder, plan for the chips. Fairfield’s brush page tells owners who hire tree work to include disposal in the contract, because the city cannot take major disposal. Ask your city whether its yard waste program takes ground chips. See what to do with stump grindings.

What should I do before the grinder arrives?

Follow these steps in order. They cost little and prevent most surprises.

1. Find out who owns the stump. Look up your town in the table above and read the city page.
2. If it is a street tree, get any permit or approval first.
3. Choose a date. Place your 811 request with OHIO811 or Kentucky 811 at least two working days ahead. Ohio accepts requests up to sixteen days ahead. Kentucky accepts them up to ten full working days ahead.
4. Mark private lines. Flags or paint work. Tell the crew about the sprinkler, invisible fence and lamp wiring.
5. Wait for the public utility marks before work starts.
6. Photograph the stump and send the photos with your request. Our guide on how to measure a stump for a quote shows what to include.

The cost of a stump is a separate question. See stump grinding cost. For the shorter version of the 811 question, see do you need to call 811 for stump grinding.

Next step

Read how stump grinding works to see what the machine does below ground. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.