--- title: "How Stump Grinding Works: Steps, Depth and Cleanup" description: "How stump grinding works: a spinning cutter wheel chips the stump below the soil line. See the steps, typical depth, time, what stays behind and what to ask." url: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-stump-grinding-works publisher: Cincinnati Stump Grinding phone: +1-513-587-6772 quote: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact --- # How stump grinding works, from the first pass to the pile of chips A stump grinder swings a spinning wheel with teeth across the stump and chips the wood away, usually to 8 to 12 inches below the soil line. Iowa State Extension says the stump is gone within a matter of hours. A pile of chips stays in the hole unless you ask for removal. Homeowner guideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read ## A wheel chips the wood A high-speed disk with teeth grinds the stump into small wood chips, working in sweeps across the stump. ## Typical depth Iowa State Extension says grinders typically take the stump and large lateral roots down 8 to 12 inches. ## Hours, not days Iowa State Extension says the stump is gone within a matter of hours. Size and wood hardness change the time. ## Chips stay unless asked Most arborists will not remove the chips or fill the hole unless you request it, and that usually costs extra. ## Mark what is private Utility locating covers public lines. Sprinkler, drain and lamp post lines are the owner's to mark. ## What is stump grinding? Stump grinding is the process of cutting a tree stump into small wood chips with a machine, working from the upper surface of the stump down to below the soil line. The roots below that depth stay in the ground. Iowa State Extension calls grinding the quickest, easiest and safest way to remove a stump, and says the drawback is cost. The [stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder) does the work, and an operator steers it. This guide explains each step in plain terms, so you know what you will see on the day and what to ask before it. For how grinding compares with pulling or digging out a stump, read [stump grinding vs stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal). ## What does a stump grinder look like and how does it cut? A stump grinder is a small engine-driven machine with a large steel wheel on an arm. EquipmentShare, an equipment rental company, says these machines typically use a high-speed disk with teeth to grind the stump into small wood chips. The disk is the [cutter wheel](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/cutter-wheel). The replaceable [carbide teeth](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/carbide-teeth) bolted around its edge do the cutting. The operator does not push the wheel straight down like a drill. They swing it across the stump in sweeps and lower it a little each time. Each sweep shaves off a layer of wood. EquipmentShare also lists emergency shut-off switches and protective shields to stop debris from flying as common safety features. Machine size varies. Smaller handlebar models suit small stumps. Larger tracked or wheeled machines suit bigger stumps. EquipmentShare says smaller models fit occasional use, while larger models suit professional work on multiple or larger stumps. ## What are the steps of a stump grinding job? A typical job follows the same order each time. The steps below combine the equipment company’s description with the extension advice on depth and cleanup. Step What happens Why it matters 1\. Walk the site The crew looks at the stump, the access route and anything nearby. Gates, fences and lines decide which machine fits. 2\. Clear the area Rocks, debris and other objects near the stump come out of the way. EquipmentShare says to clear objects that could damage the grinder. 3\. Position the wheel The operator lifts the wheel a few inches above the stump. The cut starts from a safe, steady position. 4\. Grind in sweeps The wheel spins and the operator lowers it a little at a time, sweeping side to side. Each sweep removes a layer of wood. 5\. Reach the target depth Grinding continues until the stump is below the soil line. The agreed depth sets how much wood is left. 6\. Clean up Chips are left in the hole, raked or hauled away, depending on what you asked for. Chips and hole fill are usually extra. Step 5 is where you have a say. Tell the crew whether the stump only needs to be below the mower blade or deep enough to plant over. ## How deep does the grinder go? Iowa State Extension says grinders typically take the stump and any large lateral roots down 8 to 12 inches. The University of Illinois Extension gives a wider range: flush with the soil line to over a foot deep. EquipmentShare gives 6 to 8 inches below ground level as a stopping point in its how-to steps. These numbers come from different sources and describe different machines, so treat them as a range and not a promise. Depth often changes the price. The University of Illinois Extension says that often, the deeper you want a stump ground out, the more it will cost you. Read more in [how deep stump grinding goes](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-deep-does-stump-grinding-go). Terms like [grinding depth](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/grinding-depth) and [below grade](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/below-grade) mean the same measurement: how far under the soil surface the wood is removed. ## How long does it take? Iowa State Extension says the stump is gone within a matter of hours. EquipmentShare gives a wider range of 15 minutes to several hours, depending on stump size and wood hardness. A wide, hard stump takes longer than a narrow, soft one. The grinding itself is only part of the visit. The crew also moves the machine in, clears the area and cleans up. Hard-to-reach stumps add time. For a closer look, see [how long stump grinding takes](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-long-does-stump-grinding-take). Nothing here sets a time for any single company. Ask for a time window when you request your quote. ## What is left behind afterward? A pile of [stump grindings](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grindings) fills the spot where the stump stood. These are the [wood chips](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/wood-chips) the grinder makes. Iowa State Extension says most arborists will not remove this material unless it is requested, and that the hole is only filled if requested. It adds that both services typically have an additional cost. Leftover chips matter if you plan to grow grass. The University of Illinois Extension says to haul off the chipped stump debris and fill the hole with quality [topsoil](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/topsoil) before planting turfgrass. Its reason is that wood mixed into soil can tie up nitrogen as it breaks down, which makes it hard to grow a lawn or another plant. Iowa State Extension says the same kind of shavings will drastically change the soil’s structure, moisture-holding capacity and nutrient balance. The soil may also sink later. Purdue Extension says it can take several years to fully decompose the stump unless it was ground very deeply or removed with an excavation machine. Plan to add soil. The guide to [what comes after stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/after-stump-grinding) covers the steps. ### What stays in the ground Grinding removes wood from the stump and the large roots near it. Roots farther out stay and break down slowly. Some stumps also resprout after a tree is cut, according to Iowa State Extension. See [do roots die after stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-roots-die-after-stump-grinding) for what the sources say. ## What can go wrong: rocks, metal and utility lines? The main risks are hidden objects and buried lines. EquipmentShare says to clear rocks, debris and other objects that could damage the grinder before starting. A nail, wire or stone buried in a stump can chip teeth or throw debris. This is why guards and shields exist. Buried lines are the other risk. Some lines are public, such as gas or electric service. Others belong to the owner. OHIO811 defines private utility lines as lines owned by the property owner that often run from the house to individual systems and structures on the property. Its examples include down spout drain lines, electric lines to a shed or lamp post, and septic lines. ### What do OHIO811 and Kentucky 811 say? Do not assume the law requires an 811 call for stump grinding. The pages below do not name stump grinding, so read them yourself and ask your company how it handles marking. Source What it says Notes OHIO811 FAQ Under Ohio law, OHIO811 must be notified at least 2 working days, not including the day of the notification, but no more than 16 calendar days, before any digging, no matter the project size. OHIO811 also says to contact it any time the soil is disturbed. Ohio Revised Code 3781.28(A), as quoted by OHIO811 The excavator must notify the protection service at least two working days, not including the day of the notification, but not more than sixteen calendar days before commencing excavation. The statute uses the word excavation. See [Ohio’s excavation definition](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/excavation-ohio-law). Kentucky 811 Kentucky’s law requires everyone who digs to contact Kentucky 811 at least two full business days before breaking ground. Kentucky 811 is the state call center. KRS 367.4911(1)(a) Notice is due not less than two (2) full working days nor more than ten (10) full working days prior to commencing work. The statute is written for excavators. Markings cover public utilities that belong to [OHIO811](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/ohio811) or [Kentucky 811](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/kentucky-811) members. OHIO811 says not all utilities are registered and that private lines may need to be marked by you or your excavator using a utility locating service for hire. See [before you grind: 811, tree lawns and permits](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/before-you-grind-811-tree-lawn-permits) and [what to mark yourself](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/blog/how-to-get-ready-for-stump-grinding-day). ## How does grinding compare with other ways to remove a stump? Grinding is the fastest of the options Iowa State Extension describes, and it costs more than the slow ones. The extension page lists grinding, natural decay and digging, among others. The table below sets them side by side using that page. Method What Iowa State Extension says Trade-off Grinding The quickest, easiest and safest way to remove a stump is to hire an arborist to grind it out. Cost; chips remain. Natural decay Allowing the stump to naturally decay is a cheap, easy and safe option, but it requires patience. The page says the process can take 10+ years, depending on soil moisture, wood-decay fungi and tree species. Digging Digging out the stump is very labor-intensive, but it is quick and can be done on smaller tree stumps. The page puts small at less than 12 or so inches in diameter. Burning is on the same page’s list of methods to avoid. Read [stump grinding vs stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal) for a full comparison and [do it yourself or hire a pro](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/diy-stump-removal-vs-hiring-a-pro) for the owner’s side. ## Why does the type of machine matter on a lawn? Weight and tires or tracks decide how much a machine presses on turf. Vermeer, a stump cutter maker, says tracks spread ground pressure for soft terrain and wheels offer transport speed. A [tracked vs wheeled stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tracked-vs-wheeled-stump-grinder) choice is therefore about ground, not about cutting power. Vermeer also says both its track and wheel models fit through 36-inch gates. Measure your gate and tell the company about narrow paths, steps or slopes. The post on [what a turf-friendly stump grinder is](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/blog/what-is-a-turf-friendly-stump-grinder) explains the term in more detail. Cincinnati Stump Grinding states on its Angi profile: “Our powerful, turf-friendly machine will reduce your tree stump to wood chips quickly.” That is the business’s own wording. This guide does not name a model or brand for it. ## How do you compare quotes for grinding? Compare what each quote includes and not only the total. Iowa State Extension says arborists will charge by the size of the stump, measuring it at its widest point. Ask whether the price covers chip removal, hole fill and cleanup, since sources say these often cost extra. The guide on [how to choose a stump grinding company](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-choose-a-stump-grinding-company) lists questions to ask. ## Next step Read [how deep stump grinding goes](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-deep-does-stump-grinding-go) to decide what depth you need. Call (513) 587-6772 or [send photos for a free estimate](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### How does a stump grinder work? A stump grinder uses a high-speed disk with teeth to chew the stump into small wood chips. The operator lowers the spinning wheel onto the stump and sweeps it side to side. Each pass removes a layer until the stump is below the soil line. ### How deep does stump grinding go? Iowa State Extension says grinders typically take the stump and any large lateral roots down 8 to 12 inches. The University of Illinois Extension says depth ranges from flush with the soil line to over a foot. A deeper grind often costs more. ### How long does stump grinding take? Iowa State Extension says the stump is gone within a matter of hours. A rental-equipment article puts the range at 15 minutes to several hours, depending on stump size and wood hardness. Setup and cleanup add time around the grinding itself. ### What is left after the stump is ground? A pile of wood chips stays in the hole. Iowa State Extension says most arborists will not remove this material unless it is requested, and the hole is only filled if requested. Both usually cost extra, so ask about them when you request a quote. ### Does the type of grinder matter on a lawn? It can. A grinder maker says tracks spread ground pressure for soft terrain, while wheels offer transport speed. Both track and wheel models from that maker fit through 36-inch gates. Ask how the crew plans to reach the stump. ### Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding? OHIO811 and Kentucky 811 both ask people who dig to call first, but their pages do not name stump grinding. Read the exact wording below and ask your grinding company how they handle utility marking. ## Terms on this page - [Excavation (Ohio law)](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/excavation-ohio-law) - [Turf-friendly machine](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/turf-friendly-stump-grinder) - [Digging out a stump](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/digging-out-a-stump) - [Stump grindings](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grindings) - [Grinding depth](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/grinding-depth) - [Carbide teeth](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/carbide-teeth) - [Lateral roots](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/lateral-roots) - [Natural decay](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/natural-decay) - [Stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder) - [Stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-removal) ## Sources 1. [Iowa State Extension: How to remove tree stumps](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-remove-tree-stumps) 2. [University of Illinois Extension: What to do with that tree stump?](https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2025-07-18-what-do-tree-stump-guide-tree-stump-removal) 3. [EquipmentShare: What Is Stump Grinding? How Stump Grinders Work In Practice](https://www.equipmentshare.com/articles/what-is-stump-grinding-how-stump-grinders-work-in-practice) 4. [Vermeer: Stump cutters](https://www.vermeer.com/na/stump-cutters) 5. [OHIO811: Frequently asked questions](https://oups.org/faqs/) 6. [Purdue Extension: Can I plant grass over a newly removed stump?](https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2021/06/Question-Can-I-Plant-Grass-Over-Newly-Removed-Stump.html) 7. [Kentucky 811: About](https://kentucky811.org/about/) 8. [Kentucky Revised Statutes 367.4911](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=51780) Written by Cincinnati Stump Grinding and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Do tree roots die after stump grinding?Grinding removes the stump and large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches, per Iowa State Extension. The roots left behind break down over several years, per Purdue Extension. No extension page we found says all roots die, and some trees send up sprouts from roots that stay alive.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-roots-die-after-stump-grinding) - [How long does stump grinding take, from setup to cleanup?Iowa State Extension says a ground stump is gone within a matter of hours. A rental-equipment article gives a range of 15 minutes to several hours, depending on stump size and wood hardness. Setup, access and cleanup add time before and after the grinding itself.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-long-does-stump-grinding-take) - [What to do after stump grinding: chips, topsoil, grass and new treesAfter stump grinding, a pile of wood chips stays in the hole. Extension sources advise hauling the chips away, filling the hole with quality topsoil, and adding a little extra soil because the ground settles as buried wood rots. Wait to plant a tree directly over the old stump.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/after-stump-grinding) - [How deep does stump grinding go, and how deep should you ask for?Iowa State Extension says grinders typically take the stump and large lateral roots down 8 to 12 inches. The University of Illinois Extension says depth runs from flush with the soil line to over a foot deep. Deeper grinding often costs more, so choose the depth that fits your plan for the spot.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-deep-does-stump-grinding-go) - [How to choose a stump grinding company: what to ask before you hireAsk for proof of insurance, get more than one written estimate, check local permit rules, and put cleanup and payment terms in writing. ISA, the Better Business Bureau and the Ohio and Kentucky Attorneys General all give this advice. Do not accept the lowest bid without comparing what each quote includes.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-to-choose-a-stump-grinding-company) - [Stump grinding vs stump removal: how to chooseStump grinding chews the stump and large nearby roots down about 8 to 12 inches and leaves wood chips. Stump removal pulls or digs the whole stump out and leaves a large hole. Iowa State Extension calls grinding the quickest, easiest and safest method. Removal fits when you need the stump and its roots out.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal)