How to choose a stump grinding company: what to ask before you hire

How do you choose a stump grinding company?

Check four things: insurance, written estimates, cleanup terms and payment terms. The same advice appears across the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Ohio and Kentucky Attorneys General. None of those pages is written for stump grinding alone, so this guide applies their general advice to a stump job.

Use the list below on every company you call, including this one. It names no company and makes no claim about any business. For the work itself, read how stump grinding works first.

What should you ask about insurance?

Ask for proof, then check it. ISA says to ask for proof of insurance and call the insurance company. BBB says your homeowner’s insurance isn’t enough to protect you if someone gets injured doing tree work on your property. It advises verifying that the company has personal and property damage liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

The Kentucky Attorney General lists a requirement that the contractor obtain workmen’s compensation and public liability insurance as a point to put in a contract. The Ohio Attorney General advises asking to see proof of licenses, insurance and bonding, and says state law does not require home improvement contractors to be licensed, but many Ohio cities do.

Do not assume any company has any of these. Ask, and keep a copy of what you are shown.

Should you get more than one estimate?

Yes. The Ohio Attorney General lists at least three written estimates from three different contractors. The Kentucky Attorney General gives the same number. ISA says to get more than one estimate and ask for references.

ISA also says not to always accept the lowest bid. It suggests weighing price, work to be done, skills and professionalism. For a stump, that means checking that each quote uses the same depth and the same cleanup. Iowa State Extension says arborists charge by the size of the stump, measured at its widest point, so give each company the same measurement. See how to measure a stump for a quote and stump grinding cost.

Who handles cleanup and chips?

Ask before the visit. BBB says to inquire about how the company plans to clean up debris after completing the job. Iowa State Extension says most arborists will not remove the wood shavings unless it is requested, that the hole is only filled if requested, and that both typically cost extra.

Cleanup is where quotes differ most. One may stop at grinding. Another may rake the chips, haul them away or fill the hole with topsoil. Read what to do with stump grindings and after stump grinding so you know what you want. Terms such as stump grindings, wood chips and topsoil help you ask clearly.

Do you need an ISA Certified Arborist?

It depends on the job. BBB advises opting for a Certified Arborist when possible for tree work and says titles like “arborist” or “tree surgeon” don’t require special certificates or training. ISA offers a free “Verify a Credential” tool to confirm whether an arborist holds an ISA credential.

For a plain stump grind, a company may not employ one. Ask what credentials the company holds. If it names an ISA credential, verify it on the ISA site. See the glossary entries for ISA Certified Arborist and tree service.

What about permits and public trees?

Check before work starts. BBB advises checking with your city and county and your homeowners’ association about permit or licensing requirements. The Ohio Attorney General advises checking with local officials to see if permits are required.

A stump on the strip between the sidewalk and the street may belong to the city. See who owns the stump on the tree lawn and before you grind: 811, tree lawns and permits. Private lines are covered in how to get ready for stump grinding day.

How should you pay?

Slowly and with a record. BBB says never to make a large payment or deposit upfront, and to pay by check or credit card for added protection. The Ohio Attorney General says the contract should not require a large down payment or payment in full until the project is complete and has been inspected. For small jobs like a stump, a written estimate that lists the price, the work and the payment method does the same job as a contract. Keep your receipt.

What are the warning signs?

Watch for these, each taken from the sources above:

1. A company that will not show proof of insurance. (ISA, BBB)
2. Pressure to sign on the spot. (Kentucky Attorney General)
3. A large deposit demanded upfront. (BBB, Ohio Attorney General)
4. Door-to-door offers of bargains. ISA says to be wary of people who go door to door and offer bargains.
5. Verbal promises that are not written down. (Kentucky Attorney General)

If a problem comes up, the Kentucky Attorney General advises trying to resolve it with the contractor first and then contacting the Attorney General’s Office. The Ohio Attorney General suggests checking the local BBB and its own office to see if complaints are on file.

Next step

Once you have your list of questions, read how to get ready for stump grinding day. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.