Stump Grinding in Burlington County, NJ

How stump grinding works

A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning cutter wheel that chews the stump and surface roots into chips. Walk-behind grinders can fit through many backyard gates; larger tow-behind or tracked machines handle big stumps faster but need wider access. The result is a hole filled with wood chips and soil, usually several inches below grade, although depth varies by job.

Before the grinder comes: call 811

Stump grinding goes into the ground, and gas, electric, cable and irrigation lines often run near trees. New Jersey requires anyone excavating to contact NJ One Call (dial 811) at least three full business days before digging. Many tree contractors make the call themselves; ask whether yours will. Private lines such as a lamp post wire, invisible dog fence, sprinkler lines or a septic line are not marked by the utilities, so point those out.

Grinding versus full removal

• Grinding leaves most roots in the ground to decay naturally. It is the common choice for lawns and garden beds.
• Full stump and root removal is a bigger excavation job, usually only needed where you are building a foundation, patio or driveway right over the spot.

What affects the cost

• Stump diameter, measured across the widest part at ground level.
• Hardwood versus softwood, and how long since the tree was cut.
• Access through gates and over slopes or retaining walls.
• How deep you want it ground and whether you want the chips hauled away and the hole filled with topsoil.
• How many stumps: several at once are often priced differently than one.

After grinding

Expect the spot to settle as buried roots decay. Rake out most of the chips, fill with topsoil and seed. If you plan to replant a tree, choose a spot a few feet away from the old stump.

Burlington County Tree Removal is an independent referral service, not a contractor. We do not perform tree removal or any other tree work ourselves. When you send a request, we share it with an independent partner contractor serving Burlington County, NJ, who contacts you directly. Any estimate, contract, pricing, licensing, insurance and workmanship are between you and that contractor. Please verify their credentials before you hire.