Stump Grinding & Removal in Madera, CA
Timberline Tree Service Madera grinds out tree stumps across Madera, Madera Acres, Parkwood and the Madera Ranchos, whether the tree came down last week or years ago. Stump grinding is part of our tree service in Madera, and we can do it on the same visit as a tree removal. We're licensed and insured, we clean up when the grinding is done, and the estimate is free.
Why Grind Out a Stump
A stump left in the ground keeps causing trouble long after the tree is gone. These are the reasons Madera homeowners call us most:
- Termites: UC's pest experts list tree stumps and buried wood near a building among the things that can contribute to a termite infestation.
- Oak root fungus: The fungus behind Armillaria root rot can live for decades in partly decayed roots after the tree has died. UC says removing or grinding stumps and large dead roots may help reduce it.
- New shoots: Some trees send up sprouts from a cut stump, and grinding the stump out is one way to control them.
- Room to use the yard: A ground-out stump leaves space for a new tree, a lawn, a path or a patio.
- Mowing and trips: A low stump hidden in the grass catches mower blades and feet.
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal
Stump grinding cuts the stump away with a grinder, a machine with a toothed wheel that chips the wood down to below the surface. The stump and the top of the main roots are turned into wood chips, and the roots further out stay in the ground and break down over time. It's the quickest and least disruptive way to clear a stump, and it's what most yards need.
Stump removal digs out the whole root ball. It leaves a bigger hole and takes more work, so we suggest it only when it's needed, such as where a footing or foundation will go.
We'll look at the stump with you and tell you which one your yard needs.
Before We Grind: Calling 811
Stump grinding goes below the ground, so gas, water, electric and irrigation lines near the stump matter. California law requires excavators, contractors included, to contact the regional one-call center at least two working days, and no more than 14 calendar days, before digging. Grinding moves soil below the surface, so we treat it the same way. In Madera County the one-call center is USA North 811: we make the call and wait for the lines to be marked before we grind.
Tell us about anything underground near the stump that 811 won't mark, such as sprinkler lines, low-voltage lighting cables or a private line to a shop or well. If you're digging near a stump yourself, call 811 first.
Grinding Stumps Before You Replant
If you want a new tree in the same spot, the stump needs to go deep enough. UC's weed experts recommend grinding until the hole is at least 4 inches below ground level to stop a stump resprouting. Some trees, such as acacia and tree of heaven, resprout strongly from spreading roots, and UC notes that grinding may not be effective for them, so watch the area for new shoots.
What killed the old tree matters too. Where a tree died of oak root fungus, UC advises against planting another susceptible tree there, especially when large dead roots remain in the soil. For palms, UC advises against replanting a Canary Island date palm where one died of Fusarium wilt, because a small piece of infected root left in the soil can infect the new palm. Tell us why the tree came down, and we'll grind or dig out the roots to suit what you want to plant.
What Happens on the Day
We set up the grinder at the stump and cover or move anything nearby that the chips could hit. Clear away garden furniture, hoses and toys before we arrive, and make sure a gate or path is wide enough for the machine to get through. Grinding is noisy and throws chips, so keep children and pets inside while we work.
When the stump is gone, we rake the chips back into the hole to level it and clean up the rest. If you'd like the chips taken away so you can fill the hole with soil, for a lawn or a new plant, tell us and we'll haul them off.
What Affects the Cost of Stump Grinding
The price depends on the stump's width across the cut, how many stumps there are, how deep you need them ground, and how easy it is to get the grinder to them. Large surface roots, rocks in the soil, or a stump against a fence or wall add time. Grinding on the same visit as a tree removal saves a second trip. We'll look at the stumps with you and give you a free estimate, with everything included, before any work starts.
Why a stump can't go out with the trash: Mid Valley Disposal, Madera's hauler, doesn't take tree trimmings over 4 inches thick or 4 feet long in the organics cart, and the city asks for large branches to go in the gray cart. A stump or root ball is far bigger than either allows, so everything we grind out leaves with us unless you want the chips.
Stump Grinding FAQs
Straight answers to what Madera homeowners ask about getting rid of a stump. Tap a question to see the answer.
How much does stump grinding cost in Madera?
It depends on the stump's width, how many there are, how deep they need to go and how easy they are to reach. Grinding on the same visit as a tree removal saves a second trip. We give free estimates, with the price explained before any work starts.
How deep do you grind a stump?
Below the surface, deep enough for what you want to do with the spot. UC's weed experts recommend at least 4 inches below ground to stop the stump resprouting. We go deeper where you're planting a new tree or laying sod.
Do you remove the roots too?
Grinding takes out the stump and the top of the main roots. The roots further out are left to break down in the soil. If you're building on the spot, we can dig out the root ball instead.
What happens to the wood chips?
We rake them back into the hole to level it and clean up the rest. If you'd rather fill the hole with soil, we'll haul the chips away.
Can I plant a new tree where the stump was?
Usually, once the stump is ground out and the chips are cleared from the hole. If the old tree died of oak root fungus, or a palm died of Fusarium wilt, UC advises against planting a susceptible tree or palm in the same spot. Tell us what you'd like to plant and we'll suggest what to do.
Do you call 811 before grinding?
Yes. California law requires excavators to contact the one-call center at least two working days before digging. Grinding moves soil below the surface, so we call USA North 811, which covers Madera County, and wait for the lines to be marked before we start.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. You can check any California contractor's license with the Contractors State License Board at cslb.ca.gov.
Do you clean up after the job?
Yes. We rake and clean up the area around the stump before we leave, and haul the chips away if you ask us to.
Still have a question?
Call us any time at (559) 527-5955. We'll answer your question and the estimate is free.