Stump grinding in Monroe, LA
A stump left behind after a removal or a storm is a trip hazard and a mower trap. Here's how stump grinding works and what to ask for.
A grinder chews the stump and the main roots into chips, usually a few inches below the soil line, so you can fill the hole and plant grass. Some removal quotes include the stump and some don't, so read the paperwork.
Grinding or full stump removal?
- Grinding takes the stump below grade and leaves the deeper roots to rot in place. It's the usual choice for lawns and beds.
- Full removal digs out the stump and big roots. It makes sense where you're pouring a slab, building or putting in a driveway, and it disturbs much more of the yard.
Why call 811 first?
Stump grinding goes into the ground, where water, gas, power and cable lines may run. Under Louisiana's dig law, an excavator has to notify Louisiana 811 at least 48 hours before digging, not counting weekends and holidays, so the utilities can mark their lines. A careful company will make that request or ask you to.
What should the quote say?
- How many stumps, and their approximate sizes
- How deep the grinder will go
- Whether surface roots running across the yard are included
- Whether chips are left as mulch, spread, or hauled off
- Whether the hole is backfilled with topsoil
Access matters
Grinders range from walk-behind machines that fit through a backyard gate to large tracked units. Tell the company how wide your gate is and whether the yard is soft or soggy. After a wet spell, the crew may want to wait for the ground to firm up so the machine doesn't rut the lawn.
Pine stumps and beetles
If the tree came out because of bark beetles, ask the crew how they'll handle the wood. The LSU AgCenter advises against stacking freshly cut pine logs near healthy living pines.
The tree company sets the price after it sees the tree, what's underneath it and how a truck or lift can reach it. We don't quote prices, and any figure you get over the phone before a visit is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How long after a removal can the stump be ground?
Right away, in most cases. Some homeowners wait and have several stumps done in one visit.
Does stump grinding need a Louisiana arborist license?
LDAF's arborist license page lists removal, pruning, trimming and similar tree work. It doesn't spell out stump grinding, so ask the company what license it holds.
Related services
More background: Monroe, Louisiana tree removal guide.
Water oak on the roof, a dead pine by the drive or a stump in the yard?
Call and get connected with a local tree service that can come look at it.