Why remove a tree stump?
Left in place, a stump slowly rots — but slowly is the key word. Some species take 10+ years to break down. Meanwhile the stump is a trip hazard, a home for pests, an obstacle to mowing, and often a source of unwanted regrowth.
Trip hazards and garden space
A ground-level stump is easy to catch a foot or lawnmower on, particularly once grass grows around it. Grinding it out to around 200–300mm below ground level lets you turf, plant or pave right over the top.
Regrowth and pests
Species like sycamore, willow, cherry laurel and ash will actively sucker from a live stump — sometimes for years. Grinding removes the main stump but stump treatment can also help stop suckering.
Old stumps also attract honey fungus, wood-boring insects and other pests that can move on to nearby healthy trees.
Stump grinding vs leaving the stump
There are times when leaving the stump is fine — deep in a woodland corner, as a wildlife habitat, or where budget is tight. In most domestic gardens, though, grinding out at the same visit as felling is cheaper than coming back later.
Stump removal after tree felling
We can grind the stump immediately after felling or return on a separate visit. Access matters — narrow side gates limit the size of grinder we can bring, which affects the price. We check that when we quote.
Stump grinding across West Sussex
We grind stumps across the whole of West Sussex — from Bognor Regis and Chichester to Littlehampton, Worthing, Arundel and Rustington. All arisings are raked back into the hole or removed as agreed.
Related pages on our site
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you grind a stump?
Typically 200–300mm below ground level — enough to plant grass, plants or lay paving. Deeper grinding is available on request.
Can you grind stumps in tight-access gardens?
Yes — we have narrow-access grinders that fit through a standard side gate. Very tight jobs may require a smaller machine.
What happens to the wood chip?
By default we rake it back into the hole to settle naturally. We can also remove it as green waste.
Do I need to grind a stump if I'm not replanting?
Not always — but it does prevent pests, regrowth and trip hazards, and it usually pays for itself in avoided future maintenance.
Can I plant a new tree in the same spot?
Not in exactly the same spot — residual wood affects new roots. We usually recommend planting a metre or so away.
Need a quote for Stump Grinding?
Tell us about the job and add photos if helpful. We’ll carry your article details into the enquiry form.
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