Stump grinding

Get rid of the stump, and know the 811 rule before anyone digs.

A stump left after a tree removal is more than an eyesore. It gets in the way of mowing, sends up suckers (silver maples and Bradford pears are notorious), attracts carpenter ants and termites as it rots, and can take a decade or more to break down on its own. Grinding is the usual fix.

How stump grinding works

A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning, carbide-toothed wheel that chews the stump into wood chips. Compact walk-behind grinders fit through most backyard gates, while larger tow-behind or tracked machines handle big stumps in open areas. The operator sweeps the wheel back and forth until the stump is below ground level, typically several inches down, deeper if you plan to lay sod or plant there. Ask how deep they'll go.

Ohio law: call 811 first

Because grinding goes into the soil, it counts as excavation under Ohio law. The person doing the work must notify OHIO811 at least two working days before starting, not counting the day of notice, weekends or holidays, and no more than 16 calendar days ahead. Utilities then mark buried gas, electric, cable and water lines. Lines can run surprisingly shallow, and some private lines, like a gas line to a grill or a wire to a lamp post, aren't marked by utilities at all. Tell the contractor about anything you know is buried nearby.

What affects the price

• Diameter. Many contractors price per inch, measured across the widest point at ground level.
• Number of stumps. There's often a minimum charge, so doing several at once is more efficient.
• Hardwood vs. softwood, and whether the stump is fresh or partly rotted.
• Surface roots you want ground out as well.
• Access. A gate narrower than about 30–36 inches may limit the machine.
• Cleanup. Leaving the chips in the hole is cheapest. Haul-away and topsoil fill cost extra.

After grinding

You'll be left with a pile of mixed wood chips and soil. Chips can be used as mulch elsewhere, but they're not ideal right where you want new grass, because decomposing wood ties up nitrogen. For lawn, remove most of the chips, fill with topsoil and let it settle before seeding. If you want to replant a tree, offset the new one a few feet from the old stump.

Grinding vs. full stump removal

Full removal means digging out the root ball with an excavator. It's rarely necessary unless you're building something on that spot, like an addition, patio or pool, and it leaves a much bigger hole. For lawns and planting beds, grinding is usually enough.

Old stumps from ash trees

Many Dublin-area yards still have ash stumps left over from emerald ash borer removals years ago. Older stumps are often partly decayed, which can make grinding faster, but hidden rocks and fill can dull a grinder's teeth. Mention the age of the stump when you request a quote.

DIY rental?

Rental grinders are available, but they're heavy, they throw debris, and you're still required to call 811 before using one. For more than a stump or two, or anything near the house, most homeowners find a professional faster and safer.

Sources

• City of Dublin, Administrative Permits (tree removal): dublinohiousa.gov
• Dublin Code §153.143, Tree Removal Permit: codelibrary.amlegal.com
• OHIO811, when and how to notify: oups.org; Ohio Revised Code 3781.28: codes.ohio.gov
• USDA Forest Service, Ohio Forest Health Highlights 2003 (emerald ash borer): fs.usda.gov
• HomeGuide, tree removal cost (2026), via homerepairdispatch.com