Stump Grinding in Southeast Wisconsin

Get rid of unsightly tree stumps with professional stump grinding from Russ Tree Service. We remove stumps of all sizes throughout Southeast Wisconsin, restoring your lawn and eliminating tripping hazards. Our powerful grinding equipment removes stumps below ground level so you can replant, install lawn, or simply enjoy a cleaner yard.

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What Is Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding uses a specialized machine to chip away the stump and surface roots, turning solid wood into mulch. Unlike stump removal (which excavates the entire root ball), grinding is faster, less invasive, and leaves your yard intact.

Our stump grinding service includes:

  • Complete Stump Grinding - Grinding 6-12 inches below ground level
  • Surface Root Removal - Grinding visible roots extending from the stump
  • Wood Chip Cleanup - Raking chips level with surrounding ground (Removal upon request, may incur additional costs.)
  • Site Preparation - Ready for grass seed, sod, or replanting
  • Construction Grade Grinding - Grinding 12-24 inches to prepare for concrete or other hardscaping. (May incur additional costs.)

The wood chips left behind make excellent mulch. Most homeowners use them in flower beds or around other trees. We can haul away chips if you prefer a clean slate.

When Do You Need Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding is needed when stumps create tripping hazards, interfere with mowing, attract pests like carpenter ants or termites, cause new sucker growth, or you want to replant or install landscaping in that location.

Stump Grinding service

How Stump Grinding Works

Stump grinding is a straightforward process that transforms stubborn stumps into useful mulch.

1

Site Assessment

We check for underground utilities, irrigation lines, and any obstacles. We'll call Diggers Hotline if needed.

2

Equipment Setup

Our stump grinders range from compact units for backyard access to large machines for big stumps. We select the right equipment for your situation.

3

Grinding Process

The grinder's rotating carbide-tipped wheel chips away the stump in passes, going progressively deeper until reaching 6-12 inches below grade.

4

Root Grinding

We grind any visible surface roots extending from the stump.

5

Cleanup

Wood chips are raked level with surrounding ground. The pile of chips is typically 4-6 times the volume of the original stump.

Equipment & Techniques: We use commercial stump grinders with carbide-tipped cutting wheels. Our equipment can handle stumps of any size, from 12-inch ornamental trees to 48-inch oaks.

Timeline: Most stumps take 15-45 minutes to grind. We can typically grind multiple stumps in a single visit.

Safety Measures: The grinding process creates flying debris. We use safety barriers and keep the work area clear. Please keep children and pets inside during grinding.

How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?

Stump grinding is typically priced by stump diameter and height, with minimum service charges:

Service Type Price Range
Small stump (under 12") $75-$150
Medium stump (12-24") $150-$300
Large stump (24-36") $300-$500
Per inch pricing $2-$4 per inch
Minimum service call $150

Note: Prices shown are an approximate range and are not a guarantee. Please complete an estimate request or call (414) 422-9298 for an official quote. Prices reflected on our website are not an official quote.

Factors That Affect Cost

  • Stump diameter at ground level
  • Number of stumps (discounts for multiple)
  • Accessibility for equipment
  • Root system extent
  • Whether chips are hauled away
  • Travel distance from Muskego

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Multiple stump discounts available. Most common pricing is $3-4 per inch of diameter with $150 minimum.

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Our Stump Grinding Work

Stump Grinding Photo Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Grinding

Stump grinding typically costs $3-$4 per inch of stump diameter, with a $150 minimum service charge. A 24-inch stump would cost approximately $75-$100. Multiple stumps receive discounted pricing.
Standard grinding is 6-8 inches below ground level, which is sufficient for planting grass. If you plan to plant a new tree or install construction, we can grind up to 24 inches deep for an additional fee.
We grind visible surface roots. Underground roots are left to decompose naturally, which takes 5-10 years. The roots won't regrow once the stump is removed and will eventually become part of the soil.
Yes, but we recommend waiting a season and amending the soil. The wood chips need time to break down, and you'll want to dig out the hole thoroughly to ensure good root establishment.
Most stumps take 15-45 minutes to grind completely. Large stumps or those with extensive surface roots may take longer. Multiple stumps in one visit are typically completed within a few hours.
The chips make excellent mulch for flower beds, around trees, or on garden paths. If you don't want them, we can haul them away for an additional fee. The chip pile is typically 4-6x the stump volume.
Stump grinding is quoted separately from tree removal. Many customers do both together for convenience. We'll provide pricing for both services when we estimate your tree removal.
Yes, we have different sized grinders for various situations. Our compact grinders can access stumps within a few inches of structures. Very tight locations may require hand work at additional cost.
Yes, once the stump is ground below the root flare, the tree cannot regrow. Some species like silver maple may send up sucker shoots from remaining roots, but these can be mowed over and will eventually stop.
We grind stumps rather than excavate them. Grinding is less invasive to your yard, faster, and more cost-effective. Complete stump/root ball removal requires heavy excavation and is rarely necessary.

We Provide Stump Grinding Throughout Southeast Wisconsin

We provide tree services throughout Waukesha County and surrounding areas:

Related Tree Services

Get Your Stump Grinding Estimate

Ready to get started? Call us now or request a free estimate online. We serve all of Southeast Wisconsin.

24-Hour Emergency Line:
(414) 422-9298