Remove those pesky tree stumps and restore your lawn with professional tree stump grinding services in Calgary.
Calgary Tree Works assists homeowners with scheduling tree stump grinding and tree stump removal of small and large tree stumps, back yard stumps, root stumps and hard-to-reach stumps in Calgary.
No matter if the stump is due to a newly cut tree or has been there in your back yard for a long time, get a free, obligation-free quote based on the size of the stump, access and the use of the space thereafter.
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Calgary Stump Grinding Services
A leftover stump can be an obstruction while mowing, occupy precious space in your lawn and hinder further landscaping, fence installation, construction of patio, etc.
In stump grinding, the stump is eliminated without the need for the extensive digging required for total stump removal.
With professional stump grinding equipment, the stump is reduced to wood chips and taken lower than the rest of the ground. Root remnants are normally left to decompose on their own.
Stump grinding is appropriate if you need to:
- Restore your lawn
- Landscaping a garden bed
- Eliminate a mowing hazard
- Improve the look of your yard
- Get rid of visible surface roots
- Pave the way for future landscaping
- Remove a stump after tree removal
- Remove multiple stumps in one property
If you have any doubts which one would be better – stump grinding or stump removal, let us know how you will use the space and we will advise on the best course of action.
Comparison of Stump Grinding & Stump Removal Process
Stump grinding and removal are sometimes mentioned interchangeably, yet there are many differences between them.
Stump Grinding
The grinding machine is equipped with the rotating cutting wheel that grinds the stump into wood particles.
As opposed to full stump removal process, the stump is ground under the soil surface and most of the roots remain beneath it, decomposing gradually.
Stump grinding process is less traumatic than other ways since the yard does not have to be dug out just for the purpose of stump removal.
It is a good choice when you are going to return to the lawn, to make a garden bed or perform regular landscaping.
Full Stump Removal
In this case, the stump along with some part of its roots is dug out of the soil completely.
It causes more soil disruption and results in a bigger area that needs to be restored.
When full extraction of the stump is required for further construction, excavation or any other work.
Which One Should You Opt For?
In case you are not sure how to go about it, there are two options for removing stumps from yards; grinding and full removal. While stump grinding is sufficient for most yards, there are some cases where full removal is more appropriate.
When submitting your request for a quotation, please inform us of what you plan to do in place of the existing stump.
Calgary Stump Grinding Cost
Stump grinding cost in Calgary is influenced by factors other than stump diameter. These may include access, root flare, type of tree, depth of grinding and cleanup.
Cost ranges commonly used in quotes requested by Calgary Tree Works are:
Stumps Up to 12 Inches in Diameter
Approximately $150 to $250
Smaller stumps from ornamental or younger trees with good access tend to be closer to the low side of the price range.
Stumps 12 to 24 Inches in Diameter
Approximately $250 to $400
This price range applies to many typical residential stumps.
Stumps 24 to 36 Inches in Diameter
Approximately $350 to $550
Stumps that are larger and mature usually take more grinding and result in much more material.
Stumps Greater Than 36 Inches in Diameter
Approximately $500 to $1,200+
Very large stumps are quoted individually due to the wide range of root flare and access issues.
Other Stumps
Should there be more than one stump that can be removed on the same day, other stumps might cost approximately:
15% to 25% less for 3+ stumps
according to their size and location.
Roots or Root Flare Grinding
Extra exposed roots might be priced at approximately:
$50 to $150+
according to how many roots there are.
Wood Chip Removal
If you wish for us to dispose of the grinding waste off-site, the charge might be approximately:
$50 to $100+
according to amount.
The above prices are just approximate costs and not guaranteed quotations. The size of the stump, stump access, underground utilities, depth of grind, root flares and site factors may influence the price.
What Affects the Cost of Stump Grinding?
Stump Diameter
Bigger stumps have more substance and thus take longer to grind.
Be sure to measure your stump across the widest point at ground level when getting an estimate; not just the width at the top.
Access
If your stump is in an open space like a front yard, then it will be accessible. However, a stump that’s behind a gate, retaining wall, garden bed, etc. will be less accessible.
Please always include photos of the access path together with the stump photo.
Surface Roots and Root Flare
Some trees develop surface roots that surround the stump.
These surface roots take longer to grind besides the central stump.
Required Grinding Depth
This will depend on how you wish to use the space after grinding.
Returning the area to lawn may require a different approach from preparing it for deeper excavation or hard landscaping.
Number of Stumps
The presence of several stumps at a single property location may often be completed on one visit, thus eliminating some of the effort and travel associated with a different job.
Cleanup
The disposal of the wood chips at the location would usually take less effort than the disposal of a lot of grinding debris.
In estimating the size of your stump to obtain an estimate, always make the measurement at the widest point on the ground.
How the Stump Grinding is Done
1. Provide Information About Your Needs
Send us your quote request with photos of the stump and surrounding areas.
In case the stump is located in your backyard, provide a photo of the gate or access point to the property.
Important information includes:
- The estimated stump diameter
- Number of stumps
- Location of your property
- Gate width
- Any fences/landscaping near the stump
- Visible surface roots
- What you plan to do with the area afterwards
2. Evaluation of Stump and Access to It
Before scheduling the job, the size of the stump, its location, access to it and necessary grinding depth will be evaluated.
In case of challenging access, taking measurements and photos beforehand allows determining what equipment we have that can reach the stump.
3. Location of Underground Utilities
As the stump grinding requires work under ground level, the location of any underground utilities should be considered before the work starts.
In case your ground disturbance necessitates locating utilities, a locate request can be submitted through Utility Safety Partners before starting the work.
Also, any privately owned utilities, such as irrigation orlandscape lighting systems, will be considered separately.
4. Grind the Stump
The cutting wheel will move back and forth across the stump,slowly grinding the wood down to lower than the ground level.
Even surface roots can be treated if it is part of the job.
5. Decide Which Way You Want Your Cleanup Done
After finishing the grinding process, the result of the grind can be either left behind or taken away depending on your quote.
This way, the place can be ready for some lawn repairs or any other outdoor project.
How Deep Do You Need to Grind a Stump?
The depth of the grinding process needs to take into account how the land will be used afterward rather than simply going for one standard depth for all stumps.
Standard stump grinding depth to allow for restoration of the lawn is usually around a few inches below ground level.
In some cases where the ground needs to be dug up for other projects, more stump grinding may be needed.
It is important to note that stump grinding does not get rid of all the roots underground.
If you are undertaking a project that requires full excavation of the land, please mention this during the quoting stage.
Where do the Wood Chips go?
The grinding of a stump yields a combination of wood chips and soil.
The quantity could be quite large, especially when dealing with full-grown trees.
Usually, there are various alternatives.
Retain the Wood Chips
In some cases, the wood chips can be reused as mulch elsewhere on the property.
Keep the Grindings Around the Stump
A certain portion can be retained around the stump area for a temporary period; however, more soil will be required if you wish to grow grass.
Dispose of the Wood Chips
If you wish to landscape the area, removing the wood chips can also form part of the quotation provided to you.
Let us know about the finish you require along with your quotation request.
Grind Stumps in Your Backyard?
Absolutely – many stumps can be found in the backyard between the house, fence or gate.
Access is one of the most critical pieces of information when planning stump grinding.
Please provide the following documents before scheduling your work:
- Picture of the stump
- Picture of the gate
- Size of the gate in inches
- Pictures of stairs, sloping ground or sharp turns
- Pictures of flower beds, fence or other obstacles nearby
Portable stump grinders will likely be sufficient for most restricted access locations, but let’s make sure before booking.
Surface Root Removal
Sometimes the roots will show up around the stump and spread out onto lawns, gardens or walkways.
Surface roots could make it tough to cut the grass and could affect future plans for the space.
If possible, the surface roots could be added as an extra service during the stump grinding process.
This would depend on the nature of the roots.
If surface roots are part of the problem, be sure to include pictures in your inquiry for a quote.
Poplar and Cottonwood Stump Grinding
Poplar and cottonwood trees can keep producing sprouts off pieces of their root systems that remain intact after the main stump is gone.
This means that stump grinding cannot ensure that all subsequent suckers will be gone right away.
Further root or regrowth treatment might be required, depending on the type of the tree, size of the root system and your plans for the land.
When you have a particularly aggressive sucker producer on your hands, specify the type of tree in your quote request.
Elm Tree Stump Grinding in Calgary
Special considerations are required for elm trees in Alberta due to the ongoing attempts at preventing Dutch elm disease.
Stump grinding and elm wood handling are two different issues. Whatever elm wood is created through the process needs to be managed according to provincial and City guidelines.
If the tree stump you need to have ground is an elm one, make sure to inform us of this fact prior to the job booking.
Underground Utilities and Stump Removal
Gas, electric, telecommunication and various other utilities may be buried beneath homes.
As a stump remover functions underground, it is essential to locate any utilities buried in the soil prior to disturbing the ground.
Utility Safety Partners supplies the utility locating system for Alberta.
Additionally, privately owned utilities which do not necessarily fall under standard utility locates must also be accounted for. These include:
- Irrigation lines
- Landscape lighting
- Electric wires
- Piping
- Various others
Don’t make assumptions that there are no utilities present
simply because there is nothing visible above ground.
Stump Grinding in Calgary
Calgary Tree Works assists residents in organizing stump grinding in the following communities within Calgary:
NW Calgary
This includes older as well as newer residential communities in Northwest Calgary.
NE Calgary
Residents of NE Calgary can avail stump grinding service at their properties.
SW Calgary
Service requests from Southwest Calgary are accepted, including properties with mature trees and landscaping.
SE Calgary
Stump grinding can be done in all parts of Southeast Calgary, for one or more stumps.
Wondering if you fall within our service area?
Submit your address/community to us when requesting a quote.
When Should the Stump Be Removed?
It’s not necessary to remove all stumps straight away.
But stump grinding might be recommended if the stump:
- Causes difficulty with mowing
- Is a tripping hazard
- Is located in the center of usable grassy area
- Hinders any planned landscaping work
- Has surrounding roots you do not want
- Becomes a problem with new shoots growing from it
- Difficulties with lawn maintenance
- Necessary as part of tree removal
If there is no danger posed by the stump and there are no plans to use the area in the future, then it may simply be left to rot away naturally.
Is Stump Grinding Possible in Winter?
Winter stump grinding can occasionally happen in Calgary depending on the state of your property. If the ground is too frozen, or if there is snow, ice and poor access, it might be difficult for us to grind the stump at that time.
In case you want your stump ground during the winter season, we’ll require photographs of the stump.
Am I able to plant a new tree where the old stump was?
It is generally advisable to plant the new tree some distance away from the centre of the old stump, where feasible.
As a result of stump grinding, parts of the old root system remain underground and the soil area around the old stump will still have decomposing wood.
If you are going to plant a tree close to the old stump site, inform us before starting the process as extra depth, material removal and replacement of soil may prove helpful.
Stump Grinding Following the Removal of the Tree
If you are already planning on removing the tree, then the stump grinding can also be considered for the same project.
The tree removal takes care of the trunk and canopy while the stump grinding takes care of the remaining base.
In case the tree is still in place, click here to see our Tree Removal Calgary page for more information.
Common Stump Grinding FAQ’s in Calgary
How much does stump grinding cost in Calgary?
The cost of small residential stump grinding starts from
$100-$175 according to the current pricing range on this page.
In some cases the stump could be larger and have a more complex structure of roots, making the job longer and consequently increasing the price. The best thing you can do is to submit photos of the stump along with its approximate diameter.
Which is cheaper: stump grinding or stump removal?
It usually involves less digging than a total stump removal since you don’t have to dig up the entire root ball which makes it a better choice for residential yards. How much the price will differ is determined by the stump itself.
How long does it take to grind a stump?
Depending on how big the stump is, how many there are and how hard it is to reach them – it can take more time. To estimate it correctly it needs to be reviewed first.
Do you dig up all of the tree roots?
No. Stump grinding will only remove the stump beneath the surface but not the entire underground root structure. The leftover roots will naturally decompose on their own.
Do roots keep growing after stump grinding?
Most roots of the dead tree won’t grow further but there are certain tree species that may grow suckers from the existing roots. Poplars and cottonwoods are among them.
Is it possible to grind the surface roots?
Surface roots can usually be removed by stump grinding if access is available. Provide us with photos of the roots for your free estimate request.
Can your stump grinder fit through my backyard gate?
Some stump grinders can fit through the backyard gates in Calgary, although there is a variation of stump grinders. Please provide us with a photo and measurements of the smallest place along the access point.
Do I need utility locates prior to stump grinding?
Because of ground disturbance, it’s essential to consider underground utilities prior to performing any work. Depending on the scope and location, a request for utility locates from Utility Safety Partners may be needed. Private utility lines may require separate marking.
What will happen to the wood chips?
The grinder will leave wood chips mixed with soil. Wood chips can remain on-site or be used where applicable or hauled away if debris removal is part of your quote.
Will I be able to put down grass later on?
Yes, most likely. Any excess wood chips need to be removed and the depression backfilled with proper soil prior to seeding or sodding.
Can you grind an old stump?
Yes. The stump doesn’t have to be freshly cut. Old stumps can usually be removed just as efficiently, although decay and site conditions may impact the process.
Can you grind several stumps at once?
Yes. In case you have a few stumps, please mention all of them when requesting a quote. Grinding several stumps in one visit may turn out to be cheaper than scheduling them separately.
What Makes Calgary Tree Works Your Choice to Contact For Stump Grinding?
Calgary Local Services
Our company is aimed at helping residents of Calgary find the right tree service specialists working locally in the city.
Job-Based Quotes
The size of the stump, accessibility, root flares, cleaning up and what you plan to do with the site are taken into account when making the quote.
Residential Access Options
It is not uncommon in Calgary that yards are fenced off or restricted. It is possible to assess access based on measurements and photos.
Single or Multiple Stumps
Order services for one stump or multiple stumps from one property.
Cleanup Options
Inform us about whether you want the grinding residue left or disposed of.
Other Tree Services
In case the tree is alive or there are other jobs to be done, you can also order:
- Tree Removal Calgary
- Tree Trimming & Pruning Calgary
- Emergency Tree Service Calgary
- Tree Health Assessment Calgary
- Land Clearing Calgary
Free Stump Grinding Estimate in Calgary
Are you ready to remove your stump?
Let us know a little more about your property and if possible, some pictures of the stump and access route. For an estimate, you need to provide:
- Location or community in Calgary
- Stump diameter estimate
- How many stumps
- Pictures of the stump
- Gate width/width of access
- Exposed roots
- Do you require the wood chips to be hauled away?
- What is your plan for the area after the stump is gone?
Get a free, obligation-free quote for stump grinding in Calgary.
Serving Calgary and surrounding areas.