Stump grinding. Gone below grade, ready to replant.
A stump left in the ground rots slowly, attracts termites, and kills any grass that tries to grow over it. We grind stumps 6 to 12 inches below grade, chase surface roots, and leave the hole ready for topsoil and sod, or ready for a replant. Most stumps done in an hour.
What's included in this service?
- Grinding to 6 to 12 inches below finished grade
- Surface root chasing within a 3 to 5 foot radius
- Access through 36-inch gates with narrow grinders
- Crane-served grinding for back-lot or rooftop stumps (rare)
- Mulch left on-site or hauled per your preference
- Hole backfill with clean soil (add-on)
- Utility line marking (811) before grinding near easements
- Post-grind cleanup and final blow-down
When do you need this service?
- Just had a tree removed and need the stump gone
- You're reseeding a lawn and the stump is in the way
- Stump is a tripping hazard in a traffic area
- Termites or carpenter ants are nesting in the decaying wood
- Planning a new patio, deck, pool, or hardscape
- Stump is sending up suckers and regrowing
What do homeowners ask about Stump Grinding?
How deep do you grind a stump?
Standard grinding goes 6 inches below grade. For replants or hardscape, we grind 10 to 12 inches below grade and chase major surface roots. Deeper grinding costs more because it's slower and harder on equipment, but it's the right call when you're putting anything structural over the spot.
What happens to the wood chips?
Default is we leave the chips on-site — they make good mulch for the spot or for another bed. If you want them hauled, add $75 to $150 depending on volume. Some folks take them for free; we're happy to leave them at the curb for pickup.
Will grinding damage my sprinklers or utility lines?
We call 811 for utility marks on stumps near property lines, irrigation, or driveways. Sprinklers within the grind zone should be flagged before the crew starts — point them out and we work around them. Grinders work surface-down, so deep utilities are safe, but shallow irrigation pipes are the common risk.
Can you grind stumps in tight backyards?
Most of the time, yes. We run narrow grinders that fit through 36-inch gates. For gates tighter than that, or fully fenced yards with no access, we can crane a grinder over a wall or hand-grind with smaller equipment. Add-ons for difficult access start at $75.
Where do we offer Stump Grinding in San Diego County?
We provide stump grinding in every city and community in San Diego County. Pick your city for local climate notes and service specifics.
See stump grinding in all 47 cities
Homeowners who hired us for this
A eucalyptus limb came down on our fence during the first Santa Ana of the season. Branch Pro had a crew out within two hours, chipped and hauled everything, and the quote matched what they said on the phone. No surprise charges.
Needed Zone 1 compliance before our insurance renewal. They walked the property, flagged the dead oak branches and the overgrown chaparral, and had it all cleared in a day. Insurance signed off first look. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Three queen palms and a Mexican fan that hadn't been touched in years. Crew climbed the fans instead of using a lift, left everything clean, and explained exactly how often each species needs servicing. Fair price, no upsell.
Need stump grinding in San Diego County?
Call for a free quote. Most work scheduled within the week.