Redmond Summit Tree Service grinds stumps across Redmond so you can replant, lay sod, or build a fence, patio or shed where a tree used to be. A stump grinder chews the stump and the top layer of roots into chips, typically 6 to 12 inches below grade, leaving ground you can actually use.
Why Remove a Stump?
- Space. Stumps take up yard, block mowing, and get in the way of patios, fences and paths.
- Tripping hazard. Especially low stumps hidden in grass.
- Pests and fungus. Decaying stumps attract carpenter ants and fungi. Fir stumps infected with root rot can keep the fungus alive in the soil.
- Sprouts. Some trees, such as bigleaf maple, alder, cottonwood and laurel, sprout from the stump for years.
- Looks. Stumps from the 1990s are still there in a lot of Redmond yards.
Grinding vs. Full Removal
| Stump grinding | Full stump removal | |
|---|---|---|
| What’s removed | Stump and top roots, 6–12” below grade | Entire stump and root ball |
| Equipment | Stump grinder (fits through a 36” gate on small jobs) | Excavator |
| Yard impact | Pile of chips, small hole | Large hole, heavy machine tracks |
| Cost | Lower | Several times higher |
| Best for | Lawns, garden beds, replanting nearby | New foundations, footings, utility trenches |
Before We Grind: Call 811
Grinding goes below the surface, so Washington’s dig law applies: call 811 (or request online) at least two business days before work so utilities mark gas, power, water and communication lines. Sprinkler lines and private lines aren’t marked, so tell us where yours run.
Stump Grinding Process
- Clear rocks around the stump; mark utilities and irrigation.
- Cut the stump close to the ground.
- Grind the stump and surface roots to the agreed depth.
- Rake out the chips: leave them as mulch, backfill the hole, or haul away and add topsoil.
Fir and Cedar Stumps
Douglas fir and cedar stumps from big trees can be 3–5 feet across with roots that spread far beyond the trunk. Old stumps that have been in the ground for years are often softer and quicker to grind, while fresh stumps from a recent large tree removal are hard and pitchy. If the tree died of laminated root rot, grinding helps, but the fungus can persist on roots in the soil. Replanting with a resistant species is the long-term fix.
Stumps in Critical Areas
Stumps in stream buffers, wetlands or Native Growth Protection Areas are usually left in place because the roots hold soil and slopes. Check before grinding near Bear Creek, Evans Creek or any steep slope.
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Questions We Hear
How much does stump grinding cost in Redmond?
Most single stumps cost about $150–$500 to grind, depending on diameter, root spread and access. Large fir and cedar stumps over 3 feet across cost more. Several stumps in one visit lower the price per stump, and stump grinding right after a removal is usually the cheapest time to do it.
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
Grinding is almost always cheaper. Full stump removal means excavating the entire root ball, which takes heavy equipment, leaves a big hole and costs several times more. Removal is only worth it when you need the ground clear for a foundation, footing or utility trench.
Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding?
Yes. Grinding goes below ground, so Washington's dig law requires a utility locate. Call 811 at least two business days before work. Gas, water and irrigation lines often run close to old stumps.
What happens to the hole and the wood chips?
Grinding turns the stump into a pile of chips and soil. We can leave the chips to use as mulch, backfill the hole with them, or haul them away and backfill with topsoil if you're planting grass.