Stump Grinding & Removal in Duluth, MN

What Is Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding is the process of mechanically removing a tree stump by using a specialized machine that chips the wood into small pieces, grinding the stump down below the soil surface. At Northshore Tree Service, we use a commercial-grade stump grinder that handles stumps of any size — from small ornamental tree stumps to massive old-growth pine stumps that have been sitting in Duluth yards for decades.

Unlike stump removal, which involves digging out the entire root ball and leaving a large hole, stump grinding is faster, less destructive to the surrounding landscape, and more cost-effective. The grinder reduces the stump to a mixture of soil and wood chips while preserving the adjacent lawn, garden beds, and hardscaping. The result is a clean, level area ready for whatever comes next — new grass, a garden, a replanted tree, or simply a tidy yard.

Why Remove Tree Stumps?

Many homeowners put off stump grinding, figuring the old stump is harmless. Read our detailed comparison of leaving a stump vs grinding it to understand the full implications. In reality, tree stumps left in the ground create several problems that worsen over time:

Pest Attraction

Decaying stumps are magnets for wood-destroying insects. Carpenter ants are the primary concern in Duluth — they colonize rotting stumps and eventually move into nearby structures looking for additional nesting sites. Termites, wood-boring beetles, and other pests also find rotting stumps irresistible. Grinding the stump removes the habitat before these insects become a problem for your home.

Fungal Disease Spread

Tree stumps can harbor root disease fungi, including Armillaria (honey fungus) and various root rot species, that spread through the soil to infect nearby healthy trees. If your tree was removed due to disease, grinding the stump helps prevent that disease from moving to your remaining trees. Our arborist can advise on whether your specific situation poses a disease risk — we also provide full tree health and disease treatment services.

Tripping Hazards and Mowing Obstacles

Stumps sticking up above grade are tripping hazards, especially for children playing in the yard. They obstruct lawn mowing, forcing you to mow around them and leaving unsightly patches of tall grass. In winter, stumps hidden under snow become hazards for anyone walking across the yard.

Property Value and Aesthetics

A yard dotted with old stumps looks neglected. If you are selling your property, stumps are the kind of detail that detracts from curb appeal and gives buyers the impression that maintenance has been deferred. Stump grinding is one of the most affordable ways to clean up a yard’s appearance.

Space for New Plantings

If you want to plant a new tree, install a garden bed, build a patio, or extend your driveway, the stump is in the way. Below-grade grinding removes the obstruction and prepares the site for whatever you have planned.

Our Stump Grinding Process

Assessment and Preparation

Before grinding, we assess the stump’s size, wood hardness, and proximity to underground utilities. We check for buried irrigation lines, electrical conduits, and gas lines in the immediate area. For stumps requiring deep grinding, we contact Gopher State One Call to have underground utilities professionally marked before we begin.

We also evaluate equipment access. Our compact grinder fits through most yard gates and can operate in tight spaces between houses, fences, and landscaping. For properties with no equipment access, we can discuss alternative approaches during your free estimate.

The Grinding Process

Our commercial stump grinder uses a rotating cutting wheel with carbide-tipped teeth that chip the stump into small pieces. The grinder methodically works across the stump surface, lowering the cutting depth with each pass until the stump is ground 6 to 12 inches below grade.

The grinding depth depends on your plans for the area. Basic lawn restoration typically requires 6 inches below grade — enough for topsoil and grass seed. Replanting a new tree or installing a garden requires 8 to 12 inches to provide adequate root space. We discuss the right depth for your situation during the estimate.

Surface roots radiating out from the stump are also ground down. We follow major surface roots several feet from the stump, grinding them flush with the soil surface so they will not interfere with mowing or future landscaping.

Backfill and Restoration

After grinding, the hole is filled with the wood chip and soil mixture produced during the process. This material is raked level with the surrounding grade. If you prefer clean topsoil for seeding or sodding, we can remove the grindings and bring in fresh soil.

Excess grindings make excellent mulch for garden beds and landscaped areas. Many customers ask us to spread the extra material in their gardens rather than hauling it away. We accommodate either preference.

Stump Grinding After Tree Removal

The most efficient time to grind a stump is immediately after tree removal. When you bundle stump grinding with removal, we bring the grinder the same day (weather permitting) and take care of everything in one visit. This saves you the cost of a separate mobilization and gets the job done while equipment is already on-site.

If you already have old stumps from previous tree work — whether done by us or another company — we are happy to grind those as well. Many customers call us for stump-only work, and we offer multi-stump discounts that make it very affordable to clean up several stumps at once.

Planning a Larger Project?

If you are clearing a lot for new construction, a home addition, or major landscaping work, our lot clearing service handles full-scale tree and stump removal in a single project. We coordinate tree removal, stump grinding, brush clearing, and debris hauling so you have a clean, buildable site when we are done.

Get a Free Stump Grinding Estimate

Call Northshore Tree Service at (218) 555-0391 for a free stump grinding estimate. We can often provide same-day or next-day pricing for straightforward jobs — just let us know the stump diameter and we can give you a ballpark over the phone. For precise pricing, our arborist visits the site to measure and assess access at no charge. We serve Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Two Harbors, and the greater North Shore area.