Stump Grinding · Denver Metro
Stump Grinding
Stumps ground below the surface so you can replant, lay sod or just mow over the spot.
Get a quote for stump grinding
The online form isn't set up yet. The fastest way to reach us is by phone.
Call (303) 555-0126Why grind a stump
A stump left behind after a removal gets in the way of mowing, trips people up and takes years to rot on its own. Some trees, such as Siberian elm, cottonwood and tree of heaven, can send up sprouts from the stump and roots for years after they are cut down. Grinding the stump below ground level gets rid of the obstacle and makes room for grass, a garden bed or a new tree. It is usually much faster and cheaper than digging a stump out whole.
How stump grinding works
A stump grinder has a heavy spinning wheel with carbide teeth. The operator sweeps it back and forth across the stump and chews it into chips, working down a few inches at a time. We grind most stumps 6 to 12 inches below the surface, which is enough for sod or a lawn. If you plan to plant a new tree in the same spot, which we usually advise against, we can grind deeper, but planting a little to one side gives the new roots better soil. For backyards with narrow gates, we bring a compact grinder that fits through a standard gate opening.
Before we grind: utilities and private lines
Stump grinding disturbs the soil, and roots often wrap around buried lines. Colorado law requires a locate request through Colorado 811 before digging, and we place it in advance so the public utilities can mark their lines. Colorado 811 does not mark private lines, such as sprinkler pipes, yard lights, a gas line to a grill or a line to a detached garage. Those are the owner's to mark, so tell us where they run, or hire a private locator if you are not sure. We grind carefully near any marked line and stop if we hit something we did not expect.
Chips, roots and the hole
Grinding a large stump makes a surprising pile of chips. We can rake them into the hole and leave the extra as mulch, or haul them away and fill the hole with topsoil, ready for seed or sod. Chips settle as they break down, so a spot left full of chips will sink over a season or two. Large surface roots that run across the lawn can be ground out too. Deeper roots stay in the soil and decay slowly, which does no harm.
Stumps from other companies
We grind stumps left by other companies, by the utility or by a removal you did yourself. Xcel Energy, for example, does not grind stumps when it removes trees near its lines. If you have several stumps, we price them together, which is less than grinding each one on its own visit.
Areas served
Stump Grinding across Denver Metro
What you get
What's included
Locate request
We place the Colorado 811 request before we dig.
Below-grade grinding
Most stumps ground 6 to 12 inches below the surface.
Surface roots
Roots running across the lawn ground out on request.
Compact grinder
A machine that fits through most backyard gates.
Your choice of cleanup
Chips left as mulch, or hauled and the hole topped with soil.
Pricing
Stump Grinding cost guide
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single stump, up to 12 inches | $150–$300 | Minimum visit charge included |
| Single stump, 12 to 24 inches | $250–$450 | Measured across the cut at ground level |
| Large stump, over 24 inches | $400–$900 | Large cottonwoods and old elms |
| Each additional stump | $75–$250 | Same visit, depends on size |
| Chip haul-away and topsoil fill | $100–$300 | Per stump, ready for seed or sod |
Get a price for stump grinding
Tell us about the tree. Someone from Elmcairn Tree Care will call you back.
- New trees we plant guaranteed for 1 year
- Financing available on larger removals
- Fully insured
Prefer to talk? (303) 555-0126
The online form isn't set up yet. The fastest way to reach us is by phone.
Call (303) 555-0126Why choose us
Why Denver Metro calls Elmcairn Tree Care
Upfront prices
You approve the price before we start
ISA Certified Arborist
A certified arborist on staff for tree health questions
Licensed and insured
License number on every estimate
Our own crews
Our own climbers on every job, no subcontracted crews
4 out of 5 stars
Three stumps ground out after the old spruces came down. They put in the 811 request and asked where our sprinkler lines ran. We had to wait a few days for the locates, but it was worth it.
Priya S., Centennial · Google
Sample review
4 out of 5 stars
A spring snow dropped a huge limb onto our garage roof late at night. They came out once the snow eased in the morning and lifted it off in sections. Took longer than I hoped, but they told us why.
Dan K., Englewood · Google
Sample review
5 out of 5 stars
They helped us pick a tree that will not grow into the power line, planted it at the right depth and left a watering schedule on the fridge. It leafed out well this spring.
Ana C., Thornton · Google
Sample review
The process
How it works
Measure and quote
We measure each stump and check the access and gate width.
Locate request
We call Colorado 811, and you mark any private lines.
Grinding
The stump and any surface roots are ground below grade.
Finish
Chips raked in or hauled, and the spot left level.
Need stump grinding today?
FAQ
Stump Grinding questions
How deep do you grind a stump?
Most stumps are ground 6 to 12 inches below the surface, deep enough for sod or a lawn. We can go deeper where needed. Deeper roots stay in the soil and rot slowly, which does no harm.
Why do you need to call 811 before grinding?
Colorado law requires a locate request before digging, and stump grinding disturbs the soil around roots that often wrap around buried lines. Colorado 811 alerts the public utilities, who mark their lines. Private lines, such as sprinklers and yard lights, are not marked, so please tell us where they run.
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