Stump grinding questions, answered.

Stump grinding uses a machine with a toothed cutting wheel to chip a tree stump away below ground level. The stump is turned into a mix of wood chips and soil, so nothing needs to be dug out or pulled. It is the quickest, least disruptive way to remove a stump from a lawn or garden.

Most single residential stumps cost between $150 and $350 including GST, and very large stumps run $400–$650 or more. Extra stumps on the same visit start from about $80 each. The final price depends on the stump’s diameter, root spread, the depth required and how easy it is to reach. Quotes are free and you always get a fixed price before any work starts.

The main factors are the stump’s diameter, how many stumps there are, how deep it needs to be ground, the access (steps, narrow gates, slopes or raised beds) and surface roots. Grinding to full depth is only needed if you plan to replant in the same spot. If you don’t, a shallower grind can reduce the cost.

Yes. Our machines can grind to approximately 600mm (about two feet) below ground level. That leaves plenty of room to replant in the same spot. If you are laying lawn or paving instead, that depth often isn’t necessary. Tell us your plans and we will suggest the right depth.

Yes, this is our speciality. Our portable Alpine Magnum weighs about 40kg, so it can be carried through narrow gates, up and down stairs and into raised garden beds where larger machines can’t go. It still handles large stumps. When you ask for a quote, tell us the narrowest point on the way to the stump.

Grinding always leaves some mulch-like material. We usually rake most of it back into the hole where the stump was, and any extra can be spread on nearby gardens. We don’t offer a mulch removal service, so the grindings stay on your property.

It depends on the size and number of stumps and the access, and we can tell you what to expect when we quote. Urgent jobs can often be done the same day where our schedule allows. Otherwise we usually get to them within two or three days. We’re open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm.

Clear a path to the stump and move pot plants, outdoor furniture or vehicles out of the way. Let us know about any underground pipes, cables or irrigation near the stump, and point out every stump you want removed. Keep pets and children inside while the machine is running. You don’t need to be home while we work.

Yes. When the stump is ground out to depth, the mulch mixed with soil is usually fine to plant straight into.

No. Once the stump has been ground out, the tree won’t grow back from it.

No. Our machinery is petrol powered and the work can be done without you being there. Just make sure we can get to the stump and know about any underground services.

Most service pipes are well below normal grinding depth, and we take as much care as possible. We do rely on the property owner’s knowledge of where pipes and cables run, so please tell us about anything near the stump before we start.

Yes. In the Eastern Bays we cover St Heliers, Kohimarama, Mission Bay, Glendowie and Orakei. In East Auckland we cover Pakuranga, Howick, Botany Downs, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay, Cockle Bay, Flat Bush, Dannemora, Highland Park, Glen Innes and Panmure. We also work in nearby St Johns, Meadowbank and Remuera, and across greater Auckland. Get in touch to check your address.

Yes. As well as tree stumps, we grind out old hedge lines and bamboo roots. Tell us how far the roots spread and whether there are fences, paths or pipes nearby.

Yes. Quotes are free with no obligation. A close quote can often be given over the phone, and you will always have a fixed quote before any work starts. You can also email photos of the stump and its access to info@stumpremoval.co.nz.