Why removing the stump is the way to go
Decaying wood is an open invitation for pests like termites, ants, beetles, and even rodents. Once they settle in the stump, they can eventually spread to healthy trees—or worse, your home.
Rotting stumps can often host fungi, which will spread to nearby plants and trees. Some fungi release spores that infect healthy vegetation, weakening your landscape over time.
Even a well-kept yard can look unfinished with an old stump sitting in it. It can also make landscaping projects harder—like planting grass, installing a garden, or adding features.
— Why hiring a pro makes sense —
Proper equipment, safety measures to prevent damage to cars or house, a more complete removal of the stump, no tool rental headaches, and clean up options are included.
Call Before You Dig! Either you can call or we will call for you. It is the safest way to remove the stumps and ensure that no damage is done to any underground utilities.
Know where the stump is and call 811
Frequently Asked Questions Below ⬇️
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The largest stump we can grind on-site is 36 inches in diameter. For stumps larger than that, our crew will provide expert advice on safe, effective removal options — from sectional removal and heavy-equipment recommendations to referrals for contractors who handle large excavations. Call Properly Stumped LLC for a free consultation and we’ll help you determine the best, safest solution for your property.
-
We typically grind 6 to 12 inches below ground level. For many homeowners, 6–8 inches is enough to remove the visible stump and prevent regrowth; for larger or older trees, or when you plan to plant over the spot, we can grind 10–12 inches deep to remove roots and provide a smooth, stable surface. We match depth to your goal:
Surface cleanup and cosmetic leveling: 6–8 inches below grade.
Prevent regrowth and eliminate major root hazards: 8–12 inches below grade.
-
Stump grinding machines remove the visible stump and a portion of the larger, shallow roots by grinding the wood into chips, but they cannot reach the entire root system; many roots extend deep and laterally beyond the grind depth and remain intact, which means some roots will persist underground and continue to decompose slowly over time.
-
Similar to lawn mowing, stump grinding in wet conditions needs extra care to not damage your yard. Soft, saturated ground can cause machines to sink, rut the lawn, or get stuck. If it is very wet, we will contact you to reschedule to a dryer day.
-
On average, grinding a tree stump takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours per stump. Several factors affect the time:
Stump size: Small stumps (under 12 inches diameter) often take 30–45 minutes. Medium stumps (12–24 inches) usually take 45–90 minutes. Large stumps (over 24 inches) can take 1–2 hours or more.
Site access and obstacles: Tight spaces, proximity to structures, rocks, utilities, or uneven ground can increase setup time and slow grinding.
Cleanup and hauling: Grinding itself is the main time component; cleaning up wood chips, hauling debris, and filling the hole add extra time—typically 15–45 minutes per stump depending on cleanup scope.
For an accurate estimate for your property, provide stump diameter, species (if known), location relative to structures, and whether you want deeper grinding or cleanup/hauling included.
-
Make sure to call 811 or go to their website at missouri-811.org to ensure safe digging around any underground utilities. The process takes about 3 working days* so be mindful when scheduling the job. We can make the call for you, just let us know as soon as possible.
Also, making a path for the machine to get to the stump greatly helps the process. Including moving any rocks or lawn furniture, and even securing pets in the house.
*3 working days is directly from their website. Not our own guestimate.