When I grind a stump, I take it six to twelve inches below ground level so it’s gone, the surface is clean and level, and the roots decompose naturally underground. It’s less invasive and less expensive than full stump removal, and it’s the right choice for most residential and commercial properties. Leaving a stump means trip hazards, pests, and mowing headaches that only get worse over time.

After a tree comes down, the stump left behind is more than an eyesore. It’s a tripping hazard, a pest magnet, and a problem that only gets worse over time. I’m Owen Piercy at Owen’s Tree Care in Camargo, Illinois. Here’s what stump grinding is, why it matters, and what to expect.

Stump grinding vs. stump removal — what’s the difference?Stump grinding vs. stump removal — what’s the difference?

When I grind a stump, I take it down below ground level — typically six to twelve inches deep. The stump is gone, the roots below stay in the ground and decompose naturally, and the surface is clean and level. Stump removal means pulling the entire root system out of the ground. It’s significantly more invasive, more expensive, and unnecessary for the vast majority of residential and commercial properties. Grinding gets the job done without tearing up your yard.

Why shouldn’t you leave a stump?

It’s a tripping hazard, especially for children and anyone who doesn’t know it’s there. It attracts pests — decaying stumps draw wood-boring insects, termites, and other pests that can spread to healthy trees or your home. It interferes with mowing and landscaping, getting in the way of planting, hardscaping, and future yard projects. And it doesn’t go away on its own — a stump left in place slowly deteriorates over years, while grinding solves it permanently and the result looks like the tree was never there.

When should you call for stump grinding?

Any time there’s a leftover stump you want gone. Whether it was a tree I removed or one taken down by someone else years ago, I can grind it. I handle stumps of all sizes on residential, commercial, and rural properties across central Illinois. Most people wish they’d done it sooner.

Frequently asked questions

How deep do you grind a stump?
Typically six to twelve inches below ground level, leaving a clean, level surface you can plant grass over.

Do the roots need to be removed too?
For most properties, no. After I grind the stump, the remaining roots decompose naturally in the ground, which avoids the mess and cost of full removal.

Can you grind a stump from a tree removed years ago?
Yes. I can grind old stumps of all sizes, whether or not I did the original removal.

Call (217) 778-8030 or visit owenstreecare.com for a free estimate. Serving Douglas County, Champaign County, and central Illinois — Camargo, Villa Grove, Newman, Tuscola, Urbana, Tolono, Philo, Sidney, Pesotum, and beyond.