Stump Grinding & Removal

Get Rid of Unsightly Stumps for Good

After a tree comes down, you are left with an ugly stump sticking up from your yard. Tree stumps are more than just eyesores. They take up valuable space, attract pests, create tripping hazards, and make lawn maintenance difficult. At ClearCanopy Mankato Tree Service, we provide professional stump grinding and removal services that completely eliminate stumps from your Mankato property. We grind stumps below ground level so you can replant, build, or simply enjoy a smooth, stump-free lawn.

Stump removal is not a DIY job. It requires specialized equipment and expertise to grind stumps safely and effectively. Our professional-grade stump grinders can handle stumps of any size, from small ornamental trees to massive oaks. We grind stumps several inches below ground level, remove the wood chips, and leave your yard ready for whatever you have planned next.

Why You Should Remove Tree Stumps

Many property owners leave stumps in place because they think removal is too expensive or difficult. But leaving stumps creates ongoing problems that only get worse over time. Here is why you should have stumps removed:

• Stumps attract termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects
• They become hiding spots for rodents and pests
• Stumps spread fungal diseases to nearby healthy trees
• They create tripping hazards for children, pets, and visitors
• Stumps damage lawn mowers and landscaping equipment
• They send up unsightly new sprouts that waste your time and energy
• Stumps take up valuable yard space that could be used for other purposes
• They reduce property value and curb appeal

Removing stumps eliminates all these problems. You get back usable yard space, improve your property's appearance, and protect your landscape investment. Whether you just had a tree removed or you have old stumps that have been sitting in your yard for years, we can grind them down and make them disappear. If you also need tree removal, we can handle both services in one visit.

Our Stump Grinding Process

Stump grinding is a mechanical process that uses a powerful rotating cutting wheel to chip away wood. Our stump grinders can reduce even large stumps to wood chips in a matter of minutes. The process is fast, efficient, and minimally invasive to your property.

We start by clearing the area around the stump and checking for any buried obstacles like rocks, pipes, or cables. Then we position our stump grinder and begin grinding the stump below ground level, typically 6 to 12 inches deep. This is deep enough to allow grass to grow over the area or for you to replant in that spot. We grind the main root flare as well, so no visible wood remains above ground.

After grinding, we are left with a pile of wood chips. You can keep these chips to use as mulch in your garden beds, or we can haul them away for you. We fill the hole with the remaining chips and topsoil, leaving the area level and ready for seeding or sod. If you have multiple stumps, we offer competitive pricing for bulk stump removal. We also provide land clearing services if you need larger areas prepared.

Stump Grinding vs Complete Stump Removal

There are two main methods for dealing with stumps: grinding and complete removal. Grinding is by far the most common and practical option for residential properties. It is faster, less expensive, and less disruptive to your landscape. Grinding leaves the root system in the ground where it decomposes naturally over time.

Complete stump removal involves digging out the entire stump and root ball. This method is only necessary in specific situations, like when you need to build a foundation in that exact spot or if you want to plant a new tree in the same location right away. Complete removal requires heavy excavation equipment and leaves a large hole that needs to be filled.

For most homeowners, stump grinding is the best choice. It eliminates the visible stump, removes the tripping hazard, stops new growth, and allows you to use the space. The remaining roots decompose underground without causing problems. We can help you decide which method is right for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions