Clearing Stumps Below the Surface Line

Sky High Tree Service grinds tree stumps in Buxton, Maine to prepare your yard for replanting or lawn restoration.

After a tree comes down in Buxton, the stump that remains creates a tripping hazard, attracts insects, and prevents you from mowing or planting in that area. Sky High Tree Service uses a stump grinder to remove the visible portion and grind the root mass several inches below ground level. You're left with wood chips and a shallow depression that can be filled with topsoil and seeded or used for new plantings.

Stump grinding is faster and less invasive than full stump removal, which requires heavy excavation and leaves a large hole. We grind the stump down to a depth that prevents regrowth and eliminates the pest habitat. This service works for stumps left after tree removal, storm damage, or older stumps that have been sitting in your yard for years in Buxton.

If you have one stump or several that need to be cleared, Sky High Tree Service can assess the size and location in Buxton and provide a timeframe for grinding.

What Happens When a Stump Is Ground

We position the grinder over the stump and use a rotating cutting wheel to chip away the wood and surface roots. In Buxton, stumps are ground six to eight inches below the soil line, which is deep enough to prevent new shoots from forming and allows grass or new plants to grow over the area.

Once grinding is complete, you'll see a pile of wood chips and loose soil where the stump used to be. The area is level enough to rake smooth, and you can either remove the chips or spread them as mulch elsewhere on your property. The stump no longer protrudes above ground, and you can mow or replant without obstruction.

We do not haul away the wood chips unless you request it separately. Some homeowners in Buxton use the chips for garden beds or pathways. If you need the area restored to lawn, you'll need to add topsoil and seed after grinding is finished.

Common Questions About Stump Grinding

Homeowners in Buxton often ask how deep we grind, whether the stump will regrow, and what to do with the chips left behind. These answers address the most frequent concerns before scheduling grinding.

How deep do you grind the stump?
We grind six to eight inches below the surface, which is deep enough to prevent regrowth and allow you to plant grass or new trees. Deeper grinding is possible if you need it for construction or hardscaping.
What do you do with the wood chips?
We leave the chips on site unless you arrange for removal. You can spread them as mulch, rake them into garden beds, or have them hauled away separately.
Will the stump grow back after grinding?
Grinding below the soil line removes the energy reserves in the root system, so regrowth is rare. If shoots do appear, they're easy to pull or treat with a small amount of herbicide.
How long does it take to grind a stump?
Most stumps take 30 minutes to an hour depending on size and root spread. Larger stumps or those with extensive surface roots may take longer.
Why is grinding better than pulling the stump out?
Grinding is faster, leaves less damage to the surrounding lawn, and doesn't require heavy excavation equipment. You're left with a manageable pile of chips instead of a deep hole that needs filling.

Sky High Tree Service grinds stumps of all sizes across Buxton, leaving your yard clear and ready for the next step. Contact us to schedule grinding and discuss what you plan to do with the space afterward.