Stump grinding is usually the fastest and most cost-effective way to get rid of a stump. We have a variety of specialized machines that grind the stump down below the surface of the ground. Whether you have a single stump in your front yard or a dozen stumps left from a clearing project, Austin Tree Experts has the right equipment to handle the job.

Root Ball Excavation

We have a couple sizes of excavators if the whole root ball needs to be extracted from the ground. Root ball excavation is less common than grinding but sometimes necessary—for example, when you’re installing a foundation, pool, or retaining wall where the root mass needs to be completely removed. Excavation will leave a larger hole in the landscape that needs to be backfilled and graded.

Cleanup & Landscape Preservation

Stump grinding often requires some preparation: removing gravel from the site, digging up or potting prized plants in the area, and identifying landscape lighting and irrigation lines. Finished landscapes require that containment barriers be set up, tarps spread out, and gravel material be raked and containerized for reuse.

We offer two approaches depending on your budget:

• Grind and go — If you want to save money, you can do the preparation work yourself and just hire us to grind the stump. We show up, grind, and leave.
• Full-service — We salvage landscape materials, protect the site, and restore the landscape to finished condition. In most circumstances, we can bring sod for the lawn, mulch for the gardens, fresh gravel, or even plant a new tree in the location of the old stump.

811: Call Before You Dig

This is a critical step and you really should do it yourself before we arrive. Calling 811 (or submitting a request at texas811.org) notifies local utilities to mark underground lines—gas, electric, water, cable—in the work area. Stump grinders cut 6 to 12 inches below grade, which is deep enough to hit shallow utilities. We can handle the 811 call for you for a fee, but it’s free for homeowners and typically takes a few business days to get markings completed.

How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in Austin?

• If there are multiple stumps, small individual stumps can be $50 each or less.
• A very large stump from a heritage-size tree that requires finished landscape restoration can cost $1,200 or more.
• Most stumps cost between $250 and $600. Additional stumps on site while we’re already there get much cheaper per stump.
• If we’re already there for tree removal, stump grinding is typically less expensive than it would be as a standalone service.

Austin’s limestone geology, especially in the Hill Country and west of MoPac, can add time and wear on equipment. We factor soil conditions into every estimate so there are no surprises. Call (512) 996-9100 or request an estimate online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Grinding

How much does stump grinding cost?

Most stumps fall between $250 and $600. Small stumps in a multi-stump job can be $50 or less each. A large heritage-tree stump with landscape restoration can run $1,200 or more. We offer a discount when stump grinding is combined with tree removal since our equipment is already on site.

Can I plant a new tree where the stump was?

Yes. We can grind the stump deep enough and remove enough material to create a suitable planting pocket. After backfilling with quality soil, the site is ready for a new tree. Our tree planting service can help you choose the right species for the location and Central Texas conditions.

How deep does the grinder go?

Our grinders typically cut 6 to 12 inches below grade. For sites where a new tree will be planted or construction will take place, we can go deeper as needed. The depth depends on the machine used and the specific requirements of your project.

What happens to the wood chips?

Stump grinding produces a pile of wood chips mixed with soil. You’re welcome to keep the chips for mulch in garden beds. If you don’t want them, we haul the material back to our yard and recycle it into our mulch and compost products. For full-service jobs, we backfill the hole and restore the area with sod, mulch, or gravel.

Is it worth grinding an old stump?

Even old stumps are worth removing. They attract termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles—pests you don’t want migrating toward your home. Old stumps also harbor fungal decay that can spread to nearby healthy tree roots. And if you’re planning any landscaping, construction, or new plantings, the stump will be in the way eventually.

Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding?

Yes. Stump grinders cut several inches below grade, which is deep enough to damage shallow utility lines. Call 811 at least a few business days before your scheduled service to have underground lines marked. It’s free for homeowners and required by Texas law. We can handle the call for you if needed.

Related Tree Services

• Tree Removal — remove the tree and grind the stump in one visit for a better price
• Tree Planting — plant a replacement tree where the stump was ground
• Mulching & Composting — use wood chips as mulch, or let us deliver fresh mulch for your beds
• Air-Spade Services — non-invasive root zone work when grinding near other trees
• All Services — explore everything Austin Tree Experts offers

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Get a Free Stump Grinding Estimate

We bring the right machine for the job—compact, mid-size, or large—and handle everything from grinding to cleanup. Free estimates for stump grinding in Austin and the surrounding area.

Call us today: (512) 996-9100