We cant tell you how many times someone calls us and says, “Its just a small stump, its not a big deal.” Then we show up and its sitting right in the middle of the yard like a stubborn rock. Stump Grinding might not sound exciting, but it makes a huge difference in how your yard looks and feels.
One homeowner near Kinlaw Subdivision told us she tripped over her old oak stump three times before deciding enough was enough. Her grandkids were running around and she got nervous. Thats usually how it goes. The tree is gone, but the problem isnt really gone until the stump is too.
We have been in business since 2017, with 10 years of hands on experience, and stumps are one of the most common things people call about. They rot, they attract bugs, they grow shoots, and they just sit there in the way. Stump Grinding fixes that fast.
What Stump Grinding Really Does
Some folks think we just chop the stump off at the ground. Thats not it. Stump Grinding uses a powerful machine with a spinning cutting wheel that chips the wood down below the soil line. We grind it several inches under the surface so you can lay sod, plant grass, or even build over the spot later.
Its not loud chaos like some people imagine, but it does take skill. Thats why having a certified and insured crew matters. We are licensed, and we bring trained employees out to every job. No guessing. No winging it.
Stumps left in the yard can:
- Cause trips and falls
- Damage lawn equipment
- Attract termites and ants
- Start growing little trees again
- Lower the value of your property
We do Stump Grinding for both homes and commercial spaces. Churches, small shops, rental properties, all of them deal with leftover stumps after Tree Removal.
Why People Around Town Call Us For It
In areas like Parkton Road and around West Broad Street, we see a lot of older homes with mature trees. When storms roll through, trees fall. After emergency calls and tree removal in hazard areas, the stump is still sitting there.
One man near the St Pauls Elementary area had a big pine taken down after a storm. He figured the stump would just rot away. Two years later, mushrooms were growing out of it and ants had made a full city inside. Thats when he called.
There is actually a reason that happens. Decaying wood is like an open buffet for insects. We talk more about that in our article on Why Stump Grinding Prevents Pest Infestations Around Your Home, because once pests move in, its harder to get them out.
And then there is regrowth. Some tree species try to fight back. They send up little shoots around the stump. Its frustrating. We even wrote about how that works in our blog on How Stump Grinding Helps Prevent Future Tree Growth, because most folks are surprised that trees can keep trying like that.
How We Handle Stump Grinding
When someone needs Stump Grinding, heres usually how it goes.
- We come out and take a look at the stump and the area around it.
- We check for rocks, pipes, and anything that might be in the way.
- We bring in our grinder and set up safe barriers.
- We grind the stump down below ground level.
- We clean up the wood chips and level the area.
Sometimes the story is simple. A family just wants their yard back. Other times its part of a bigger clean up, like yard cleaning or lot cleaning before selling a home. We handle both residential and commercial jobs, and we do it with our own crew. We have a physical shop, real equipment, and trained workers who do this every week.
After grinding, we usually leave the mulch from the stump unless you want it hauled off. Some people use it in flower beds. Others want a clean slate so they can plant fresh grass. If you have more detailed questions about depth or roots, check the FAQ section below. We get into those there.
Part Of A Bigger Tree Service Plan
Most of the time, Stump Grinding is the last step after Tree Removal or Tree Trimming. Its part of the full Tree Service we provide. You dont want half a job. Taking down a tree but leaving the stump is like pulling a tooth and leaving the root.
We also handle tree climbing for tricky removals, yard cleaning, and emergency calls after storms. Sometimes we show up for one stump and end up helping a homeowner clear a whole back fence line so they can finally see their property again.
Since 2017 we have watched this town grow. New homes going up, older ones getting fixed. Keeping yards clean and safe is just part of that. A smooth yard with no random stump sticking out just feels better. Its easier to mow. Kids can run. You dont have to warn every visitor, hey watch your step.
When Is The Right Time To Grind A Stump?
Short answer, sooner than later.
Fresh stumps are actually easier to grind. The wood is still solid. Once it starts rotting, it can attract insects and get soft, which sometimes makes the area messy. If you just had a tree removed in St Pauls, NC, its smart to schedule the Stump Grinding right after.
We have helped property owners getting ready to sell. One small stump in the front yard can make buyers pause. It sounds minor, but first impressions matter. Clean yard, smooth lawn, no hazards. Simple stuff.
Call Today And Get That Yard Back
If youre tired of mowing around that stump or worried about pests and safety, its time to handle it. At Hernandez Cruz Tree Removal & Stump Grinding, we take pride in doing the job right the first time. We are certified, insured, and we show up when we say we will.
Give us a call and lets talk about your Stump Grinding needs here in St Pauls, NC. Sometimes its a quick job that makes a big change. You will be surprised how different your yard feels without that old reminder of a tree sitting in the middle of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you grind a stump during Stump Grinding?
We usually grind the stump several inches below ground level, deep enough so you can plant grass or lay sod over it. If you have special plans like pouring concrete, let us know and we can grind deeper. Every yard is a little different, so we adjust as needed.
What affects the cost of Stump Grinding?
The size of the stump is the biggest factor. Wide hardwood stumps take more time than small pine ones. Location matters too, if its near a fence or building we have to move carefully. We are always upfront about pricing before we start.
Are you experienced and insured for stump work?
Yes, we have been doing this since 2017 and bring 10 years of experience to our jobs. We are certified and insured, and we use trained employees, not random day labor. Stump Grinding takes skill and the right equipment, and thats what we show up with every time.