Stump grinding and tree stump removal
Stump grinding and tree stump removal from North Brisbane and Moreton Bay to the Sunshine Coast. We grind stumps below ground level, roots included, so the area is ready for turf, garden beds or a new build.
We grind every stump below ground level, and how far below depends on what is going in the area once the stump work is finished. Grinding out the whole stump is the outcome we aim for, but underground services do not always allow it.
If a stump runs a metre deep into the ground, we will not usually take all of it out when the job does not need it, but it can be done.
How stump grinding works
A stump grinder chips the wood away with a rotating cutter wheel fitted with fixed carbide teeth. Hydraulic cylinders move the wheel sideways and down through the stump, so the stump is cut away where it stands instead of being dug out.
We take it below ground level and grind out the roots as well. Once the grindings are cleared, you will not find a stump that was only taken down to ground level.
How deep we grind
Depth is decided case by case, from what the area will be used for next. It is at least 30 cm unless underground services are in the way.
We arrange Dial Before You Dig for the job. Before You Dig Australia is a free service that provides plans of the underground infrastructure at a site before work starts. Services in the ground are what can stop us grinding out the whole stump.
Roots and regrowth
Some trees shoot again from what is left in the ground. The Queensland Government warns that failing to remove the roots or crown of a mature camphor laurel will result in regrowth, and Brisbane City Council notes that jacaranda resprouts easily if damaged.
Stopping at ground level leaves that material in the ground. We grind out the roots along with the stump.
Tight access and large stumps
Hard access and large stumps are what we specialise in. Our machines run from really small to really big, so there is one narrow enough for a side gate and one big enough for a large stump.
When you ask for a quote, tell us how wide the access is, so we know which machine to bring and whether ramps are needed.
What happens to the grindings
The grindings stay with you. We rake them into a pile and blow off paths and driveways, but we do not offer a clean-up service: doing it properly needs a tipper truck and a loader, and we would rather spend that time grinding stumps.
If you want to use the chips as garden mulch, Gardening Australia explains that fresh woody material draws nitrogen out of the soil while micro-organisms break it down, which leaves plant roots competing with the mulch for nutrients.
Why grind a stump out
A stump sitting in the yard takes up room you could use for lawn, a garden bed or a build. The Queensland Government has named termite nests in tree stumps as a potential source of infestation in buildings.
It only pays off when the grinding goes to a proper depth. We have had to regrind stumps for people whose first operator did not have the right machines, and that costs you twice. We do it once and we do it properly.
How a stump grinding quote is worked out
Every job is different, so we work out each quote case by case. It comes down to the size and number of stumps, how far away the job is, the ground conditions such as rocks, and whether we need the smallest machine or have to set up ramps to get in.
Send one to five photos through the quote form, with the suburb and how wide the access is. You get a same-day response.
Stump Grinding on the job
Stump Grinding by suburb
- Stump Grinding in Caboolture
- Stump Grinding in Deception Bay
- Stump Grinding in Mango Hill
- Stump Grinding in North Lakes
- Stump Grinding in Redcliffe
- Stump Grinding in Beerwah
- Stump Grinding in Buderim
- Stump Grinding in Caloundra
- Stump Grinding in Caloundra West
- Stump Grinding in Landsborough
- Stump Grinding in Maleny
- Stump Grinding in Montville
- Stump Grinding in Mooloolaba
- Stump Grinding in Mooloolah Valley
- Stump Grinding in Mount Coolum
- Stump Grinding in Mountain Creek
- Stump Grinding in Pelican Waters
- Stump Grinding in Bracken Ridge
- Stump Grinding in Sandgate
- Stump Grinding in Wynnum
- Stump Grinding in Morayfield
Stump Grinding FAQs
What is stump grinding?
Stump grinding removes a tree stump by cutting it away where it stands, rather than digging it out. A stump grinder uses a rotating cutter wheel fitted with fixed carbide teeth, moved across and down through the stump to chip the wood away. We grind the stump below ground level and take the roots as well, so you are not left with a stump that was only ground to ground level.
How deep does stump grinding go?
We decide the depth case by case, based on what is going in the area once the stump is gone, whether that is turf, a garden bed or a new build. It is at least 30 cm unless underground services are in the way, and we take the roots as well, not just the stump down to ground level. Grinding out the whole stump is the outcome we aim for, but services in the ground do not always allow it.
Can a tree grow back after stump grinding?
Some trees can. Queensland Government guidance on camphor laurel says that leaving the roots or crown of a mature tree in the ground will result in regrowth. Brisbane City Council describes jacaranda as a tree that resprouts easily if damaged. We grind out the roots as well as the stump, rather than stopping at ground level.
Is stump grinding worth it?
A stump left in the ground takes up space you could use for lawn, a garden bed or a build. The Queensland Government has also warned that termite nests in tree stumps are a potential source of infestation in buildings. Grinding is only worth it if it is done to a proper depth, though. We have done regrinds for people whose first operator did not have the right machines, and that ends up costing you twice. We do it once and we do it properly.
Do you check for underground services before grinding?
Yes. We arrange Dial Before You Dig for the job. Before You Dig Australia is a free service that supplies plans of the underground infrastructure at a job site before work starts. Services in the ground are also the main thing that limits how deep we can grind.
What happens to the wood chips afterwards?
The grindings stay on site. We rake them into a pile and blow off any hard surfaces, and what you do with them from there is up to you. If you plan to use them as mulch, Gardening Australia explains that micro-organisms breaking down fresh woody material draw nitrogen out of the soil to do it, so fresh chips compete with plant roots for nutrients.
Do you clean up after stump grinding?
We do not offer a clean-up service. In ten years the most we have done is rake the grindings into a pile and blow off hard surfaces. A proper clean-up needs a tipper truck and a loader, and we would rather put that time into grinding stumps.
Can you get to a stump in a tight spot?
Yes. Hard access is our speciality. Our machines run from really small to really big, so there is one that fits through a narrow gate. Tell us how wide the access is when you ask for a quote, so we know which machine to bring and whether we need to set up ramps.
Do you grind large stumps?
Yes. Large stumps are a speciality, alongside hard access, and we have machines big enough for them. If a stump runs a metre deep into the ground, We will not usually remove all of it when the job does not need it, but it can be done.
How much does stump grinding cost?
Every job is different, so we price each one case by case rather than publishing minimums. The price depends on the size and number of stumps, how far away the job is, the ground conditions such as rocks, and whether we need the smallest machine or have to set up ramps to get in. Send photos through the quote form and we will give you a price.
What areas do you cover?
North Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast: the Moreton Bay region, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, plus Brisbane's northern bayside suburbs. The service areas page lists every suburb.
How do I get a quote?
Send one to five photos of the stump or lawn through the quote form, with the suburb and how wide the access is. Put something next to the stump for scale, and take one photo from further back so we can choose the right machine. You get a same-day response.
When are you available?
Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.
Are you insured?
Yes. We are insured for stump grinding and lawn aeration work.
Who turns up to do the job?
We do. We quote the work and we do the work, so you deal with the person doing the actual job.
How long have you been grinding stumps?
We have ten years in the trade. We got started by taking on the jobs other people said could not be done, and by giving people who need a stump ground a high-quality service.