Stump grinding in Chattanooga

What stump grinding costs in Chattanooga

Ask how the company prices it, such as per stump or by the stump's width, and whether there's a minimum charge. Neither source says how many jobs its numbers come from. See all Chattanooga tree costs.

Grinding or full removal?

Grinding chews the stump down below ground level and leaves the deeper roots in place, where they slowly rot. Pulling out the whole stump and its root ball is a bigger, messier job.

If you plan to plant, lay sod or build where the stump was, tell the company. Ask how deep they'll grind, and whether they'll fill the hole with soil.

Hiring a company or renting a grinder

Some homeowners rent a stump grinder instead. If you do, follow the rental shop's safety instructions, wear eye and hearing protection, and call 811 first. Large stumps, stumps close to a house or fence, and stumps on a slope are usually better left to a company.

Call 811 before anyone digs

Tennessee 811 says that anyone digging must contact it first, including homeowners on their own property. The service is free. A standard request needs at least three full business days, which means 72 hours not counting weekends and holidays.

Its FAQ doesn't name stump grinding, but it defines digging broadly. Ask the company whether it requests a locate before grinding, or call 811 yourself if you rent a grinder.

What to ask before you hire

• The price per stump, or for the whole job, in writing.
• How deep they grind, and whether surface roots are included.
• What happens to the wood chips. Some companies leave them as mulch and some haul them away for a fee.
• Whether they'll request an 811 locate before they start.
• Proof of insurance. Grinders throw debris, so ask how they protect windows, cars and siding.