Stumps outlast the trees that left them. Around Tioga County we see ash stumps from the borer years, old pine stumps from storm cleanup, and maple stumps that have sprouted into a thicket. They get in the way of mowing, haying, building and replanting, and they keep sending up shoots. Grinding takes them below grade so the ground is usable again.
You can add stump grinding to any Tubbs removal or book it on its own. Jason Tubbs starts with a $50 on-site consultation, counts and measures the stumps with you, and notes anything buried nearby like septic lines or irrigation. Your itemized plan shows the options, and the $50 is credited to the job once you accept.
From pasture edges to village lawns
A single stump in a Waverly front yard is a different job from twenty along a Spencer hedgerow. In town, we protect sidewalks, gardens and lawn. On farms, the goal is often getting a field edge or fence line clear enough for equipment again. One customer, after having 45+ trees removed when other companies were nervous to take the job on, told us the stump grinding detail was what stood out. We treat every stump that way.
What happens below the surface
A grinder chews the stump and the top layer of major roots into chips. It does not pull the whole root system out of the ground. The remaining roots break down slowly over time.
- Grinding depth is set by what you plan to do next, whether that is lawn, garden or a new tree.
- Surface roots that run toward a driveway or walk can be chased and ground as well.
- We note utility locates and septic components before we start.
Turning the chips into something useful
The chips that come out of a stump are a mix of wood and soil. Many Tioga homeowners keep them as mulch around beds or spread them on a woodland path. If you plan to reseed or replant in that spot, we can rake out the bulk and leave a level area for topsoil. You choose how much cleanup you want in your plan.
What changes the grinding price
- Stump diameter and how far the root flare spreads at the surface.
- How many stumps there are and how far apart they sit on the property.
- Access for the grinder through gates, across lawns, or up a sloped yard.
- Nearby hazards such as foundations, fences, septic lines or buried utilities.
- How much chip cleanup and leveling you want afterward.
Stump Grinding Questions From Tioga County
Does grinding remove all the roots?
No. Grinding removes the stump and the top of the main roots, which is what you see and trip over. The deeper roots stay in the soil and decay over the following years. For most lawns, beds and pastures, that is all that is needed. Jason can grind surface roots further if they cause a specific problem.
Can I plant a new tree where the old stump was?
You can, but it is usually better to shift the new tree a few feet to one side. The old spot is full of chips and decaying roots that tie up nutrients for a while. If that exact location matters to you, we can remove more of the chip material so you can add fresh soil before planting.
I have a dozen old stumps along a fence line in Barton. Can I book just the grinding?
Yes. Stump grinding can be booked on its own, without a removal. Mark or flag the stumps you want gone before the consultation, and let Jason know if the fence stays. He will check access for the grinder along the line and list each stump in your plan.
Want the full picture? Read our stump grinding guide, or see everything we do in Tioga County.