Stump grinding is one of the most common add-ons we do in Tompkins County, and one of the most requested stand-alone jobs. Since emerald ash borer reached the county, a lot of ash has come down in Ithaca, Dryden and Groton, and many of those removals left stumps behind that now get in the way of mowing, parking or a new garden.
You can add stump grinding to any removal Tubbs does, or book it by itself for stumps another crew left years ago. Jason Tubbs will look at the size, the roots and the access, ask about anything buried nearby such as irrigation, a septic line or a dog fence, and price it in your itemized plan. One customer who had 45+ trees removed by our crew, after other companies were nervous to take the job, told us they were pleased with the detail on the stump grinding.
Leftover ash stumps and the ones other crews walked away from
A stump from a tree cut five years ago is usually still solid. Ash in particular tends to sit there, slowly sending up sprouts around the edge. On farm properties in Dryden and Groton, old stumps along hedgerows and field edges get in the way of mowers and tractors. In Lansing subdivisions they break up lawns. We grind all of them, whether we cut the tree or not.
How far down the grinder goes
Grinding takes the stump and the top of the root flare down below the soil line, far enough that you can cover it with topsoil and seed grass. It does not pull out every root. The larger roots spreading under the lawn stay in the ground and break down over time. If you plan to build, pour a slab or set a fence post right where the stump was, tell Jason so he can plan a deeper grind in that spot.
Chips, soil and putting something new in the spot
Grinding produces a pile of chips and soil roughly the size of the stump. You can keep it as mulch for beds, or have it raked out and hauled for local use. Planting a new tree in the exact same hole is not ideal, since the old roots and chips take time to settle. A few feet to one side usually works well, and Jason can suggest a spot while he is there.
What affects the cost of stump grinding here
- Diameter of each stump and how many there are
- Access for the grinder, especially narrow gates on Ithaca city lots
- Rocky or shale-filled soil, which slows the grinder
- Surface roots you want ground out beyond the stump
- Whether chips stay for your beds or get cleaned up and hauled
Stump Grinding Questions From Tompkins County
Can you grind a stump that another company left behind a few years ago?
Yes. Stump grinding can be booked on its own, and old stumps are some of the most common ones we see in Groton, Dryden and Ithaca. Jason will check how many there are, how big they are and how easy they are to reach, then give you a written price during the $50 consultation.
Can I plant a new tree where the old stump was?
You can plant nearby, but the exact spot is not ideal right away because ground-up wood and decaying roots settle and pull nitrogen as they break down. Moving a few feet off center gives the new tree better soil. If you want something in that exact place, Jason can talk through clearing out more of the chips first.
I own a rental in Ithaca. Can the grinding fit between tenants?
Tell us your window when you request a consultation on the contact page, where you can pick preferred times. Consultations are scheduled weekly, and Jason confirms by call, text or email. Booking early in the season gives the best chance of fitting the work into a short gap between leases.
Want the full picture? Read our stump grinding guide, or see everything we do in Tompkins County.