The tree is gone. The stump is still there — and it’s not going anywhere on its own. A leftover stump is a tripping hazard, a lawnmower’s worst enemy, and an open invitation for termites, carpenter ants, and fungal decay. We grind stumps down below grade across LaPlace and St. John the Baptist Parish, clean up the chips, and leave you with usable yard again.
Call [PHONE] for a free estimate.
Why Grind the Stump?
- Termites and pests. A decaying stump is prime real estate for subterranean termites — and in Louisiana, termites are a year-round threat. A stump near your foundation is a bridge straight to your house.
- Regrowth. Many species (sweetgum, crepe myrtle, willow oak) send up aggressive suckers from a live stump. You’ll be cutting shoots for years unless the stump is ground out.
- Fungal spread. Stump decay fungi can spread through root systems to nearby healthy trees.
- It’s in the way. Mowing around it, tripping over it, watching the kids trip over it — a stump serves no purpose once the tree is gone.
- Curb appeal and value. A yard full of stumps reads as neglected. Grinding them out is one of the cheapest curb-appeal upgrades there is.
Grinding vs. Full Stump Removal
Stump grinding (what most people need): a grinder chews the stump into chips down to 6–8 inches below grade. The roots stay in the ground and decay naturally over a few years. You can lay sod or plant shallow-rooted plants right over the spot. Faster, cheaper, and sufficient for nearly every residential situation.
Full stump removal (rare): excavating the entire stump and root ball. Needed only when you’re building on the exact spot — a foundation, driveway, or pool — where settling roots would cause problems. It’s significantly more expensive because it requires heavy equipment.
For most LaPlace homeowners, grinding is the right answer. We’ll tell you honestly if your situation calls for full removal.
What to Expect
- Free estimate. We look at the stump’s size, species, location, and access, then quote a flat price.
- Underground check. Before grinding, we confirm the location of buried utilities. If you’re unsure where lines run, call 811 (Louisiana One Call) a few days ahead — it’s free.
- Grinding. Our grinder reduces the stump to chips, typically 6–8 inches below the surface. The work area is contained to minimize mess.
- Cleanup. Chips are raked into a neat pile or hauled away — your choice. Many customers keep the chips as mulch for beds.
- Aftercare. The ground will settle slightly as the chips and remaining roots decompose. Top it with soil and sod, and within a season you won’t know a tree was ever there.
Stump Grinding Costs in LaPlace
Stump grinding is usually priced by the stump’s diameter, measured at ground level:
- Small stumps (under 12 inches): the most affordable — often bundled cheaply with a removal done the same day.
- Medium stumps (12–24 inches): the typical residential job.
- Large stumps (24+ inches): old oaks leave big stumps; price scales with diameter and root flare.
Factors that adjust the price: rocky soil, limited access (grinder can’t reach it), multiple stumps (discounts usually apply), and surface roots spreading across the yard. Cheapest option of all: have us grind the stump during the same visit as the tree removal — one trip, one setup, lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you grind?
Standard is 6–8 inches below grade — deep enough for sod, grass seed, or replanting. Need deeper for a specific project? Tell us during the estimate.
Will the stump grow back after grinding?
No. Grinding destroys the stump’s ability to regenerate. You may see minor settling as roots decay, but no regrowth.
Can you grind a stump next to my house or fence?
Yes — grinders come in sizes for tight access, including walk-behind units that fit through a standard gate. We’ll confirm access during the free estimate.
What do you do with the wood chips?
Your choice: we rake them into a tidy pile for you to use as mulch, or we haul them away. Haul-away may add a small fee depending on volume.
How long does it take?
Most single stumps take 30–60 minutes. Multiple stumps or very large oak stumps take longer. We’ll give you a time estimate with the quote.
I have ten stumps from lot clearing. Is there a discount?
Yes — volume pricing applies. Grinding multiple stumps in one visit is far more efficient, and we pass that savings on. Call [PHONE] for a package quote.
Reclaim Your Yard
That stump isn’t getting smaller. Call [PHONE] for a free estimate and let’s turn that eyesore back into lawn.