Stump Grinding in Baldwin County, AL

When a tree is taken down, the stump stays behind. A leftover stump can get in the way and be a trip hazard, and it may keep sending up shoots (University of Maryland Extension). Tell us about your stump and your city, and we connect you with an available local tree-service professional in Baldwin County. The professional you're connected with sets the scope and price.

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Prefer to call? Call (251) 325-2151 to be connected with an available local tree-service professional.

Stump grinding vs. stump removal

• Grinding takes the stump down below the surface; roots generally stay in the ground and some trees keep sending up shoots from them.
• Removal takes out the stump and more of the roots, which usually means more digging.

Which is appropriate depends on what you plan to do with the space, such as lawn, planting, a driveway or construction. A professional can explain the options for your site.

What's left after grinding

Grinding leaves a pile of wood chips and soil where the stump stood. Some homeowners use the chips as mulch, some have them hauled off, and some level and replant. Ask the professional what the quote includes for chip cleanup and fill. Source: Canopy · Source: BBB

What affects the price of stump grinding

We don't set prices. The professional you're connected with provides the quote. Things that usually matter:

• Depth and surface roots. Ask how deep the grinding goes and whether surface roots are included. The quote should say.
• Number of stumps. Getting people and equipment to the site is a large part of the cost, so several stumps in one visit, or with a neighbor, can help.
• Access. Make sure the quote describes how the grinder will reach the stump through gates, fences or slopes.
• Chips and fill. Hauling away the chips, and filling with topsoil, may be separate items from the grinding itself.
• Part of a removal, or on its own. If a tree is coming down, ask whether grinding is in the removal quote or priced separately.
• What's underground. Utility lines must be located before grinding, and private lines such as irrigation aren't marked by 811, which can change how the job is done.

Ask for a written scope that spells out what's included.

Sources: Canopy, Hire an Arborist · Virginia Cooperative Extension, Hiring an Arborist · BBB · Alabama 811.

How to check a tree-service professional

Stump grinding is a smaller job than a removal, but the same basic checks apply. We can't vouch for anyone's credentials or insurance.

• Insurance first. Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation, and call the insurance company named on it to confirm the policy is current. Alabama generally requires workers' compensation only of businesses with five or more employees, so a small operator may not carry it.
• Who requests the 811 locate. Agree in writing who will contact Alabama 811 before grinding starts.
• ISA certification. It's a credential held by a person. If the business says someone is certified, look them up by name or certification number in ISA's Find an Arborist directory.
• State license. Alabama's state "tree surgery" license covers work such as cavity filling or repair, bracing, cabling and wound treatment of trees. Ask the professional whether any part of your job needs a state license.
• City business license. Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores require a city business license to do business inside the city (Fairhope and Gulf Shores also include their police jurisdiction). Ask whether they hold one for your city.
• Get it in writing, including chip cleanup and fill, before work starts.

Sources: University of Minnesota Extension · Alabama Dept. of Labor, workers' compensation · ISA, Find an Arborist FAQ · Code of Alabama Title 2, Ch. 28 (ADAI) · Daphne · Fairhope · Gulf Shores.

Underground lines and property features

Before any digging or grinding, underground utilities need to be located through Alabama 811 (call 811); ask the professional who will make that request. Utility companies mark their own lines; private lines such as irrigation, invisible fences or propane are not marked by 811, so tell the professional about any you know of.

Replanting and permit rules

If you're planning to replant, some cities have rules about trees, including replacement requirements in certain cases. Requirements vary by city, so check with your city before work starts. See our tree removal permits guide.

How Gulf Coast Baldwin Tree Removal works

1. Request service. Choose Stump Grinding, pick your city and add a few details.
2. We look for an available professional. We connect your request with a local tree-service professional who works in your area.
3. They follow up. The professional contacts you to discuss the stump and the price. Any agreement is between you and them.

We can't promise availability, timing or pricing.

Prefer to talk to someone? Call (251) 325-2151 to be connected with an available local tree-service professional, or request service online.

Stump grinding FAQ

Do you grind the stumps yourselves?

No. We connect you with an available local tree-service professional who does the work.

Can I get the stump handled when the tree comes down?

Often the two are discussed together. Ask the professional whether the stump is included. See tree removal.

Is grinding the same as removing a stump?

No. Grinding chips the stump away below the surface; removal takes out more of the root system. See the comparison above.

What can I do with the wood chips?

That's something to settle with the professional. Many people use them as mulch, have them hauled off, or fill and replant.

What does stump grinding cost?

It depends on size, number, access and cleanup, as listed above. We don't set or promise prices.

Do I need a permit?

The tree work around a stump can be regulated in some cities, and rules differ by city. Requirements vary by city, so check with your city before work starts. See the tree removal permits guide.

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