TreeMax Tree Service
Professional Stump Grinding in Sacramento & Citrus Heights
That stump left behind after a tree comes down isn't just an eyesore — it's a trip hazard, a pest magnet, and a constant annoyance every time you mow. TreeMax grinds stumps completely below grade, leaving your yard clean, safe, and ready for whatever comes next.
Why Stump Grinding Is Worth It
After a tree is removed, the stump that remains is often an afterthought. Many homeowners plan to deal with it “later,” only to find that later turns into years. Meanwhile, the stump quietly creates problems — a tripping hazard, a home for termites, an obstacle in the lawn, and a constant source of sucker growth that has to be cut back season after season.
Professional stump grinding is the fastest, cleanest, and most permanent solution. Unlike manual stump removal (which requires excavation and is extremely labor intensive), grinding uses a high-speed rotary cutting wheel to reduce the stump and its major roots to wood chip mulch, leaving the area below grade and ready to be filled.
TreeMax uses commercial-grade stump grinding equipment that can handle stumps of any diameter or wood density. Our operators are experienced with all common Sacramento-area tree species — from soft maples and ornamental plums to dense valley oaks and mature redwoods. We also take care of Call 811 utility marking coordination before any grinding begins.
We often bundle stump grinding with tree removal at a reduced rate, but we also take standalone stump grinding jobs. If you have multiple stumps, we can work through several in a single visit — the more stumps, the better the per-stump rate.
6 Reasons to Remove That Stump
Still on the fence? Here's why stump grinding is almost always worth the investment.
Trip Hazard Elimination
Stumps are a serious liability. Whether it's a guest, a child, or yourself, stumps cause trips and falls. Grinding below grade eliminates the risk entirely.
Pest Prevention
Decaying stumps are prime real estate for termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects — pests that can migrate into your home.
Stop Regrowth
Many tree species will continually send up new shoots from a remaining stump. Grinding the root crown below grade stops this cycle for good.
Reclaim Your Yard
Stumps take up valuable space and make mowing a hassle. Removing them opens up the area for lawn, garden, or hardscape — whatever you have planned.
Improve Curb Appeal
An old stump in the front yard is an eyesore. Stump grinding immediately improves the look of your landscape and boosts property value.
Healthier Surrounding Trees
Diseased stumps can harbor root rot fungi that spread to healthy nearby trees. Removing them protects the rest of your landscape.
Our Stump Grinding Process
Quick, clean, and thorough — most residential stumps are ground in under an hour.
Site Assessment
We locate the stump, check for underground utilities (Call 811), assess the root spread, and confirm machine access before quoting.
Grinding Below Grade
Our commercial-grade stump grinder works the stump 6–12 inches below the soil surface — well below any future planting depth.
Wood Chip Disposal
The grinding process creates wood chip mulch. We can leave it on-site to fill the hole, or haul it away — your choice.
Site Restoration
The hole is filled and the area leveled. You can topsoil and seed immediately for a seamless repair of your lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep does stump grinding go?
Our machines grind 6 to 12 inches below the soil surface — deep enough for lawn restoration and shallow planting. If you're planning to plant a large replacement tree in the same spot, we can grind deeper on request.
Will you remove the grindings?
Yes, on request. The wood chips produced during grinding can be left on-site to fill the void (they'll decompose naturally), or we can haul them away as part of the job. Just let us know your preference.
Can I plant in the same spot after stump grinding?
You can plant grass seed or groundcover immediately after. For a new tree or shrub, we recommend waiting 6–12 months for the wood chips to decompose, or removing the chips and amending with fresh soil before planting.
Do you grind large stumps?
Absolutely. Our commercial grinder handles stumps of all sizes, including very large valley oaks, mature redwoods, and multi-trunk specimens. We've ground some of the largest stumps in the Sacramento area.
Get Your Free Estimate Today
Call us or fill out the form — we respond same day.