“It's a good add-on service, but you have to have the work to justify it,” says Shawn Cressman, president of Cressman's Lawn & Tree Care, Hellertown, Pa. “If you can't operate a stump grinder three days a week, it won't pay for itself.”

Stump grinders are powerful machines equipped with heavy-duty engines and specialized grinding wheels. These machines require significant upfront investment for purchase and ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. The cost of owning and maintaining these grinders is reflected in the service price.

Hardwood Stumps – Hardwoods tend to have denser wood, which makes them more challenging to grind down. Examples of hardwood trees include oak, hickory, and maple. Among these, oak stumps are often cited as particularly tough due to their density and extensive root systems.

Grinding is much more efficient than stump removal, however, it does leave the tree's roots behind.