Stump Removal Near Me: Everything UK Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Chris
Stump Removal Near Me: Everything UK Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Why Removing a Tree Stump Matters
Many homeowners leave stumps in place after tree removal, either to save money or because they don't think it will cause problems. In some situations that's a perfectly reasonable decision — but it's worth understanding what you're signing up for if you leave it.
Regrowth
Many tree species will vigorously regenerate from a living stump. Elder, willow, poplar, lime, hazel and many others will produce new shoots within weeks of felling. Without treatment or removal, you'll find yourself managing a multi-stemmed shrub where your tree used to be, requiring repeated cutting back year after year.
Honey Fungus
Honey fungus (Armillaria species) is one of the most destructive garden pathogens in the UK. It colonises dead and dying woody material — including old stumps — and spreads through the soil via black, bootlace-like rhizomorphs. Once established near a stump, it can spread to and kill nearby trees, shrubs, roses and even some perennials. Removing stumps promptly significantly reduces the risk of honey fungus becoming established.
Trip Hazard and Lawn Maintenance
A stump at lawn level is a genuine trip hazard — particularly for children and elderly visitors. Even a low, partially buried stump will damage mower blades and make the surrounding area difficult to maintain neatly.
Pest Habitat
Old stumps provide ideal habitat for wood-boring beetles, ants, slugs and other garden pests. While some of this biodiversity can be welcome, a stump close to a house or other wooden structures can become a route for unwanted insects.
Aesthetic Impact
A dead stump, however well-intentioned as a "wildlife feature," rarely looks good in a managed garden setting. If you're replanting the area or want a clean finish, removal is the most practical solution.
Stump Removal Options: Which Is Right for You?
There are three main methods of dealing with a tree stump in the UK. Each has different costs, timescales, and outcomes.
1. Stump Grinding
This is the most common professional method. A stump grinder — a powerful machine with a rotating cutting disc — is used to grind the stump down to 150–300mm below ground level, leaving behind wood chippings mixed with soil. The chippings are usually left in place to decompose or can be removed. Pros: Fast, effective, leaves no visible stump, can be done in most garden situations, chippings make reasonable mulch Cons: Does not remove the root system (roots decay naturally over several years), machinery access required, grinding creates noise and flying debris
2. Chemical Stump Removal
A stump-killing herbicide is applied to the freshly cut surface of the stump. Over several weeks or months, the chemical travels through the root system and kills the stump, accelerating its decay. This is the DIY-friendly option. Pros: Inexpensive, no machinery required, suitable for stumps in awkward locations Cons: Slow — can take six months to two years for the stump to fully decay, does not physically remove the stump, not suitable if you want to replant quickly
3. Full Stump and Root Extraction
The entire stump and main root plate are physically excavated and removed using a mini digger or excavator. This is the most thorough option but also the most disruptive and expensive. Pros: Complete removal including roots, ideal when replanting or building in the same area Cons: Significantly more expensive, highly disruptive to surrounding ground and lawn, leaves a large hole to fill, may not be possible in confined spaces
How Much Does Stump Removal Cost in the UK 2026?
Stump removal costs depend on the diameter of the stump, the species of tree (hardwoods take longer to grind than softwoods), access for machinery, and the depth of grinding required.
| Stump Diameter | Stump Grinding Cost | Chemical Treatment (DIY) | Full Extraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 20cm) | £75 – £150 | £10 – £20 | £200 – £400 |
| Medium (20–40cm) | £100 – £250 | £15 – £30 | £350 – £700 |
| Large (40–60cm) | £200 – £400 | £20 – £40 | £600 – £1,200 |
| Very large (60cm+) | £300 – £600+ | £30 – £60 | £1,000 – £2,500+ |
Multiple Stumps: Discounts Available
Most stump grinding companies apply a discount when grinding multiple stumps in a single visit. The first stump carries the highest cost (reflecting travel, setup and minimum charges); subsequent stumps on the same site are typically charged at a lower rate. If you have several stumps, booking them all at once can represent significant savings.
Tip: If you're having a tree removed, always get stump grinding quoted at the same time. The contractor already has their equipment on site and will almost always offer a lower combined price than two separate bookings.
What Happens During Professional Stump Grinding?
Understanding the process helps you prepare your garden and know what to expect.
Before the Work
The contractor will assess the stump size, species, access route for the machine, and proximity to underground services. It's your responsibility to confirm the location of any buried cables, pipes or drainage runs near the stump — the contractor will ask about this, and your local utility company can provide cable and pipe location maps if needed.
During the Work
The stump grinder is positioned over the stump and the rotating cutting disc is worked across the surface, grinding the wood down progressively. For a medium-sized stump, this typically takes 20–45 minutes. The machine produces a significant amount of flying debris and noise, and the operator will wear full PPE including face protection.
After the Work
You'll be left with a hollow filled with wood chippings and soil. The chippings can be used as mulch elsewhere in the garden (though they are not ideal for vegetable beds as they can temporarily deplete nitrogen from the soil as they decompose). If you want to replant grass or plants in the same spot, the contractor can remove the chippings for an additional fee, or you can rake them out yourself and add topsoil.
Can Underground Services Be Damaged During Stump Grinding?
Yes — this is a genuine risk that must be addressed before any stump grinding begins. Gas pipes, electricity cables, water mains and broadband ducting can all be present in the root zone of a tree, particularly in urban gardens where services were installed after the tree was planted. Before booking stump grinding:
- Contact your utility companies or use a cable detection service to locate buried services
- Mark out any known service runs clearly before the contractor arrives
- Inform the contractor of any services near the stump — a professional will work around them or advise if the job cannot safely proceed
Most domestic stump grinders work to a maximum depth of around 300mm, which is below the surface level of most tree roots but above the depth of most mains services. However, service depths vary, and a cautious approach is always warranted.
DIY Stump Removal: Is It Worth It?
For small stumps — particularly from ornamental or garden shrubs — DIY removal using hand tools and chemical treatment is a viable option. For anything with a trunk diameter over about 15–20cm, the effort involved in DIY removal is considerable and the results are often unsatisfying.
DIY Chemical Treatment
Products containing potassium nitrate (such as Rootblast or SBM Doff Tree Stump Killer) are widely available in UK garden centres. They are applied to holes drilled into the freshly cut stump surface, accelerating decay over several months. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and keep children and pets away from the treated stump.
Hiring a Stump Grinder
Small stump grinders can be hired from tool hire companies across the UK for around £120–£200 per day. However, they are heavy (typically 300–500kg), require a trailer to transport, and are genuinely difficult and tiring to operate without experience. For most homeowners with more than one or two small stumps, the cost saving over professional grinding is marginal once hire fees, fuel and time are factored in.
Finding a Stump Removal Professional Near You
Check for Arboricultural Association Members
Many stump removal specialists are also qualified tree surgeons. The Arboricultural Association's Approved Contractor directory at trees.org.uk is a reliable starting point. Not all stump grinding companies are AA members — some operate purely as stump grinding specialists — but checking for professional affiliations is always worthwhile.
Verify Insurance
Any contractor working on your property should carry public liability insurance of at least £5 million. Stump grinding machinery can cause damage if used incorrectly — underground services, nearby paving, fences and vehicle bodywork have all been damaged by poorly managed grinding operations. Insurance is not optional.
Get Written Quotes
Always get a minimum of two to three written quotes for stump removal work. Quotes should specify the stump diameter, grinding depth, what happens to the chippings, and whether any site reinstatement is included.
Questions to Ask a Stump Removal Company
- ✅ How deep will you grind the stump — and is that sufficient for replanting?
- ✅ Will you remove the chippings, or are they left in place?
- ✅ How will you handle proximity to underground services?
- ✅ Can you provide public liability insurance documentation?
- ✅ Is there a minimum call-out charge?
- ✅ Do you offer a discount for multiple stumps?
- ✅ Will there be any visible depression in the lawn after grinding?
What to Do With the Space After Stump Removal
Once the stump has been ground or removed, you have several options for the space:
- Replant with a new tree or shrub — if the old stump has been fully ground or extracted, replanting is straightforward. However, avoid replanting with the same or closely related species, as soil-borne pathogens specific to that species may persist
- Lay turf or seed grass — remove the chippings, fill with topsoil, firm well, and either lay turf or sow grass seed
- Create a planting bed — the area immediately around a ground-out stump makes an excellent planting bed, as the decomposing chippings will enrich the soil over time
- Leave it — if you don't need the space immediately, the chippings will decompose naturally and enrich the soil over two to three years
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does stump grinding take?
A single medium-sized stump typically takes 30–60 minutes to grind. Larger or particularly hard stumps (oak, elm, yew) may take longer. Multiple stumps on the same site can usually be completed in half a day.
Will the roots decay after stump grinding?
Yes — the roots that remain in the ground will gradually decay over several years. In most cases this causes no problems, though some subsidence of the soil above the root line may occur as larger roots decay. If you are laying hard landscaping over the area, it is worth waiting a season or ensuring the soil is properly compacted first.
Can I burn a tree stump out?
Burning is not a practical or recommended method for most UK gardens. It is slow, requires constant supervision, can spread underground and damage neighbouring plants and structures, and may be prohibited under local bylaws or in smoke-controlled areas. Professional stump grinding is faster, safer and more effective.
Is stump grinding always necessary?
No. If the stump is in a location where it causes no problems — not in the way, not in a lawn, no risk of honey fungus spreading — it can be left to decay naturally. A treated stump in a woodland or wild garden setting can be a valuable habitat feature. The decision depends on your specific situation.
How soon can I replant after stump grinding?
You can replant as soon as the chippings have been cleared and the hole has been filled with topsoil. There is no waiting period required for stump grinding alone. If chemical stump treatment has been used, follow the manufacturer's guidance — some products require a waiting period before replanting.
Conclusion
Stump removal is often the most practical finishing touch to tree work — preventing regrowth, eliminating trip hazards, protecting neighbouring plants from disease, and giving you back full use of the space. Stump grinding is fast, affordable and available from professionals across the UK, and when booked alongside tree removal, it represents excellent value. Take the time to confirm underground service locations before work begins, get written quotes from at least two companies, and think ahead about what you want to do with the space. The right decision now saves a great deal of hassle later.
Find a Stump Removal Specialist Near You → Search our free UK directory to find qualified, insured stump removal and tree surgery professionals in your local area. Compare reviews and request quotes today.