Professional Stump Grinding
Expert stump grinding services across New Hampshire. Complete grinding 6-8 inches below grade with professional equipment and experienced service.
What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is the process of mechanically removing a tree stump by using a specialized machine to grind the stump into small wood chips. Unlike stump removal which involves extracting the entire root system, grinding focuses on eliminating the visible stump and grinding it down below the surface level.
Our standard service grinds stumps 6-8 inches below grade, which is ideal for most residential applications. This depth allows for proper soil coverage and grass growth over the area, completely concealing where the stump once stood.
Our Professional Grinding Process
1. Site Assessment
We evaluate the stump location, size, and accessibility to determine the best approach and equipment needed for the job.
2. Professional Grinding
Using commercial-grade equipment, we grind the stump 6-8 inches below ground level, including major surface roots.
3. Complete Cleanup
Wood chips are raked back into the stump hole, creating a mound of chips mixed with soil that won't support plant growth. Optional blow chips into woods service available for planting areas.
4. Site Restoration
The area is left clean and level, ready for topsoil, grass seed, or your next landscaping project.
Benefits of Professional Stump Grinding
Improved Property Aesthetics: Eliminate unsightly stumps and create clean, usable space
Safety Enhancement: Remove tripping hazards and prevent injuries to family and visitors
Pest Prevention: Eliminate habitats for termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects
New Growth Prevention: Stop new shoots from sprouting around the old stump
Landscaping Flexibility: Reclaim space for new plantings, lawn, or outdoor features
Cost-Effective: More affordable than full stump excavation and faster completion
Professional Equipment & Technique
We use commercial-grade stump grinders designed for efficiency and precision. Our equipment can handle stumps of all sizes, from small ornamental trees to large oaks and maples. The grinding process creates wood chips that can be repurposed as mulch or removed from your property based on your preference.
Our experienced operators understand proper grinding depth, surrounding root system management, and how to work around existing landscaping features. We take care to protect your property while delivering thorough, complete grinding.
Transparent Pricing
Our stump grinding pricing is based on stump diameter and accessibility. We provide clear, upfront quotes with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Standard grinding includes:
- Grinding 6-8 inches below grade
- Major surface root grinding
- Wood chips raked level
- Complete site cleanup
Optional services available: wood chip removal, extensive root removal.
Serving 119 Cities & Towns Across New Hampshire
Professional stump grinding services available throughout 5 New Hampshire counties.
Major Service Areas
All 5 New Hampshire Counties
Hillsborough County
31 locations including Manchester, Nashua, Amherst and more
Merrimack County
27 locations including Concord, Franklin, Allenstown and more
Belknap County
11 locations including Laconia, Alton, Barnstead and more
Strafford County
13 locations including Dover, Rochester, Somersworth and more
Rockingham County
37 locations including Portsmouth, Atkinson, Auburn and more
Why Choose Merit Pro Services?
Excellence in Execution
Every stump ground completely, every job site left clean, every promise kept. Excellence is our standard.
Transparent Pricing
Clear pricing upfront with no surprise charges. You know exactly what you are paying before we start work.
Professional Service
We treat your property like our own. Experienced operators, quality equipment, and genuine care for your satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep do you grind stumps?
Our standard service grinds stumps 6-8 inches below grade. This depth is ideal for most residential applications, allowing for proper soil coverage and grass growth. Deeper grinding is available upon request for specific needs.
What happens to the wood chips?
Our standard service rakes wood chips back into the stump hole, creating a mound of chips mixed with soil. This mound will not support plant growth as decomposing chips deplete soil nitrogen for several years. For areas where you want to plant, we offer a blow chips into woods service that uses a backpack blower to blow chips into nearby woods.
How long does stump grinding take?
Most residential stumps can be ground in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on size and accessibility. Multiple stumps are typically completed in a single visit.
Can I plant in the same spot after grinding?
Yes, once the area is filled with topsoil. The wood chips will decompose over time and enrich the soil. For immediate planting, we recommend removing the chips and adding fresh topsoil.
What is the difference between grinding and removal?
Stump grinding mechanically grinds the stump below ground level, while stump removal (excavation) involves digging out the entire stump and root system. We specialize in grinding, which is faster, more cost-effective, and less disruptive to surrounding landscaping.
Do you grind the roots too?
Yes, we grind major surface roots as part of our standard service. For extensive root systems or roots extending far from the stump, we offer additional root grinding services.
Our Other Services
We offer comprehensive tree services beyond just stump grinding.
Ready to Grind Those Stumps?
Get a free quote today. Fast turnaround, professional service, and transparent pricing across all of New Hampshire.
Your Property, Our Promise