Stump Grinding Services in Fairfax & Northern VA

JL has 3 Stump Crews to help with grinding your stumps

A stump is removed using our specialized stump machines. The key consideration for removing a tree stump is ensuring accessibility. If the tree stump is situated on a hill, it may pose challenges for the stump machine due to steep terrain. In such cases, alternative methods like hand excavation or specialized equipment may be necessary. Various factors, such as underground utilities and obstacles, can affect the stump removal process and must be carefully addressed. Factors such as fences, landscapes, patios, stairs, structures, and slopes need to be assessed to ensure the machine’s accessibility without causing damage. With our expertise and specialized techniques, we can often find solutions to remove even the most challenging stumps.

Stump grinding machines are very efficient if they can access a tree stump. They are configured with a grinding wheel that has carbine teeth. The wheel spins and is operated with hydraulics back and forth to slowly grind a stump. A stump is usually ground out to a depth of approximately 20″ below ground. Most of the time, a new tree can be planted right in the same spot where the stump previously existed and was ground out.

Are you curious how much stump removal & hauling the grindings might cost? View our average stump removal & hauling grindings cost chart and details.

Stump Grinding & Removal
Grinding stumps on a hill
Stump Grinding in Fairfax VA
Difficult stump removal and grinding

STUMP SHAVINGS – POST GRINDING

After a tree stump is ground out, the stump shavings can be left in a pile in the hole, or hauled away. Usually, there is an extra charge for the stump grindings to be hauled away. Large stumps that are ground out can leave a huge pile of grindings, so please be aware and make sure to discuss this detail during the estimate with the arborist.

SURFACE ROOTS

Surface roots are another option to be ground. Maple trees are notorious for having surface roots, especially in a yard with some erosion or water issues. The root system in a tree is very critical to tree health. Any cutting of a tree’s roots can cause a tree to go into decline rapidly. Consult an arborist to discuss options if a tree can be saved upon cutting its roots. If roots need to be cut, it’s likely a tree might need to be removed. Grinding surface roots is generally another separate cost aside from grinding a tree stump, hauling the grindings.

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

It is necessary when hiring a company to grind stumps to call Miss Utility to mark all underground utility lines. Our company does this for our customers. Sometimes it takes 3-5 business days for Miss Utility to come out and mark the ground.

WHEN TO EXPECT THE STUMP CREW UPON APPROVED WORK ORDERS

Generally, stump crews are a separate crew from the tree crew. Rarely, the stumps from a tree removal job will be done the same day as the removal itself. Stumps to be ground out from a tree removal job are generally completed 3-5 business days after the tree job is complete. JL Tree Service Inc. has 3 separate stump crews. Work is completed in the order the jobs are approved and completed.

SCHEDULING DELAYS WEATHER PERMITTING

When the ground is wet, the 5,000 lb stump machines should not be placed on a customer’s yard. This is generally the case after a heavy rainstorm. Light rains that occur after dry periods allow for a stump job to be completed. We do the best we can with prompt scheduling during these weather conditions.

Do you have a stump that needs to be ground out?
CALL NOW 703-359-4444

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do you grind my stump?

We use Vermeer stump machines, with three large ones that are remote controlled and transported by truck and trailer. Additionally, we employ smaller and track machines to access challenging spots and work on hills.

What do you do with the stump debris – stump shavings and grindings?

This is a great question and probably the most common misunderstanding. We even added this as a separate cost on our estimates. Grinding a stump is one price and process. Hauling the stump grindings and shavings is another separate price and process. We have 2 separate crews most of the time to handle these 2 tasks, especially for large stumps. Usually, the hauling of the stump grindings is a separate charge. More information on hauling grindings.

Who calls Miss Utility?

We do. Our office staff calls Miss Utility for each and every stump job. This for everyone’s safety including our own.

What about Sprinkler & irrigation systems?

We ask that our customers please advise us of any sprinkler or irrigation systems in their yards. We can avoid any potential issues by knowing ahead of time. Thank you!

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