★★★★★
“They cut down what was left of my tree and ground the stump out, a job I couldn't do myself, and were done in less than 2 hours. I highly recommend them. They were friendly and did good work.”
After a tree comes down, the stump is often left behind. It becomes an obstacle in the yard, a tripping hazard, and sometimes a source of regrowth or pest activity. Stump grinding removes the visible stump and the top portion of the root system so the area can be replanted, sodded, or simply left as lawn.
Arbol De Fuego Services handles stump grinding in Northglenn, Adams County, and the north Denver metro. Call (720) 210-3718 for a free estimate.
Stumps left in the ground cause a few common problems:
Not every homeowner needs to remove a stump right away, but most eventually do. In Northglenn and Federal Heights, where a lot of the older yards have large cottonwood and elm stumps left from trees removed years ago, we regularly get calls from homeowners who are finally ready to deal with a stump that has been sitting in the yard for a long time. Root sprouts coming up through the lawn year after year are often what finally prompts the call.
A stump grinder is a machine with a rotating cutting wheel. The operator moves the wheel across the stump repeatedly, grinding the wood into chips a few inches below the surface. The grinding typically goes 6 to 12 inches deep, which removes the main stump body. The lateral roots remain in the ground but lose their connection to a live stump and decay over time.
Before we start: we look at the stump’s size, species, and location. Stumps near a sidewalk, foundation, or irrigation line need extra care so the grinder does not cause unintended damage. We check for buried lines if needed.
After grinding: you are left with a shallow depression filled with wood chips. You can:
If you want the area ready for new grass rather than just a depression filled with chips, we can haul the chips, backfill the hole with topsoil, and lay sod so the spot matches the rest of the lawn. This is a natural follow on to grinding, especially when a tree has been removed from a prominent spot in the front yard, and it fits the landscaping side of what we do. After backfill the area can be sodded or seeded within a few days. If you leave the chips in place instead, they take longer to decompose and are not ideal for immediate planting. Ask us to include backfill and sod in your quote.
In Northglenn and the surrounding north Denver area, we see a lot of stump calls that fall into that first category. A tree was removed years ago, the stump was left behind, and now the homeowner is dealing with root sprouts popping up through the lawn every spring or wants to landscape the area and needs the stump gone first. We also get calls after we finish a tree removal, when the homeowner decides on the spot that they want the stump handled at the same time.
The type of tree affects how the grinding goes. Here are the species we see most often in Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, and the surrounding area:
Stump grinding is priced by the diameter of the stump at ground level, how many stumps there are, and how easy it is to get the grinder to them. A single ornamental stump in an open front yard is the low end. A cluster of old cottonwood stumps behind a narrow side gate is the high end. Grinding added to a tree removal on the same visit is cheaper than a separate trip. We give you a written number before we start, and there is no charge for the estimate.
Stump grinding can happen any time of year. If the tree was just removed, we can grind the stump the same day or schedule it separately. If you have an old stump that has been in the yard for years, we can grind that as well. There is no need to wait for a particular season. We work through winter when ground conditions allow.
We grind stumps in Northglenn, Westminster, Federal Heights, Thornton, Broomfield, Commerce City, and surrounding communities. See all service areas.
★★★★★
“They cut down what was left of my tree and ground the stump out, a job I couldn't do myself, and were done in less than 2 hours. I highly recommend them. They were friendly and did good work.”
Grinding removes the stump and the top root structure just below ground level. Deep lateral roots stay in place but decay over time without a live stump feeding them.
For most species, no. Some aggressive sprouters like cottonwood may still push up occasional sprouts from remaining roots, but without the stump to support them they are easy to mow down or pull.
Typically 6 to 12 inches below grade. If you need a specific depth for a landscaping or construction project, tell us and we can discuss what is achievable.
A single residential stump usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. Multiple stumps or very large stumps take longer.
Yes. If you want the stump gone the same day, let us know when you book the removal and we will plan the visit accordingly.
No. Grinding removes the stump and the top root system. Full stump removal would mean extracting the entire root ball, which is rarely necessary and far more disruptive. Grinding is the right solution for almost every residential situation.
If you know where your irrigation lines run relative to the stump, let us know before we start. We take care around any lines you point out. If you are not sure, we can adjust the grinding depth in areas of concern.
Dead, dying, oversized, or storm damaged trees taken down safely, chipped, hauled, and cleaned up by a family crew based in Northglenn.
Learn moreTrimming, crown thinning and raising, deadwood removal, shrub and hedge work, and roof clearance for the mature trees of the north metro.
Learn moreFallen trees, hangers over the roof, and post storm cleanup across the north metro, with hazard calls moved to the front of the schedule.
Learn moreCall (720) 210-3718 or request your free quote online. We serve Northglenn and the North Denver Metro.