You have had a tree removed — great. But now there is a stump sitting in your yard, and you need to decide what to do with it.

Most people assume there is only one option: dig it out. But there are actually two distinct approaches — stump grinding and full stump removal — and they suit different situations. Here is a clear breakdown of both so you can make the right call for your property.

Stump grinding uses a specialised machine to grind the stump down below ground level — typically 150–300mm below the surface. The machine's rotating cutting wheel chips away the wood, leaving behind a pile of wood chips and sawdust (called grindings).

The roots are left in the ground. They will naturally decompose over time — usually within a few years depending on the species.

What you are left with: A shallow depression filled with wood chip grindings, which can be used as mulch or removed. The area is ready to turf, plant over, or pave (with some preparation).

Full stump removal means physically extracting the entire stump and root ball from the ground. This is done with an excavator or by hand digging, depending on the size and location.

The result is a clean hole where the stump and roots used to be, which is then backfilled with soil.

What you are left with: A cleared area with no remaining root material. The hole needs to be filled and the ground levelled before any further work.

Stump grinding is the right choice for most residential situations. It is faster, less disruptive, and more affordable than full removal.

Choose stump grinding when:

• You want to turf or plant a garden bed over the area
• The stump is in a lawn or garden setting
• You are not planning to replant a tree in the same spot
• You want to pave or concrete over the area (the grindings need to be removed first and the area allowed to settle)
• The stump is in a tight space where excavation equipment cannot access

The roots left underground will not cause problems in most cases. They will gradually break down, and the soil above will settle slightly as they do — something to account for if you are laying pavers or a concrete slab.

Full removal makes sense in specific situations where leaving the roots in the ground would cause problems.

Choose full removal when:

• You want to replant a tree in exactly the same spot (roots from the old tree can interfere with new root growth)
• You are building a structure — a shed, retaining wall, or extension — directly over the stump area
• The tree species is known to produce suckers from the roots (some species, like cotoneasters and some elms, will keep sending up new shoots from the root system even after the trunk is gone)
• You need a completely clean site for landscaping or construction

Full removal is more expensive and more disruptive, but it gives you a completely clean slate.

Some tree species are notorious for sending up new growth from their root systems after the trunk has been removed. Common examples in Adelaide gardens include:

• Cotoneaster — a highly invasive species that will regrow aggressively from roots
• Some elm varieties — particularly Siberian elm
• Robinia (black locust) — spreads readily from roots
• Some fig varieties

If you have had one of these species removed, stump grinding alone may not stop regrowth. You may need full root removal, or treatment of the stump with a herbicide applied immediately after grinding. Talk to your arborist about the best approach for your specific species.

Stump grinding in Adelaide typically costs $150–$400 per stump, depending on:

• Stump diameter — larger stumps take longer to grind
• Root spread — wide, shallow root systems require more grinding
• Access — tight spaces may require smaller equipment or more manual work
• Species — dense hardwoods take longer than softer species

If you are having multiple stumps ground at the same time, most arborists will offer a better rate per stump.

Full stump removal costs more — typically $400–$1,200+ depending on stump size and root system — due to the equipment and labour involved.

Technically yes, but there are good reasons not to:

• Trip hazard — stumps are easy to trip over, especially in lawns
• Pest habitat — decaying stumps attract termites, wood borers, and other insects
• Regrowth — many species will send up new shoots from the stump
• Mowing hazard — stumps in lawns make mowing difficult and can damage mower blades
• Aesthetics — a rotting stump is not a great look in a garden

Most people find that having the stump dealt with at the same time as the tree removal is the most cost-effective approach — the arborist is already on site with equipment.

For the vast majority of Adelaide residential properties, stump grinding is the right choice. It is cost-effective, minimally disruptive, and leaves the area ready for lawn, garden, or paving within a short time.

If you are unsure which option suits your situation, we are happy to assess the stump and give you a recommendation as part of a free quote.

Call Landmark Outdoor Projects on 0410 088 411 or request a free quote online. We service all Adelaide suburbs and can usually provide a quote within 24 hours.