Reliable stump grinding and removal services in London

Eliminating the risk of garden insect pest issues, such as termite, ant and beetle infestations, due to decaying tree stumps!
  • Safer outdoor space, free of hazardous obstructions
  • Fully qualified and insured tree surgeons near you
  • Premium stump grinding tools and equipment
  • Simple online booking and flexible booking schedule
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What does the stump grinding and removal service entail?

Stump Grinding And Removal in a London Property

Fantastic Gardeners work with certified, skilled, and fully insured arborists, whose proven, extensive expertise makes them a second-to-none choice when it comes to stump removal jobs.

With us, your stump grinding service will be executed in a safe and efficient manner to meet the highest of your expectations. Our expert stump removal services are designed to eliminate the stump of a tree that has been cut down. We follow all industry-standard practices and perform the required survey to pinpoint and avoid any underground utilities if needed during the removal process.

The stump removalists will use advanced, high-powered machinery to grind the tree stump, regardless of its size. The machine has both above-ground and underground cutting capacity, meaning the tree stump will be removed with minimum disruption of the landscape. The technicians can fill the hole and level the ground, as well as clear the site from all debris, upon request. Up to one black bin bag of organic waste disposal is included in the service. So, it’s up to you if you wish anything extra to be discarded at an additional cost or you’d rather have the sawdust turned into mulch or compost for your future gardening needs.

Note that we also specialise in professional tree felling and removal services, so if you need a tree removed for any reason, you can count on a team of arborists to cut the tree, remove the stump and grind it, according to your requirements. Entrust your tree surgery needs to us!

What are the risks of leaving a tree stump behind and when should you remove it?

Not removing a tree stump from your garden plot can cause a variety of problems. Firstly, it is a hazardous obstacle, especially if you have small children, who may trip while playing in the garden. In addition, the stump can initiate the onset of tree rot, fungal infection, and mildew, which can easily affect other plants and vegetation.

Also, stumps left in the ground can produce new shoots from the base during the growing season, making them even more unsightly looking among your well-cared-for plant varieties or on your neatly trimmed lawn.

And last but not least, the remnant of a cut-down tree can harbour a colony of ants or termites, as well as wood-boring beetles and other insects, which would not take long to cause a full-blown infestation. This can compromise the integrity of your property or have an adverse effect on your plant life.

stump grinding machine removing a stump in a London property

Certified tree surgeons near you:

Yavor Dimitrov Alexandrov
Yavor Dimitrov Alexandrov 4.7/5 715 ratings

Number of bookings: 2720

With Fantastic Services for: 9 years

Specialities:

Zlatko Iliev
Zlatko Iliev 4.7/5 54 ratings

Number of bookings: 187

With Fantastic Services for: 3 years

Specialities:

Radostina Nenova
Radostina Nenova 4.5/5 3 ratings

Number of bookings: 48

With Fantastic Services for: 8 months

Specialities:

Lawn topdressing and overseeding Crown thinning, lifting, and reduction Planting and flowerbeds

Frequently asked questions

Q: How much does it cost to remove a tree stump in London?
A: The cost of tree stump removal in London depends on several factors, including the size and location of the stump, ease of access, and whether any additional services are required (like debris disposal). You’ll receive a personalised quote after a professional on-site survey to ensure accurate pricing for your specific situation.
Q: How long does it take to remove a tree stump?
A: Small stumps don’t take more than a quarter of an hour to remove, whereas larger ones may need a good hour to be completely cut through, excavated and ground to a pulp.
Q: How do you remove a large tree stump in the UK?
A: Large tree stumps are typically removed using a powerful stump grinding machine operated by trained professionals. The machine grinds the stump down below ground level with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape. After grinding, the remaining hole can be filled with wood chips and soil. The ground will be levelled so you can turf over it or plant a new tree if desired. For safety and efficiency, it’s recommended to hire qualified tree surgeons who can assess access, utilities, and equipment needs before beginning the removal.
Q: Is stump grinding permanent?
A: Yes, stump grinding is considered a permanent solution for removing the visible part of a tree stump. Once the stump is ground down and the area is levelled, it will not regrow in most cases, especially for non-invasive tree species. However, in some instances, certain tree types may attempt to sprout new growth from remaining roots, though this is rare and can be controlled with proper treatment.
Q: Is it better to grind a stump or dig it up?
A: In most cases, stump grinding is the better option. It’s faster, less invasive, and causes minimal disruption to your garden or landscape. The stump is ground below soil level, allowing you to replant or turf over the area easily. Digging up a stump, especially a large one, can be far more labor-intensive and may damage surrounding soil or garden features.
Q: Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
A: In most cases, grinding a stump is cheaper and more efficient than full stump removal. Grinding removes the visible portion of the stump down to below ground level without the need to excavate the entire root system, which can be labour-intensive and costly. Stump removal, on the other hand, involves digging out the stump and its roots entirely, making it more expensive overall.
Q: What else can I use the wood chips for?
A: You can use the wood chips from stump grinding as mulch or add them to your compost bin. Mulch is ideal for fertilising and enhancing the texture of your garden soil or improving water retention. If left in the ground, they can also be used to backfill the hole. However, because they are high in carbon and low in nitrogen, they may temporarily reduce soil fertility. If you're planning to grow grass or other plants, it's best to replace some grindings with topsoil.
Q: Can you remove the debris from stump grinding if I don’t need to use them in any way?
A: Yes. If you request it in your booking details, we can dispose of the debris for an extra charge.
Q: Is it bad to leave a tree stump in the ground?
A: Yes, leaving a tree stump in the ground can lead to problems. Stumps can rot and attract pests like ants, termites, or beetles, increase the risk of fungal growth, and pose a tripping hazard. They may also sprout new growth, making your garden harder to maintain.
Q: Why is it bad to bury stumps?
A: Burying stumps is not recommended because the decaying wood can cause the soil to collapse over time, leading to uneven ground or sinkholes. It can also attract pests like termites or ants, which may spread to healthy plants or buildings.
Q: Can you burn a stump out?
A: While it’s technically possible, burning out a stump is not recommended due to safety, environmental, and legal concerns, especially in urban areas like London. It's far safer and more efficient to use professional stump grinding.
Q: Do tree roots still grow after stump grinding?
A: After stump grinding, the main roots remain underground but are no longer active. They lose access to nutrients and energy and naturally decay over time, typically taking several years. In rare cases, some tree species may sprout new shoots from the roots, but these are easily managed.
Q: Does stump grinding remove the entire stump?
A: Stump grinding removes the visible part of the stump and some of the roots below ground level—usually 6 to 12 inches deep. It does not remove the entire root system but leaves the area ready for turfing, planting, or landscaping.
Q: What is the best way to get rid of a stump without grinding?
A: If stump grinding isn’t an option, you can remove a stump by digging it out, using chemical removers, or encouraging natural decomposition. Each method is slower and more labour-intensive than grinding. Chemical methods may take months, and natural rotting requires moisture, compost, and patience.
Q: How big of a stump can a stump grinder grind?
A: Professional stump grinders can handle nearly any stump size - from small garden stumps to large, deeply rooted tree bases. The high-powered equipment is designed for efficient, low-impact removal of even the toughest stumps.
Q: What trees can be cut down without permission in the UK?
A: You can usually cut down trees on your property unless the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area. In those cases, you’ll need approval from your local council. Always check with your local authority to avoid penalties.
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