Tree stumps are more than just an eyesore—they can be a safety risk, attract unwanted pests, and get in the way of future landscaping plans. Whether you’re managing a commercial property or maintaining your own home, stump removal plays an important role in keeping outdoor areas safe and usable.
At Smith Lawn and Tree, we provide professional stump grinder services across North Texas using top-tier equipment and experienced crews. This guide explains why summer is an ideal time to remove stumps, how the process works, and what to expect when hiring our team.
When a tree is removed, the remaining stump can linger in the yard for years. Some property owners overlook it, but there are several reasons why it’s worth addressing promptly.
Old stumps often become a haven for insects like termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. These pests may eventually move from the stump to nearby healthy trees—or even your home. Stumps can also harbor fungi that may spread through your yard.
Stumps can easily trip someone walking through the yard, especially in lower light. On commercial properties or multi-residence communities, a stump that isn’t removed may pose liability concerns.
If you’re planning to install sod, build a deck, or plant a garden, leftover stumps can complicate things. They get in the way of construction and affect how water drains through the soil. Grinding stumps in advance gives you a clean slate to work with.
While stump removal can technically be done year-round, summer offers the most favorable conditions in many areas of Texas, especially when it comes to soil and weather patterns.
Dry soil provides solid footing for stump grinders and related equipment. During the rainy season or after storms, waterlogged soil can delay projects, cause ruts, or even get machinery stuck. In summer, hard ground gives our team a stable base to work from, helping the job move faster and more smoothly.
Stump grinding produces wood chips, and while some clients choose to keep them for mulch, others want them removed. When it’s hot, leftover material breaks down more quickly if left in place and doesn’t stay wet or soggy for long. This helps reduce mess and limits the chance of fungus taking hold.
Many property owners use summer to catch up on outdoor maintenance or plan ahead for fall plantings. Coordinating stump removal during this season helps keep your yard on schedule. Since equipment moves easily in dry conditions, we can often handle stump grinding in tandem with other services like tree trimming or cleanup.
Stump grinding requires more than just machinery—it takes training, attention to detail, and the right tools to do it right. Smith Lawn and Tree is a trusted provider of stump grinder services across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, including Richland Hills, Southlake, Fort Worth, Colleyville, and nearby communities.
Our team includes certified arborists and experienced operators who are trained to assess each site carefully. We consider what’s around the stump—nearby roots, fencing, hardscaping, or utilities—before grinding begins. We take time to communicate with our clients and protect surrounding areas during every step of the process.
We use high-performance stump grinders suited for both residential and commercial jobs. This equipment is powerful enough to remove large stumps but precise enough to work in tighter spaces without damaging lawns or nearby landscaping.
Unlike rented equipment, which often lacks the capability or sharpness needed for deep stump removal, our machines are maintained and upgraded regularly to handle a wide range of site conditions.
After grinding, we clean the area thoroughly. If requested, we’ll haul off wood chips and debris. For those who want to keep the material, we can also redistribute it in garden beds or use it as a temporary mulch. Either way, the goal is to leave your property in good shape and ready for whatever’s next.
Before we arrive, it’s helpful to clear any loose materials, garden décor, or furniture near the stump. We’ll need enough space to operate the stump grinder safely and reach the work area without obstruction.
If you’re unsure whether something needs to be moved, our team will advise you in advance during scheduling or consultation.
We grind the stump down below soil level—usually six to eight inches deep, depending on your preferences and site conditions. This allows the area to be covered with topsoil and replanted, or left level with the surrounding landscape.
The grinding itself typically takes less than an hour per stump, although timing depends on size, age, and tree species.
Once the stump is ground, you’ll be left with a patch of mulch and soil. We offer debris hauling, but if you choose to keep the wood chips, we recommend letting them sit for a while before planting in that area. Our team will also share tips for covering the area with grass or preparing it for landscaping.
Smith Lawn and Tree doesn’t treat stump grinding like a side job—it’s a key part of our full-service tree care and landscaping approach. We use reliable equipment, follow safe practices, and treat your property like it’s our own.
We serve commercial and residential clients throughout North Texas, including homeowners, HOAs, apartment communities, and facility managers. If you have one stump or several, we’re ready to help.
If there’s a stump on your property that needs to be removed, summer is a great time to get the job done. Dry conditions allow for fast work, cleanup is easier, and your yard will be in better shape for whatever you’re planning next.
Contact Smith Lawn and Tree today to book a consultation or learn more about our professional stump grinder services. Our team is here to handle the tough work so you don’t have to.
We typically grind stumps 6–8 inches below the surface. If needed, we can go deeper depending on your plans for the area (e.g., planting a tree or installing a fence).
Stump grinding focuses on the visible stump and some of the major roots nearby. Most surface roots will break down naturally over time. Complete root removal is a separate service that we can discuss if needed.
Yes. Our team is trained to work carefully near fences, foundations, and walkways. We use protective barriers if needed and assess each site thoroughly before beginning work.
Costs vary based on stump size and location, but most jobs fall between $100 and $400. We provide clear, custom estimates after viewing your property.
Stump grinders require training to use safely. Our crew handles the entire process with professional equipment—no rental or operation needed on your end.
Pricing depends on size and number of stumps. We’ll give you an upfront quote based on your specific site and needs.
Russell Simpler became a managing partner at Smith Lawn and Tree in 2006. With a background in horticultural business from Tarleton State University, he brings extensive knowledge in plants, turf, and landscape design. Russell’s entrepreneurial vision has been instrumental in expanding Smith Lawn and Tree into a leading landscape management company in the DFW metro area.
A licensed commercial pesticide applicator, Russell has over 13 years of experience in the green industry. At Smith Lawn and Tree, he focuses on landscape management and employee development.
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