STUMP GRINDING SERVICES

FOR ALEXANDRIA, ARLINGTON & FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA

Have questions about stump grinding?

Call us today at 
571-244-3838

GV-logo-icon

Our Northern Virginia Stump Grinding Services

When you have an unsightly tree stump posing a tripping hazard or starting to rot in your front lawn, you'll probably want to have it removed by a professional stump grinding company. Why? Check out the many benefits listed below!

Enhance Curb Appeal

Create a cleaner, more well-kept look that improves the overall appearance of your property.

Improve Safety

Reduce the risk of accidents, making your outdoor space safer for everyone.

Optimize Your Outdoor Space

Create additional usable space in your yard to plant new trees, install landscaping features, or simply have more room for activities.

Prevent Pest Problems

Eliminate potential pest habitats that can attract carpenter ants, termites, and other insects.

A Budget - Friendly Choice

Stump grinding is generally quicker and less expensive than complete stump removal.

Remaining tree stumps after a tree removal in Alexandria, VA

Should You Remove a Tree Stump?

How to decide if stump grinding is the right option for you

If you've had a tree removed, you'll usually be left to deal with the tree stump. So what should you do - leave that ugly stump or have it safely removed with our stump grinding service?

Most people remove a tree stump because they don't like its look, and it gets in the way. However, there are also health and safety issues to consider. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide whether stump removal is right for you.

Is the stump in a location where it will be a safety hazard or obstacle that could injure someone?

Do you want to plant a new tree in or near the same location? If so, you'll have to remove the stump first.

Are there destructive carpenter ants and/or termites in the area? They're attracted to dead tree stumps; the only way to prevent this is to grind the stump away.

Do you have nearby plants or trees that you want to keep healthy? As the stump slowly rots away, harmful fungi move in and could spread disease to nearby trees or plants – stump grinding eliminates this problem.

Do you want to prevent the tree from growing back? Removing the stump is the only way to guarantee this.

Still not sure? Give us a call at 571-244-3838 and one of our experienced tree care consultants will be happy to evaluate your tree stump and give you an estimate for removal.

ABOUT TREE STUMP GRINDING & REMOVAL

Whenever we remove a tree we also offer you the option to grind away the tree stump. This is a separate line item charge on your proposal - it is not included in "tree removal".

How Do You Get Rid of a Tree Stump?

Stump removal vs. stump grinding: What's the difference?

Without the right equipment, stump removal can be an almost impossible task. Basically, there are two ways to remove a tree stump:

Use an Excavator: This is a quick way to remove a tree stump, but it will cause major damage to a large area around the stump and can be very expensive. Still, this can be a good option if you have a lot of stumps to remove and you plan on doing major landscaping work afterward.

Use a Stump Grinder: This is how we remove tree stumps at Green Vista. It doesn't cause damage to your property, the tree won't grow back, we can get a stump grinder into nearly any location, and you’ll be left with only a small area to patch or sod. This isn’t usually a DIY project, so consult with a professional if you're thinking of tackling it yourself.

A stump grinder is a piece of heavy equipment with a spinning carbide-tipped steel wheel on the front. We lower the wheel onto the edge of the stump and move it from side to side as it spins, grinding deeper into the stump with each movement. Eventually, the whole tree stump is ground up into small wood chips, including the main roots below the stump.

We grind 6-8" below grade and rake the stump mulch (the wood chips from grinding the stump) back into the hole and into a neat pile. The stump mulch is left on site (as is the industry standard).

Note that we do not provide topsoil, sod, grass seed or planting services.

GV team with stump grinder clearing a stump in Northern Virginia.
Big stump being grinded by a GV tree crew on a residence in Northern Virginia.

Before We Can Grind a Tree Stump...

We must call 811 ("Call Before You Dig") – it's the law.

We handle all calls on your behalf to coordinate with the utility companies. Once we get the all-clear, we schedule the work. You don't need to worry about anything; we'll take care of all the details. But please be aware that we cannot control the timing of when we'll receive clearance, so there may be a delay before we can start work.

Get a Free Stump Grinding Quote!

Don’t let an unsightly stump ruin the look of your property. Our team can efficiently grind down the stump and make it look like it was never there. Request a free estimate for stump grinding by using the button below.

Why Choose Green Vista for Stump Grinding Needs

Setting the standard in Northern Virginia

When it comes to removing unsightly stumps from your Northern Virginia property, experience and equipment make all the difference. Here's why homeowners throughout Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County trust Green Vista:

  • 1

    Professional-Grade Equipment

    Our commercial stump grinders are specially designed to handle stumps of any size – from small ornamental trees to massive old-growth oaks. And because we maintain our equipment to the highest standards, we can grind stumps efficiently without damaging your property.

  • 2

    Property Protection First

    We use specialized ground protection mats to prevent damage to your lawn while accessing the stump. We also pay close attention to marked underground utilities and irrigation systems to ensure everything stays safe and intact.

  • 3

    Complete Cleanup

    Unlike many companies that leave you with a pile of wood chips, we haul away all grinding debris and fill the hole with clean soil if requested. Your yard will look better than when we arrived.

  • 4

    Deep Grinding Guarantee

    We grind stumps at least 6-8 inches below ground level – deep enough to plant grass, install landscaping, or even plant a new tree in the same location. No more working around ugly stumps or tripping hazards.

  • 5

    Experienced Operators

    Our stump grinding specialists are extensively trained in proper techniques and safety protocols. They know how to efficiently remove even complex root systems while protecting surrounding plants and structures.

  • 6

    Transparent Pricing

    We provide clear, upfront quotes based on the stump size and location. No hidden fees or surprise charges after the work is complete.

Stump grinder by Green Vista team
google-icon-coloured

Highly Recommend

"Highly recommend this firm for tree work. Did an excellent job taking down my Pin Oak and grinding the stump. Excellent clean-up. Would use again if needed because their bid price was fair and reasonable."

Robert Szydlo

What Your Neighbors Say About Green Vista Tree Care

Our reputation speaks for itself

When you're looking to reclaim your yard space from old tree stumps, you want to know you're working with a company you can trust. We're proud to have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers throughout Northern Virginia who have experienced our thorough and professional stump grinding service.

Here's what some of your Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County neighbors have to say about working with Green Vista:

google-icon-coloured

We Had a Great Experience with Green Vista

"We had a great experience with Green Vista. They were very easy to communicate with, punctual, and knowledgeable. We were very happy with how quickly we got the work scheduled and very satisfied with the quality of service."

Jessie Walsh Holden

google-icon-coloured

Wiley and Team Are Very Knowledgeable

"Wiley and team are very knowledgeable. They took the time to answer my questions and made sure that I was comfortable with the entire process. Scheduling was quick, and the work was done in a timely manner. There were no surprises. I will be using them for future tree needs."

Andrea Chin

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about stump grinding? Here's what you need to know.

Watching stump grinding in progress is a fascinating experience (just don't stand too close!); most people have never seen a stump being ground into little bits by a spinning carbide blade.

To help you understand what's involved, we've written an entire article covering all of the stump grinding questions we're asked most often. You'll find the basics on this page but click the button below if you'd like to learn more.

The average cost for stump grinding in Northern Virginia ranges from $140 to $450 per stump, with most jobs falling within this range. However, costs vary considerably based on stump size, location, ease of access, and number of stumps. Give us a call and we'll provide a free, no-obligation estimate to give you an accurate price based on your specific situation.

Permit requirements vary by locality. In Fairfax County, for example, a permit is required for land-disturbing activities, including tree removal and stump grinding, on properties of more than 2,500 square feet. It's best to check with your local government for specific requirements.

The time required depends on the stump size. Small stumps may take just a few minutes, while larger stumps could take several hours. Most residential stump grinding jobs can be completed in less than a day.

Professional stump grinding companies like Green Vista take precautions to minimize damage. However, some impact on the surrounding area is possible. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with your arborist beforehand to ensure proper landscape protection.

Generally, yes. Stump grinding typically goes anywhere from 8 to 20 inches deep, which usually allows for new planting. However, it's best to wait a period of time to allow the ground to settle and for any remaining roots to decompose.

The wood chips can either be left in the hole left by the tree stump to decompose naturally (which can be beneficial for the soil) or raked up and hauled away. Removal usually incurs an additional cost. Discuss your preferences when we inspect your tree stump(s); we can tailor our proposal to meet your needs.

Our Service Area

We remove tree stumps throughout Northern Virginia

Green Vista is proud to serve the Northern Virginia area, providing exceptional tree care services tailored to meet the needs of local residents and businesses. As life-long residents, we know the ins and outs of getting quality tree work done in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County like no one else!

You can find a list of cities and neighborhoods where we provide tree care services on our Service Area page. Or give us a call at 571-244-3838 to see if we work in your neighborhood.

Areas We Serve

GV-logo-icon

Learn More About Tree Stumps in Northern Virginia

Our blog covers everything you need to know about stump grinding and removal, from the benefits of getting rid of stumps to tips for reclaiming your outdoor space. Explore our expert advice to make the best decision for your property!

A stump grinder in an action shot grinding a stump.

Transform Your Landscape: The Top Benefits of Stump Grinding in Northern Virginia

Ready to enhance your landscape’s appearance and safety? Stump grinding can turn your outdoor space into a safer, more beautiful haven for you and your family. Read about the benefits of stump grinding in Northern Virginia.
Read More
light wood chips on the ground can be used for a variety of projects

Beyond Mulch: 10 Ways to Use Wood Chips in Your Yard

Tree removal, pruning and stump grinding will leave a pile of wood chips. Here are 10 ideas for how to use them in your own yard rather than having them hauled away.
Read More
stump grinder removing a tree stump

Stump Grinding FAQs: What, Why & How

After a tree has been removed, what happens to the remaining tree stump? Does it decompose? Should you remove it? Is stump grinding the best option? If so, how is that done? We answer all of those questions and more in these FAQs about stump removal and stump grinding.
Read More

Achieve a Stump-Free Landscape

Stumps in the way? Tired of tripping over them? Call us for professional stump grinding and removal and enjoy a safer, cleaner yard today!