Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal in Spokane: Which Do You Need?

After we remove a tree, the question we get most often is: "Are you going to grind the stump?" Followed quickly by: "Wait, what's the difference between grinding and removing?" Here's the straight answer.

Stump Grinding Explained

We use a self-propelled grinder to chip the stump down to 6–12 inches BELOW ground level. The wood is converted to mulch-like chips that fill the hole. The roots remain in the ground but eventually decompose over 3–7 years.

What's left:

• A depression filled with wood chips at the original stump location
• Surface roots and underground root system intact
• Ability to plant grass over the area within a few weeks
• Cannot replant a tree in the same spot for several years

Stump Removal Explained

We excavate the entire stump AND major root system out of the ground. Requires heavy equipment (excavator) and creates significant ground disruption.

What's left:

• A large hole that needs to be backfilled and graded
• Some lawn restoration required
• Ability to replant a new tree in the same spot immediately
• All major root system removed

Cost Comparison in Spokane (2026)

Stump grinding

• Small stump (under 12-inch diameter): $80 – $200
• Medium stump (12–24 inch): $200 – $450
• Large stump (24–36 inch): $450 – $850
• Very large stump (36+ inch): $850 – $1,500+

Full stump removal

• Small stump: $300 – $600
• Medium stump: $600 – $1,200
• Large stump: $1,200 – $2,500
• Very large or near structures: $2,500 – $5,000+

When to Choose Stump Grinding

• You want grass over the area
• You don't plan to plant a new tree in the same spot
• Budget is the priority
• Stump is in an open lawn area
• You want minimal ground disruption

When to Choose Full Stump Removal

• You're replanting a new tree in the exact spot
• You're building a structure (foundation, patio, deck) over the area
• Stump is causing foundation, sewer line, or driveway issues
• Tree had a serious root disease (Armillaria) you don't want to spread

What About Just Leaving the Stump?

It's an option but rarely a good one in Spokane:

• Stumps attract carpenter ants and termites
• They become tripping hazards as soil settles around them
• Suckers and shoots from cottonwoods, willows, and elms keep coming back for years
• They make mowing and landscaping difficult
• Eventually they rot and create soil voids — settling and uneven yards

Chemical Stump Removal: Don't Bother

Stump-killing chemicals (potassium nitrate, copper sulfate) are sold at hardware stores and they DO work — over 12–18 months, sometimes longer. For most Spokane homeowners, the time and partial result aren't worth it. Mechanical grinding takes 30 minutes and is permanent.

What We Recommend by Tree Type

• Conifers (ponderosa, fir, spruce): grinding is sufficient — roots decay readily
• Cottonwoods and willows: grinding only — sucker control may need follow-up
• Elms: full removal recommended if Dutch elm disease was present
• Fruit trees: grinding sufficient unless replanting same species (root rot risk)
• Oak: grinding sufficient — roots decay slowly but cause no problems

Bundling Stump Work with Tree Removal Saves Money

When we're already on-site removing your tree, adding stump grinding typically costs 30–40% less than scheduling a separate stump grinding visit later. If budget allows, do them together.