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Stump grinding in Ocala and Marion County

Old stumps from storms, previous clearing, or a recent tree removal get in the way of mowing, fencing, and building. Grinding takes them below grade without pulling the whole root ball.

Grinding versus grubbing

A stump grinder cuts the stump down into chips a few inches to several inches below the surface. The surrounding roots stay in the ground and decay over time. Grubbing pulls the stump and major roots out with an excavator or dozer and leaves a hole to backfill. Grinding is less disruptive to a lawn or pasture. Grubbing is more common where a slab, driveway, or pad will be built and buried wood would be a problem. If you are building, ask your builder which one they require before you request quotes.

Local ground conditions that affect grinding

Marion County has both deep sands and places where limestone is close to the surface. The Pedro soil series, for example, is described by USDA as a shallow soil formed over limestone. Where rock is shallow, there may be a practical limit to how deep a grinder can go, and a hidden rock can damage the grinding wheel's teeth. Telling the provider about any rock you have seen helps them plan.

Deep, loose sand has its own issue: grindings mixed with sand settle as the wood decays, so a ground-out area may sink a little over time. Many owners rake out the chips and backfill with soil.

Call 811 first

Sunshine 811 describes digging broadly to include grading, moving earth, and similar activities, and Florida law requires notice at least two full business days before excavation begins. A stump next to a driveway, mailbox, or property line is exactly where cable, water, and gas lines tend to run. A provider will usually handle the locate request, but it is worth confirming.

How stump grinding is usually priced

HomeGuide's published national averages are $120 to $400 for one stump and $30 to $60 for each additional stump, with extra-large stumps at $300 to $800 each. Diameter, access, root flare, and whether the grindings are hauled away all change the number, so a count of stumps with rough diameters is the most useful thing to include in a request.

What to include in your request

  • Number of stumps and their approximate diameter at ground level.
  • Whether a trailer-mounted machine can reach them, or whether a gate or slope limits access.
  • Whether you want the chips left, spread, or removed and the hole backfilled.
  • Any known utilities, irrigation, or septic components nearby.