Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Remove That Stump: A Guide for Edmonton Homeowners

Show

Table of Contents

Introduction: What to Do With That Leftover Stump?

After a tree is removed, you’re often left with a stump — a flat, woody remnant that’s easy to ignore… until it isn’t. While it may seem harmless, a leftover stump can cause more problems than you think — from attracting pests to interfering with future landscaping.

Here’s what every Edmonton homeowner should know about stump removal, what to expect, and why it’s worth taking care of sooner rather than later.

What Is Stump Removal (aka Stump Grinding)?

At City Tree Service, we use stump grinding to remove stumps. This process uses a specialized machine to grind the stump 6 to 12 inches below ground level, turning it into wood chips.

What You Can Expect:

• Quick and efficient work with minimal yard disruption

• No need to dig out roots or destroy the lawn

• A tidy pile of grindings that can be used as mulch or removed upon request

We may refer to the service as stump removal — but it’s the same effective grinding process every time.

Why It’s Important to Remove the Stump

Leaving a stump behind can lead to:

• Regrowth (in species like poplar or willow)

• Pest infestations (carpenter ants, termites, decay fungi)

• Trip hazards and mower damage

• Interference with future landscaping plans or planting

Whether you're laying new sod or starting a garden bed, a leftover stump can get in the way.

When Not to Remove the Stump

Here are a few cases where it might make sense not to remove the stump:

• If it's in an unused corner of your yard

• If you want a natural stand to display a plant pot or decorative item

• If you’d like to regrow the same species, you can thin the new shoots that sprout from the stump to select the strongest stems - free tree!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will the tree grow back if I leave the stump?

  Some species may send up root suckers or shoots, especially if the roots are still active. Grinding prevents this in most cases.

• How soon can I plant grass or re-landscape?

  Right away. Just remove the grindings and add topsoil to restore the surface grade, then sod or seed as usual. 

• Is stump grinding noisy or messy?

  It’s a relatively quick and tidy job. There’s a bit of noise from the machine and some mulch-like debris left over — which we can haul away if needed.

• Can I grind a stump next to a sidewalk or fence?

  Yes. Our equipment is compact and designed for urban yards. We take care to avoid damage to nearby structures or utilities.

• Does stump grinding remove the roots?

  No, stump grinding only removes the main stump. Since roots extend throughout your yard and sometimes into neighbouring yards, removing them entirely would be impractical. Once the stump has been ground down, the roots will naturally decompose over time.

• Will you take away the mulch from grinding?

  We can, but this service incurs an additional fee. In most cases, we recommend leaving the mulch in place or reusing it in your garden as it can serve as excellent organic material.

• Do I have to grind the stump?

  In most cases, it’s a matter of personal preference. Ask yourself: is the stump in the way? Will it regrow new shoots? If not, you can safely leave it if it’s not causing issues.

• How wide of access do you need?

  Our thinnest stump grinder requires a minimum of 30" wide access to reach the stump safely and operate efficiently.

• Will stump grinding leave a hole in my yard?

  When stump grinding is finished, it will leave a mound of wood mulch. The larger the stump, the bigger the mound. This mulch pile can be left as is or removed for an extra fee.

Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?

City Tree Service offers professional stump removal across Edmonton. We handle everything — from the grinding itself to cleanup and disposal — so you can move forward with your outdoor plans.

📞 Call: 780 271 8733
📧 Email: info@citytree.ca