What is stump grinding and when is it performed?

• A. Milling the stump above ground level after tree removal to leave visible stump.
• B. Milling the stump below ground level after tree removal to eliminate the stump and prevent sucker regrowth; performed after removal.
• C. Removing the stump by burning.
• D. Leaving the stump to rot naturally.

Answer: (B)

Stump grinding is the process of using a grinder to chip away the remaining stump and part of the root system, usually grinding it below the soil surface so nothing useful for regrowth remains above ground. This is done after the tree has been removed, so the area can be reclaimed for planting or paving and to prevent suckers from sprouting from the stump or roots.

If the stump were milled only above ground, a visible stump would remain, which is why the goal is to remove it below the surface. Burning or letting the stump rot are other removal methods but are not stump grinding.