Pricing & planning
Stump grinding prices, photo estimates and measuring the base.
How much does stump grinding cost?
The minimum stump charge is $199. A typical residential stump is approximately $199–$299. Base size, flare roots, height, access, rocks and site conditions affect the quote. The typical range is not a maximum.
Can I get an estimate from photos?
Yes. Matt handles almost all stump bids remotely. Send your contact information, service address, widest base measurement, close and wide photos, access details and what you want to do with the area afterward.
How do I measure a stump for a quote?
Measure the widest point at the base at ground level, including flare roots. Don’t measure only the narrower cut top. If there’s a mound or exposed roots beyond that area, show them in photos and explain what you want addressed.
Do you offer a multiple-stump discount?
Multiple-stump discounts generally start around 3–5 stumps. Each combined job is priced individually. Send a measurement and photo of every stump so Matt can quote the full project.
Commercial stump grinding for managed propertiesIs there a travel charge outside Johnson County?
A $150 travel fee applies outside Johnson County. Some nearby border locations qualify for an exception. Matt confirms any travel charge with your quote.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, check, credit card and Venmo accepted.
Do you require a deposit, and when is payment due?
No deposit required. Residential payment is due when the job is complete. Commercial payment terms are net 30 (due within 30 days).
Should I arrange tree removal and stump grinding together?
For the best pricing, ask Heartland to coordinate your tree removal and stump grinding together. You’ll work directly with Matt from start to finish, with experienced, insured tree professionals handling the tree work.
When can I expect a response from Matt?
Matt takes calls every day, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., and typically responds within an hour during those hours.
Before the job
Access, property protection and arrangements for the day.
How wide does a gate need to be for a stump grinder?
Approximately 36 inches of clear access. Measure the open gate between its narrowest obstructions. Send photos of the full route, especially turns, slopes, steps and soft areas.
How do you protect my lawn?
Matt discusses the access route, uses wheeled machines for typical residential work, and uses tarps and shields during grinding. He may hand-cut some surface roots when that protects the surrounding lawn better. Ground and weather conditions still matter.
Who arranges utility locates?
Heartland submits the required 811 utility locate request and confirms utility responses before work begins. Matt operationally allows about three business days. Normal locating may not cover private irrigation, lighting or other customer-owned lines. Each excavation contractor needs the appropriate request for its work.
Do I need to be home for stump grinding?
Discuss access and arrangements with Matt. When customers are away, he can send completion photos. The work area must be accessible and the scope agreed before the job.
How should I prepare my stump?
For the lowest possible bid, have stumps cut to 6 inches or less above ground whenever possible. If another tree company is removing the tree, ask them to leave the stump at 6 inches or less. Before grinding, remove landscape rocks for at least 3 feet around the outside edge of the stump. Measure the widest base, including flare roots, and send photos of the stump, surroundings and equipment access.
How far should landscape rocks be removed before stump grinding?
Before grinding, remove landscape rocks for at least 3 feet around the outside edge of the stump. Rocks can settle into the soil, so some digging may be needed to remove them. Thorough removal is crucial to prevent flying rocks and damage to the grinder or surrounding property. Heartland may decline projects if rocks have not been adequately removed.
Can you cut down a stump that is too tall to grind?
If you can’t have a stump cut lower and it’s too tall to grind as-is, Heartland can flush-cut it to ground level for an additional charge. Include the height and a photo so Matt can quote the cutting needed.
After grinding
Remaining roots, wood chips, cleanup and planting after grinding.
How deep does stump grinding go?
The stump is ground below the surface, but the right depth depends on whether you want lawn, a garden bed or a replacement tree. Tell Matt your plan before quoting so he can agree on a depth that fits the site, utilities and nearby structures.
Will stump grinding remove every root?
No. Grinding the stump doesn’t excavate the whole underground root system. Selected exposed surface roots can be discussed as part of the job. Let Matt know if roots belong to a tree that is still standing.
How selected surface roots are handledWho removes the wood chips after stump grinding?
For standalone stump grinding, Matt leaves the grindings in a neat pile, then rakes and blows the work area; hauling isn’t included. When stump grinding is done at the same time as tree removal managed by Matt, mulch cleanup and hauling are included. Replacement soil, seeding and further landscaping are separate next steps to plan.
Can I grow grass or plant a tree after stump grinding?
Yes, with the right preparation. For grass, remove the bulk of the wood debris, add suitable topsoil and level the area before seeding or sodding. Buried wood can settle as it decays. For a new tree, a nearby spot is usually better because old roots and wood can interfere with planting. Grinding doesn’t create a ready-to-plant hole. Tell Matt your plans and agree on any planting location and soil preparation with your landscaper or tree installer before grinding.
Other services
Brush mowing, surface roots, tree removal and tree trimming.
What does brush mowing include?
Heartland considers tall grass, weeds, vines, light brush and light saplings on small-acreage properties up to four acres. Fence lines, trails and property edges may be a fit. The minimum is $375. Terrain, debris and vegetation determine suitability and price.
Does Heartland offer tree removal and tree trimming?
Yes. We coordinate professional tree removal from start to finish. We work with experienced, insured tree professionals to complete the job safely and efficiently. You’ll work directly with Matt to plan your removal or trimming. Tell him whether you’d like the whole tree removed or specific branches trimmed. Tree removal includes debris cleanup. When stump grinding is done at the same time as tree removal, mulch cleanup and hauling are included, too. Tell Matt if you’d like both services in your quote.
Storm-damaged tree and debris cleanupCan I request surface-root work without a stump?
Yes. Selected visible roots can be assessed on their own. Send close and wide photos, show nearby paving and structures, and identify any connection to a living tree. The method and quote depend on the scope; this isn’t full root-system excavation.
Surface root removal without a stumpWhat should I send for a brush-mowing quote?
Send the property location, approximate acreage and photos of the growth, boundaries and entrance. Mention slopes, access restrictions and known rocks, wire or debris. Heartland assesses projects up to four acres; don’t enter unsafe growth to take photos.
Do you work in Westport and Waldo?
Yes. Johnson County is Heartland’s primary service area, with suitable projects also considered in the Kansas City, Missouri neighborhoods of Westport and Waldo. A $150 travel fee applies outside Johnson County. Some nearby border locations qualify for an exception. Matt confirms any travel charge with your quote.
Utility guidance: Kansas 811 Safe Digging Guide.
Planning your yard afterward? Read Iowa State Extension’s guides to growing grass after stump removal and choosing a replacement tree location.