Short answer: No. Standard stump grinding removes the stump itself—the woody base above and just below ground—but leaves the underground root system in place. Here's what that means for you.

What Stump Grinding Actually Does

A stump grinder chews through the stump and grinds it down 6–12 inches below ground level. This eliminates the visible stump and the immediate root collar. The larger root system—lateral roots spreading out from the base—remains in the ground.

What Happens to the Roots After Grinding

Once the stump is removed, the root system has no way to generate energy. Without photosynthesis, the roots slowly starve and decay. This process takes:

• Small trees (under 6" trunk): 2–4 years for roots to fully decay
• Medium trees (6"–18" trunk): 4–7 years
• Large trees (18"+ trunk): 7–15 years

During this time, the roots are softening underground and gradually becoming part of the soil. They won't cause damage to foundations or pipes—dead roots don't grow, and they're no longer actively seeking water.

Will Roots Cause Problems After Grinding?

For most homeowners, no. Dead roots:

• Don't damage foundations (they're no longer growing)
• Don't clog pipes (pipes are only at risk from living, growing roots)
• Don't prevent lawn growth (grass roots go 3–6 inches; tree roots are much deeper)
• Actually improve soil quality as they decompose

Exceptions: When You Should Worry

Disease or Pest Issues

If the tree died from a fungal disease (like Armillaria root rot or oak wilt), the roots can harbor the pathogen and potentially spread it to nearby trees. In this case, chemical treatment of the root zone may be worth considering.

Surface Roots

Lateral roots that run close to the surface can create bumps in your lawn and trip hazards. These can be ground down as a separate service (typically $3–$6 per linear foot). Standard stump grinding doesn't address surface roots unless specifically requested.

Replanting in the Same Spot

If you want to plant a new tree where the old one stood, you'll need deeper grinding (12–18 inches) and possibly some root removal to give the new tree's roots room to establish. For smaller plants and shrubs, standard grinding depth is fine.

Can Roots Regrow After Grinding?

Some species can send up suckers (new shoots) from their root system after grinding—most notably:

• Bradford pear
• Tree of heaven (Ailanthus)
• Black locust
• Elm
• Cherry and plum trees

If your tree is one of these species, ask your grinding contractor about stump treatment with herbicide immediately after grinding. This kills the root system and prevents suckering.

Do I Need Full Root Removal?

Full root removal (excavating the entire root ball) is rarely necessary and costs 3–5x more than grinding. It's worth considering only if:

• You need to pour a foundation or slab directly over the root zone
• A disease outbreak requires complete removal of infected material
• A utility line runs directly through the root zone

For landscaping, lawn installation, new tree planting, and virtually every other residential use case, stump grinding is sufficient.