A little prep work the day before your grinding appointment prevents delays, protects your property, and keeps costs down. Here's exactly what to do.

1. Clear the Area Around the Stump

Remove everything within 10–15 feet of the stump:

• Lawn furniture, potted plants, garden ornaments
• Hoses, sprinkler heads, edging stakes
• Toys, bikes, anything that can be hit by flying chips
• Garden hoses and irrigation lines at ground level

Flying debris is the #1 cause of property damage during stump grinding. Rocks and chunks of wood can travel 20–30 feet from the cutting wheel.

2. Mark Any Buried Utilities or Irrigation

Stump grinding goes 6–12 inches below grade. If you have:

• Underground irrigation lines
• Buried electrical to a shed or light fixture
• French drains or drainage pipes
• Dog fence wire

Mark them clearly with flags or paint before the crew arrives. Don't assume the contractor will know where they are. If you're unsure about gas/water/electric utility lines, call 811 (free) before your appointment—utilities will be marked within a few days.

3. Ensure Equipment Access

Stump grinders need to get to the stump. Check:

• Gate width: Standard walk-behind grinders need 36–48 inches. Call if your gate is narrower.
• Overhead clearance: Equipment height is typically 5–6 feet.
• Ground conditions: Soft, waterlogged soil can make it difficult to move heavy equipment. If it's rained heavily, give the contractor a heads up.
• Parked vehicles: Move cars away from the work area to avoid chip damage to paint.

4. Trim Low-Hanging Branches

If there are branches hanging over the stump that would interfere with the machine or operator visibility, trim them ahead of time. This isn't usually necessary but can speed up the job if access is tight.

5. Decide What You Want Done With the Chips

Before the crew arrives, decide:

• Leave chips in the hole (free, standard) — they decompose in 1–2 years
• Haul chips away (extra cost) — request this when booking
• Pile chips in a specific spot — tell the crew where

Deciding in advance saves time on-site and prevents misunderstandings.

6. You Don't Need to Be Home

As long as the crew can access the stump, you don't need to be present. Leave a note on the door or gate with any special instructions. If you're concerned about pets, secure them inside or in a separate area of the yard.

Quick Day-Before Checklist

• ☐ Clear 15-foot radius around stump
• ☐ Mark buried irrigation/electrical
• ☐ Check gate width (36–48"+ needed)
• ☐ Move vehicles away from work area
• ☐ Decide on chip disposal
• ☐ Secure pets
• ☐ Call 811 if utility locations are unknown