Stump Grinding Services in Hertfordshire & Devon
Professional stump grinding and removal by qualified arborists
Got a stubborn tree stump taking up space in your garden? At Waterman Tree Co., we provide fast, safe, and professional stump grinding services across Hertfordshire and Devon.
Request Local Tree Services
We Provide Free, No Obligation Quotes On All Work
Professional Stump Grinding Services
Our team of qualified tree surgeons use specialist equipment to completely remove tree stumps of any size, leaving your garden clear, level, and ready for replanting or landscaping. We’re proud to be 5-star rated on Google, trusted by homeowners and businesses in Hitchin, St Albans, Totnes, Exeter, and Plymouth. Whether you’ve recently had a tree removed or need to clear old stumps from your property, we’ll provide a quick, free, no-obligation quote within a 40-mile radius of Hitchin or Totnes.

HERTFORDSHIRE
01462 262420
Hertfordshire Stump Grinding
As a Hitchin-based team, we serve homeowners and commercial clients across Hertfordshire, including Stevenage, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, and Hertford. Our local knowledge means we can handle stump grinding safely and efficiently, even in tight spaces or conservation areas.
Whether you’re dealing with one stump or several, our Hertfordshire arborists use professional-grade stump grinders to remove all remnants, with minimal ground disturbance and complete debris removal.
DEVON
01626 299420
Devon Stump Grinding
From our Totnes office, we offer expert stump grinding in Devon, covering Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, and surrounding areas. With Devon’s varied landscapes, from rural gardens to sloped terrain, our skilled arborists are trained to handle all conditions safely.
We’ll assess your site, determine the best approach, and grind each stump down to your chosen depth, ensuring a smooth, level finish ready for lawn regrowth or planting.
What our customers say
Why Choose Professional Stump Grinding?
Tree stumps aren’t just unsightly, they can also become tripping hazards, attract pests, and prevent healthy regrowth in your garden. Our stump grinding service removes the stump well below ground level, ensuring it can’t sprout again or spread disease to nearby trees.
Benefits of professional stump removal:
- Prevents stump sprouting and root regrowth
- Reduces risk of pests, fungi, and rot
- Prepares the ground for replanting or landscaping
- Avoids property damage caused by root expansion
- Quick, clean, and environmentally responsible
How Our Stump Grinding Process Works
Every job begins with a free on-site assessment to determine the stump size, location, and accessibility. We then use our FSI B20 stump grinder, a compact and highly efficient machine designed to remove stumps cleanly without damaging your surroundings.
- Initial consultation – free quote and site survey
- Preparation – area cleared and safety perimeter established
- Stump grinding – stump ground 6-12 inches below surface
- Waste removal – wood chips and debris cleared or left for mulch (your choice)
- Finishing touches – ground raked and levelled for replanting or reseeding
Our service is available as part of tree removal work or as a stand-alone service for previously felled trees.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Stump Grinding
While stump grinders can be hired, they’re powerful machines that carry serious safety risks if not used by trained professionals. Attempting DIY stump removal often leads to property damage, injuries, or incomplete removal.
At Waterman Tree Co., all stump grinding is performed by NPTC and LANTRA qualified arborists, equipped with full protective gear and over 20 years of experience. We ensure every stump is removed safely, efficiently, and without mess. Saving you time, stress, and potential damage.
Stump Grinding Costs
We pride ourselves on transparent, competitive pricing and free quotes within a 40-mile radius of our Hertfordshire or Devon offices.
What affects stump grinding cost:
- Stump diameter and depth
- Tree species (hardwood or softwood)
- Access to the site (narrow gates, slopes, or obstacles)
- Number of stumps to be removed
You can rest assured our rates are among the most competitive in the region and our work is fully insured and guaranteed.
Benefits of Professional Stump Grinding
- Prevents future tree growth
- Protects lawns and nearby plants from disease
- Enhances property appearance and value
- Allows new landscaping or construction
- Keeps your garden safe and tidy
Relevant Blogs
Looking to Remove a Tree Stump?
Removing a tree stump is a common challenge for homeowners and property managers alike, especially in areas like Hertfordshire and Devon where maintaining the aesthetic and safety of your landscape is paramount. Whether you're looking to clear a stump to enhance the...
Is Stump Grinding Difficult?
Stump grinding is a common method used to remove tree stumps from the ground after a tree has been cut down. Unlike stump removal, which involves digging out the entire stump and its roots, stump grinding involves grinding the stump and its roots into small wood chips...
The Best Stump Grinding Services in Devon
If you’re looking for the best stump grinding service in Devon it’s crucial that you know how to choose a provider that combines expertise, reliability, and a commitment to the things that really matter, like safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental...
What Is Stump Grinding?
So What Exactly Is Stump Grinding? Stump grinding stands as a critical and highly efficient method for removing the remnants of felled trees from your landscape. As the leading provider of tree removal services in Devon and Hertfordshire, we’ve written this...
Best Way To Remove A Tree Stump
What is the Best Way to Remove a Tree Stump? Removing a tree stump is a task that requires the right approach to ensure safety and efficiency. While there are several methods available, starting with professional help from qualified arborists is often the most...
How To Remove a Tree Stump
How to Remove a Tree Stump - Master the Art of Tree Stump Removal Removing a tree stump from your garden can be a challenging task. But with the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, you can master the art of tree stump removal and transform your landscape into a...
Frequently Asked Questions about Stump Grinding & Stump Removal
What specific safety protocols does Waterman Tree Co follow during stump grinding to protect both the property and the operators?
Industry standards for safety during stump grinding typically include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), securing the area to prevent unauthorised access, and using machinery with safety features. Operators are usually trained in the safe handling of equipment and emergency procedures.
Are there any environmental benefits to choosing stump grinding over other stump removal methods?
Stump grinding is considered more environmentally friendly than some other methods because it leaves the soil intact, reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transport and disposal of the stump, and the resulting wood chips can be used as mulch, contributing to soil health.
How deep does the stump grinding process go, and can the depth be adjusted based on the client's needs or future landscaping plans?
The depth of stump grinding can generally be adjusted to meet the client’s needs, usually ranging from 6 to 12 inches below the surface. This allows for sufficient depth for replanting or landscaping over the area.
After the stump is ground, what options are available for the wood chips produced during the process?
The wood chips can be removed from the site, left for the homeowner’s use as mulch, or used in landscaping. The choice depends on the client’s preference and the agreement with the service provider.
How does the presence of rocks, concrete, or other obstructions near the stump affect the grinding process and pricing?
Obstructions like rocks and concrete can make the stump grinding process more challenging and may require additional labor or equipment, potentially affecting the cost. The specific impact would depend on the severity and complexity of the obstructions encountered.
Do you work in both Hertfordshire and Devon?
Yes! We’ve been based in Hertfordshire for over 10 years and have recently opened a new branch in Devon headed up by our founder Ben!
Is stump grinding necessary, or can I leave the stump in place?
While it’s possible to leave a stump in place, doing so may invite pests, fungal infections, or regrowth. Stump grinding eliminates these risks and creates a clean, level surface for landscaping, replanting, or turfing.
Can tree stumps grow back if not properly removed?
Yes — some tree species can sprout new growth from the stump or roots if not ground down properly. Stump grinding prevents regrowth by removing the core below soil level and severing root connections.
Does stump grinding damage surrounding turf or garden beds?
No — when performed by trained professionals, stump grinding is precise and contained. We take care to protect surrounding lawn areas, beds, and paving during the process.
Can you grind stumps in tight or difficult-to-access spaces?
Yes — we use compact, narrow-access stump grinders that allow us to work in tight gardens, behind fences, and on sloped or hard-to-reach terrain. Let us know your access situation during the quote stage.
Is stump grinding suitable for preparing an area for turf, decking, or planting?
Absolutely. Stump grinding is often used before installing new turf, garden features, patios, or planting schemes. It ensures the ground is level, root-free, and ready for your next landscaping project.
How soon after tree removal should stump grinding be carried out?
We can usually grind the stump immediately after the tree is removed, or schedule it shortly after. Prompt grinding prevents root regrowth and speeds up your site’s restoration.
Specialised Stump Grinders & Stump Removal Experts at your Service!
We understand that each stump grinding project is unique, influenced by stump size and tree species. Our approach is customised to your specific requirements, always at competitive rates, ensuring value without compromising on quality.
Health and safety is our top priority
We take health and safety extremely seriously, as one would expect. Each job is planned, and all risks assessed; which is why we carry out an on-site risk assessment upon arrival at each site every day.
We Work With You
We work closely with our clients ensuring our stump grinding services reflect your requirements. Our range of other tree services will keep your outdoor surroundings looking great too!
Free Local Estimates
All quotes are provided free of charge within a 40 mile radius, so if you just want a small job or a number of stumps worked on, please get in touch to find out how we can help you.
Highly recommended - 5* review status
We’re highly recommended holding a 5-star review status on Google & Facebook You can also view other places that we are mentioned on the web.
Jobs Completed
Years Of Experience
Areas Covered
Specialised Stump Grinders & Professional Tree Stump Removals
We’re passionate about each and every tree, including your trees and gardens. We want your outdoor areas
to include trees that are in the best health, pruned and shaped – so that you can enjoy them now and
in the years to come
Health and safety is our top priority
We take health and safety extremely seriously, as one would expect. Each job is planned, and all risks assessed; which is why we carry out an on-site risk assessment upon arrival at each site every day.
We Work With You
Free Local Estimates
All quotes are provided free of charge within a 40 mile radius, so if you just want a small job or a number of trees worked on, please get in touch to find out how we can help you.
Highly recommended - 5* review status
We’re highly recommended in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire, holding a 5-star review status on Google & Facebook You can also view other places that we are mentioned on the WEB.
Jobs Completed
Years Of Experience
Areas Covered
Why choose Waterman Tree Co.?
Health and safety is our top priority
Each job is planned as one would expect and all risks assessed; which is why we carry out an on-site risk assessment upon arrival of each site every day.
Fully qualified staff
All of our staff are fully qualified with NPTC and LANTRA certifications.
Highly recommended - 5* review status
We’re highly recommended in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire, holding a 5-star review status on Google & Facebook
Insurance for peace of mind
Waterman Tree Co. are fully insured and with up to £5 million worth of public liability insurance.
Environmentally responsible
We recycle 100% of all our waste, which is then taken to power stations to generate carbon-neutral electricity.







