Stump removal in Exeter
Professional stump removal services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote
Typical Duration
Per stump
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional stump removal and grinding for Exeter gardens. We'll get rid of old tree stumps that are in your way, creating trip hazards, or just looking ugly.
Tree stumps are annoying. They trip people up, get in the way of mowers, and some species will regrow. Plus they're an eyesore. Getting rid of them properly means either grinding them out with specialist kit or digging them out entirely. We can do either, depending on what you need.
Why Remove Stumps?
Common reasons: you're redesigning the garden and they're in the way, you're putting in a lawn and they're a trip hazard, or they keep sprouting new growth. Some stumps rot away on their own eventually, but "eventually" might be 10+ years. If you want your garden back now, remove them.
Grinding vs Full Removal
Stump grinding - We use a machine to grind the stump down below ground level (usually 6-12 inches). Creates loads of wood chips, but the job's quick and you can turf or plant over it straight away. Roots are left underground to rot naturally.
Full removal - We dig out the entire stump and main root ball. Much more work, bigger hole to fill, but nothing left behind. Essential if you're building or laying paving over the spot.
Most domestic jobs want grinding - it's faster, cheaper, and does the job.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| Done Right ✅ | Done Wrong ❌ |
|---|---|
| Ground below surface level | Flush with ground - still a trip hazard |
| All chips removed or properly distributed | Piles of chips left everywhere |
| Hole filled with soil and leveled | Big depression left in ground |
| Adjacent areas protected from damage | Fence panels and paving wrecked |
What You Get
When you book stump removal with Hembury Contracting:
| What's Included | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔧 Professional grinding/removal | Right equipment for the job |
| 🧹 Waste removal | Chips and debris cleared away |
| 📏 Below-ground level | Deep enough to turf or plant over |
| 🏡 Site cleanup | Ground leveled, area tidied |
Plus:
- Free assessment and quote
- Advice on grinding vs full removal
- Protection for surrounding garden features
- Multiple stumps done in one visit
Pricing Guide
| Stump Size | Grinding Cost | Full Removal Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 30cm dia.) | £85-135 | £110-160 |
| Medium (30-60cm dia.) | £135-210 | £210-300+ |
| Large (60cm+ dia.) | Quote | Quote |
| Multiple stumps | Discount | Discount |
Prices depend on size, access, and how many stumps. Complex root systems or difficult access costs more - we quote accurately after seeing them.
💡 Pro tip: If you've got multiple stumps, get them all done at once. Mobilisation cost is the same whether it's one stump or five, so doing them together works out much cheaper per stump.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Old tree stumps are ruining your lawn ✅ You're landscaping and need a clear site ✅ Stumps keep producing new shoots ✅ You want to remove a trip hazard
Why Choose Us for Stump removal in Exeter?
Stumps ground out or fully extracted
All waste and debris removed
Site left level and clear
Removes trip hazards and eyesores
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Visit & Quote
We'll come look at the stumps, check access for equipment, and assess difficulty. Then give you a quote for grinding or removal (or both options so you can choose).
Step 2: The Work
For grinding: we bring the machine in, grind the stump down below ground level, collect or redistribute the chips. For full removal: dig around it, cut roots, lever it out, fill the hole.
Step 3: Cleanup & Finishing
All waste removed (unless you want to keep wood chips for mulch), hole filled with soil and leveled off. Site left tidy and ready for your next garden project.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're considering doing it yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need:
- Stump grinder (hire one - £100-150/day)
- Chainsaw to cut stump low first
- Shovel and mattock for digging around it
- Protective gear (goggles, ear defenders, gloves)
- Serious muscles or a mate with them
📐 Basic approach (grinding):
- Cut stump as low to ground as possible with chainsaw
- Clear area around stump of rocks (they damage grinder blades)
- Hire a stump grinder and learn how to use it safely
- Grind stump in sections, going progressively deeper
- Rake up wood chips and fill hole with soil
- Level off and compact
⚠️ Common mistakes:
- Hitting underground pipes, cables, or rocks (very expensive)
- Not cutting stump low enough first (wastes grinding time)
- Poor machine control (grinders are dangerous if you don't know what you're doing)
- Underestimating how hard full removal is (back-breaking work)
💡 Pro trick: Don't bother with DIY stump removal unless it's tiny. Grinder hire plus your time and effort usually costs nearly as much as paying someone who does it regularly. And they've got better equipment and know how to avoid hitting buried pipes.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine with: Hedge removal, tree work, garden clearance, landscaping
Related services: Tree felling, root barrier installation
Access required: At least 1 meter width for small grinder, more for big stumps
Check first: Underground services - we can help locate but best if you know where they are
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between grinding and removing a stump?
Grinding cuts the stump below ground level and chips it up - quick and leaves you ready to turf over. Full removal means digging out the whole root ball - harder work but needed if you're building or paving over it.
How deep do you grind stumps?
Usually 6-12 inches below ground level. Deep enough to turf or plant over, and stops regrowth. If you need it deeper for building work, we can do that but it takes longer.
Can you remove really big stumps?
Depends on access for equipment. If we can get a stump grinder to it, we can do most sizes. Really massive ones or those with terrible access might need specialist kit or just hard graft with digging.
What do you do with the wood chips?
We can take them away, or leave them if you want - they make decent mulch. Most people want them gone, so we bag them up and dispose of them.
Stump removal Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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