Stump Grinding vs Removal in Perth WA — Which Is Right for You?
- Swift Trees Perth
- Sep 29
- 8 min read
When a tree comes down on your property — whether from storm damage, age, or design changes — one question almost always follows:
What do I do with the stump? Grind it out or remove it entirely?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both stump grinding and stump removal have pros, cons, and use cases.
In this post, we’ll walk you through questions, answers, real Perth contexts, and help you pick the right path for your property when it comes to deciding whether to go for Stump Grinding vs Removal in Perth.
We’ll also link to other useful articles from our blog — so feel free to explore further.
Stump Grinding vs Removal in Perth- What Are We Talking About?
Stump grinding means using a specialised machine (a stump grinder) to grind the visible stump down, usually below ground level, turning the stump into wood chips. It doesn’t fully dig out the roots.
Stump removal (sometimes called full stump extraction) involves excavating the stump and as much of the root system as possible, often with machines or heavy digging, so there's (almost) nothing left.
Why Does the Difference Matter?
Here are some of the main trade-offs:
Feature | Stump Grinding | Stump Removal |
Time & labour | Faster, less intensive | More labour, more time needed |
Cost | Generally lower | Higher, due to digging, removal of roots etc. |
Soil impact | Less disruption to soil and surrounding plants | More disturbance (holes, soil shifting) |
Root remnants | Some root system remains and decays | More of the root system removed |
Replanting / construction | May limit new planting depth or underground works | Easier to replant deeply or build over area |
Suitability near infrastructure | Easier to manage around paths, pipes | Risk of damage if machinery is too close |
Whether grinding or removal is “right” depends heavily on your property, future plans, budgets and constraints.
Questions & Answers about Stump Grinding and Removal: What You Need to Know (Perth Edition)
Q: When is stump grinding the better option?
A: Stump grinding is often the preferred method when:
You want a clean look without the bulk of a stump visible
You want to reuse the wood chips (mulch, soil amendment)
You don’t need to dig deep for replanting or building
The stump is not too close to critical infrastructure that might be at risk
You want to minimise disruption to surrounding garden beds
In many suburban Perth properties — say in suburbs like Morley, Mount Lawley, Woodvale, Victoria Park, Greenwood, Scarborough — grinding allows us to leave your yard fairly intact. (We service all these areas and more.)
Q: When is full stump removal the better option?
A: You might lean toward removal if:
You need to build something (patio, shed, extension) over the area
You plan deep replanting (trees with large roots)
The stump is diseased and you want to remove all root material
There is a risk of root growth interfering with underground pipes or structures
You want absolutely no trace of old roots
In newer or developing lots — say in northern suburbs or areas where building plans are active — removal may give you more flexibility.
Q: Is stump grinding safe? Could it damage underground pipes or cables?
A: That’s a very good concern. The risk is usually low, but it depends on where your utilities sit. Stump grinding works down to a depth of 15–30 cm (in most cases). Because most utilities (water/sewer, gas mains) are buried deeper, they are usually safe — but:
Irrigation pipes, shallow cables or sprinkler systems are more vulnerable
Older installations or DIY plumbing may be shallower than you expect
Tree roots may have grown around utilities and anchored close
That’s why it’s important to locate underground utilities before grinding and inform your contractor. Professional stump grinders in Perth, such as Swift trees Perth, will always consider underground services first.
Q: Does a stump ever regrow after grinding?
A: Usually no — once the stump is ground deep enough, the tree cannot regenerate from that stump. The remaining roots eventually decay. However, in some species, root suckers or dormant buds can sprout if not ground low enough, so you’ll want the job done properly by an experienced operator.
Q: How long does stump removal take vs grinding?
A: It depends on size, accessibility, and complexity.
Grinding: Often we can grind a moderate stump in a couple of hours (or less).
Removal: For large stumps with extensive root systems, it may take a half day or more. Sometimes multiple days if the site is difficult.
Q: How much does each option cost in Perth?
A: Costs vary based on stump size, root complexity, access, soil type and removal of debris. As a rough guide:
Grinding: Lower end for small stumps, higher as diameter and difficulty increase.
Removal: Often significantly more due to labour, machinery, disposal of root mass, and site repair.
It’s always best to get a free quote from Swift Trees Perth, tailored to your particular site in Bassendean, Duncraig, Kingsley, Wembley or your suburb.
Q: Will stump removal disturb my garden?
A: Yes, more so than grinding. Removing a stump often leaves a large hole or void in the soil, and adjacent roots may be torn or disturbed. After removal, backfilling and compacting may be needed, and some plant damage can occur.
Grinding is generally gentler on surrounding soil and root systems.
Local Context: Stump Work in Perth’s Metropolitan Area
At Swift Trees Perth, we operate across the Perth metropolitan area, including suburbs like:
That means we see the full variety of challenges:
Coastal soil types (sandy soils in Scarborough or Mullaloo)
Older inner suburbs with tightly spaced houses (Mount Lawley, Victoria Park)
Newer builds and subdivisions with underground services
When we assess your stump, we consider local soil, flooding or drainage impacts, root spread, proximity to fences, pipes, footpaths, driveways, and garden beds.
Which One Should You Choose? A Decision Flow
Here’s a simple decision flow to help guide you:
What’s your future plan for that area?
If you intend to build, replant, or extend — lean toward removal.
If you just want a clean, flat site — grinding is often enough.
How big is the stump and root network?
For small to medium stumps, grinding is efficient.
Large stumps with deep roots might push toward removal (or a hybrid approach).
How close are underground utilities or structures?
If there are shallow pipes/cables, full removal might be risky; selective removal or grinding is safer.
What’s your budget and timeframe?
Grinding is faster and more affordable.
Removal gives more “blank canvas,” but at a higher cost.
How disruptive can the job be?
If you want minimal disruption to lawn, gardens or adjacent plants, grinding is less invasive.
Do you need professional advice?
Definitely. A qualified tree lopper such as Swift Trees Perth can inspect roots, access, risks, soil types, and help you choose.
In many Perth residential contexts, stump grinding offers a “sweet spot” — a clean, fast, less expensive solution — unless special conditions push you toward removal.
We often find that customers in areas like Woodvale, Greenwood or Kingsley pick grinding for aesthetic reasons, but if they later want to build a patio or extend, we revisit removal or deeper excavation.
Stump Removal or Grinding FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I replant a new tree where a stump was ground?
A: Yes — but you need to be mindful of the remaining roots and soil integrity. Often you’ll want to allow time for roots to decompose, or remove large root pieces as needed, before planting deeper root species.
Q: Do I have to remove the wood chips after grinding?
A: Not necessarily. Many clients reuse the wood chips as mulch or organic matter. If you don’t want them, we’ll haul them away or spread them as part of the service.
Q: What about termites or pests?
A: An old stump left above ground is more likely to attract termites or fungi. Grinding reduces above-ground wood — reducing that risk.
For more information on Tree Pests, read our Blog Post 'Tree Pests and Diseases in Perth WA: How to Identify and Treat Them'
Q: Can you do stump grinding in wet seasons or rainy times in Perth?
A: It’s more challenging if the ground is very wet (machines may get stuck, soils may compact poorly). We generally assess moisture conditions and may schedule at a more optimal time.
Q: Do I need council approval or permits?
A: Usually stump grinding or removal following a tree removal is covered by the same tree permit or approval. But it depends on whether the tree was on public verge, heritage overlays, or protected species. Always check local council rules.
Q: Can I DIY stump grinding or removal?
A: It’s possible — you can hire stump grinders — but it carries risks (damage, injury, improper depth, underground utilities). We strongly recommend hiring experienced professionals such as Swift Trees Perth for Perth conditions.
A Few Common Stump Case Scenarios in Perth
The examples below are typical situations that many Perth residents encounter when deciding between stump grinding and full stump removal.
These are illustrative scenarios — designed to help you understand the thought process and outcomes.
As you read them, try to picture how similar conditions might apply to your own property, soil type, and future plans.
Scenario A: Backyard Jacaranda in Mount Lawley — Grinding Wins
Imagine a Jacaranda tree that has been removed from a small Mount Lawley backyard. The remaining stump sits close to paving and a well-established garden bed. The homeowner wants minimal disruption and plans to turf the area for a cleaner look.
Decision: Stump grinding is the ideal choice to keep things tidy and avoid damaging surrounding plants.
Execution: The stump is ground about 200 mm below ground level, with the wood chips either recycled as mulch or taken away.
Outcome: Minimal disturbance to the garden, quick turnaround, and a smooth, level surface ready for turfing.
This type of situation is very common in Perth’s inner suburbs, where gardens are compact and access is limited.
Scenario B: Peppermint Stump in Duncraig — Removal Required
Consider a large peppermint gum stump sitting right where a homeowner in Duncraig plans to build a patio and fence line. Because the construction will require a stable foundation, leaving roots underground isn’t an option.
Decision: Full stump removal (excavation) is needed rather than just grinding the visible stump.
Execution: The stump and main roots are dug out, removed from the site, and the ground is filled and levelled to create a strong base for future construction.
Challenges: Tight access and roots spreading under neighbouring pathways may require extra care and manpower.
Outcome: A completely clear area, perfect for building over, with no hidden roots to cause future problems.
This scenario highlights why stump removal is essential when major building or landscaping works are planned.
Scenario C: Coastal Windthrow in Scarborough — Hybrid Approach
Picture a coastal property in Scarborough where a large eucalyptus has been uprooted by strong winds. The root system sprawls widely and sits dangerously close to underground drainage pipes and a neighbour’s fence.
Decision: A hybrid approach works best — grinding most of the stump but carefully digging out certain roots by hand near sensitive infrastructure.
Execution: The stump is ground to a safe depth, with roots near the drainage lines and fence selectively excavated.
Outcome: Reduced costs compared to full removal, protection for nearby infrastructure, and a tidy finish without unnecessary disruption.
This kind of mixed solution is quite common in coastal suburbs where sandy soils make roots spread far and wide.
Summary & Take-Away
Stump grinding is usually faster, cleaner, more affordable, and less disruptive — ideal for many suburban Perth yards.
Stump removal is more thorough, gives you a blank slate for future use, but costs more and disturbs the soil more.
The “right” choice depends on future plans, stump size, proximity to infrastructure, budget, and site constraints.
Always get a professional arborist or tree contractor (such as Swift Trees Perth) to inspect your site, locate utilities, and advise.
Swift Trees Perth operates across the Perth metropolitan area — from Bassendean to Woodvale, from Duncraig to Victoria Park — and have seen it all.
If you’d like a free quote or site inspection in your suburb, just contact us.
And if you want further reading, check out:
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