After stump grinding, rake out most of the wood chips, fill the hole with topsoil, tamp it down and seed or sod the area. Top up the soil after a few weeks as it settles, and cut any sprouts that appear from the old roots.
Planning more stumps? See stump grinding costs by size and state.
Step 1: Clear the grindings
Rake out the chips and pile them for mulch. See uses for stump grindings.
Step 2: Fill and level the hole
Fill with topsoil, tamp it down and leave it slightly higher than the lawn. Full details in how to fill a stump hole.
Step 3: Seed or sod
Spread grass seed or lay sod and water daily for two weeks.
Quick patch
Lawn repair seed mix
- Seed, mulch and fertilizer in one
- Ideal for small bare spots
Step 4: Watch for sprouts and settling
Cut any shoots and add soil if the patch sinks.
Keep reading
- After grinding How to Fill a Stump Hole How to fill a stump hole after grinding or removal: what soil to use, how much you need, how to stop sinking and how to get grass growing again fast.
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After grinding What to Do With Stump Grindings What to do with stump grindings: using them as mulch, composting, path material, when to avoid them and what professional chip haul-away costs. - Cost guide How Deep Does Stump Grinding Go? Stump grinders typically cut 6 to 12 inches below ground. Learn standard grind depths, when to grind deeper, what it costs and what happens to the roots.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Should I remove stump grindings from the hole?
Yes, remove most of them. Wood chips break down slowly and tie up nitrogen, which can stunt new grass.
How soon can I plant grass after stump grinding?
Right away, once the chips are replaced with topsoil. Seed or sod and water daily for about two weeks.
Why is the ground sinking where the stump was?
Leftover chips and roots decay and settle. Add more topsoil as needed during the first year.
How do I stop sprouts after stump grinding?
Cut sprouts as soon as they appear. For persistent suckers, a stump killer can be applied to fresh cuts.
Can I use the grindings as mulch?
Yes. Age them for a few months and use them on paths or under shrubs rather than in the lawn.
How much topsoil do I need to fill a stump hole?
A typical hole needs 2 to 5 cubic feet of topsoil, or about 2 to 4 bags.
Can I plant a new tree in the same spot?
Plant a few feet away, or remove the grindings and old roots first so the new tree has good soil.
Will mushrooms grow after stump grinding?
Often. Fungi feed on decaying roots. They are harmless to the lawn and fade as the wood breaks down.
Sources and methodology
Last updated . Prices are estimates built from published contractor rates, national cost guides and federal labor data. Read how we calculate prices.