Most trees will not grow back after stump grinding. Species that sucker from their roots, such as willow, poplar, cottonwood, Siberian elm, sweetgum, mesquite and some maples, can send up shoots, which you can stop by cutting them promptly or grinding deeper.
Planning a grind? Check typical prices on the stump grinding costs homepage.
Trees that commonly resprout
Willow, poplar, aspen, cottonwood, Siberian elm, sweetgum, black locust, mesquite, tree of heaven and some maples.
How to stop regrowth
- Ask for a deeper grind. See how deep stump grinding goes.
- Grind surface roots. See root grinding cost.
- Cut shoots as they appear.
- Use a stump killer on stubborn suckers. See best stump removers.
Keep reading
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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. -
Cost guide Tree Root Grinding Cost Grinding surface roots usually adds about $150 per stump, or $100 to $200 an hour. See root grinding prices, when roots need removal and how to keep costs down. -
After grinding What to Do After Stump Grinding What to do after stump grinding: clearing the grindings, filling the hole, regrowing grass, handling roots and stopping sprouts, step by step.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tree grow back after the stump is ground?
Most trees cannot. A few root-suckering species can sprout from remaining roots.
Which trees grow back from roots?
Willow, poplar, aspen, cottonwood, Siberian elm, sweetgum, black locust, mesquite, tree of heaven and some maples.
How do I stop sprouts after stump grinding?
Cut shoots at ground level as soon as they appear. Repeated cutting starves the roots.
Does grinding deeper prevent regrowth?
Yes. Grinding 12 inches or more removes more of the root crown where shoots start.
Should I use a stump killer?
For persistent suckers, a triclopyr stump killer applied to fresh cuts stops regrowth. Follow the label.
Do palm trees grow back after grinding?
Single-trunk palms do not. Clustering palms can.
Do oak stumps grow back?
Young oaks can sprout from the stump edge, but a standard grind usually prevents it.
How long do roots live after grinding?
Most roots die within a season and rot over several years.
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.