Stump Grinding in Kelowna: Costs, Process & Alternatives
Last updated: February 2026
After tree removal, you're left with a stump—an unsightly tripping hazard that takes up usable yard space and can attract pests or sprout unwanted growth. Stump grinding is the fastest and most cost-effective way to eliminate stumps on Kelowna properties. This guide covers stump grinding costs, how the process works, what to do with the resulting wood chips, and alternatives to grinding.
Stump Grinding Costs in Kelowna
Stump grinding prices are primarily based on stump diameter, with additional factors affecting the final cost:
Pricing by Stump Size
- Small (under 12" diameter): $150-$200
- Medium (12-24" diameter): $200-$350
- Large (24-36" diameter): $350-$500
- Extra large (36"+ diameter): $500+
Additional Cost Factors
- Access: Stumps in backyards requiring equipment transport through gates add $50-$100
- Root flare: Wide, spreading root systems at ground level add grinding time
- Depth: Standard grinding to 6-8" depth; deeper grinding (12-18") costs extra
- Chip removal: Hauling away wood chips adds $50-$150
- Backfill: Filling the hole with topsoil adds $50-$100
Multi-Stump Discounts
Most arborists offer significant discounts for multiple stumps because the travel time and setup is shared. Grinding 5 medium stumps typically costs less than 5× the single-stump price. If you have multiple stumps from tree removal or clearing beetle-killed trees, have them all ground at once.
Minimum Charges
Most Kelowna stump grinding services have minimum charges of $150-$200 regardless of stump size. A single small stump may cost the same as a medium one. This is another reason to combine multiple stumps or schedule grinding with tree removal.
How Stump Grinding Works
Understanding the stump grinding process helps you prepare and know what to expect:
The Equipment
Stump grinders range from small walk-behind units that fit through gates to large self-propelled machines for big commercial stumps. The grinder uses a rotating cutting wheel with carbide teeth that chips away wood and roots, turning solid stump into mulch.
The Process
- Site preparation: Area around stump is cleared of debris, rocks, and landscape materials
- Grinding: Operator positions grinder and systematically grinds stump, lowering gradually
- Root grinding: Surface roots extending from stump are ground or cut
- Depth check: Operator verifies adequate depth below ground level
- Cleanup: Wood chips are raked level or piled; surrounding area cleaned
Time Required
- Small stumps: 15-30 minutes per stump
- Medium stumps: 30-60 minutes per stump
- Large stumps: 1-2 hours per stump
What's Left Behind
After grinding, you'll have a hole filled with wood chips and soil mixture—roughly 3× the volume of the original stump. The remaining roots below grinding depth will decompose naturally over 2-10 years depending on species. Some species (like Lombardy poplar) may send up suckers; the arborist can advise on prevention.
What to Do with Wood Chips
Stump grinding produces a substantial pile of wood chips. Here are your options:
Leave Them (Default)
Most arborists leave chips on site at no extra charge, raked level in the hole and surrounding area. The chips settle over time and decompose.
Use as Mulch
Stump chips make excellent mulch for trees, shrubs, and perennial beds. However, fresh wood chips temporarily tie up nitrogen as they decompose. Either let them age for 6-12 months before using around plants, or add nitrogen fertilizer when applying to garden beds.
Have Them Removed
For an additional $50-$150 (depending on volume), the arborist can haul away all wood chips and leave you with an empty hole to fill.
Backfill with Topsoil
If you want to plant grass or a new tree in the location, request removal of chips and backfill with quality topsoil ($100-$200 additional). This gives you a plantable surface immediately rather than waiting for chips to decompose.
Alternatives to Stump Grinding
While grinding is the most common solution, there are alternatives:
Chemical Stump Removal
Potassium nitrate products accelerate decomposition over 4-6 weeks. Drill holes in the stump, fill with product, add water, and wait. After softening, the stump can be burned (where legal) or broken apart. Slower and messier than grinding but very inexpensive ($15-$30 in product).
Stump Extraction
Complete removal of stump and roots using an excavator. Required when root systems must be fully eliminated (before construction, paving) but leaves large holes requiring substantial backfill. Costs $400-$1,500+ depending on stump size and root spread.
Natural Decomposition
Simply let the stump rot naturally—free but takes 3-10+ years depending on species. Pine stumps decompose faster than hardwoods. Accelerate by keeping the stump moist, drilling holes, and adding nitrogen-rich materials.
Creative Reuse
Some homeowners incorporate stumps into landscape design as planter bases, seats, or wildlife habitat. This works best with attractive hardwood stumps in good condition.
When to Schedule Stump Grinding
Stump grinding can be done any time of year in Kelowna. Consider these scheduling tips:
- Same day as removal: Most arborists can grind stumps immediately after tree removal for efficiency and combined discount
- Spring cleanup: Popular time for property maintenance including stump removal
- Before landscaping projects: Remove stumps before installing new gardens, patios, or sod
- Winter: Frozen ground doesn't affect grinding; may find better availability and rates
Our Recommended Stump Grinding Service
SISU Tree Care and Property Maintenance
Why we recommend SISU Tree Care:
- ISA Certified Arborist with 30+ years experience
- Locally owned and fully insured
- Specializes in tree risk assessment and fire mitigation
- Full-service: removal, pruning, stump grinding, landscaping
- Based in West Kelowna, serves all Central Okanagan
Owner: Shannon Hyde, ISA Certified Arborist
SISU is Finnish for strength of will, determination, and perseverance
Free estimates · Fully insured · Serving Kelowna & Central Okanagan
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stump grinding cost in Kelowna?
Stump grinding in Kelowna typically costs $150-$500 per stump depending on size, location, and access. Small stumps under 12 inches diameter run $150-$200. Medium stumps (12-24 inches) cost $200-$350. Large stumps over 24 inches range from $350-$500+. Most arborists have minimum charges around $150 regardless of stump size. Multi-stump discounts are common—grinding multiple stumps in one visit costs less per stump.
How deep does stump grinding go?
Professional stump grinding in Kelowna typically grinds 6-12 inches below ground level—deep enough to plant grass or install landscaping over the area. If you're planning to plant a new tree in the same location, request deeper grinding (12-18 inches) to allow adequate root space. Surface roots extending from the stump can also be ground down or left to decompose naturally over 2-5 years.
What happens to the wood chips after grinding?
Stump grinding produces a pile of wood chips mixed with soil roughly three times the volume of the original stump. Most arborists leave the chips on site by default—they make excellent mulch for garden beds when mixed with nitrogen fertilizer. You can request chips be removed for an additional fee ($50-$150 depending on volume), or have the hole backfilled with topsoil for extra cost.
Can I plant a new tree where a stump was ground?
Yes, but wait at least 1-2 years for the remaining root material to decompose. Fresh wood chips and decaying roots temporarily tie up nitrogen in the soil, making it poor for immediate planting. If you want to plant sooner, have the arborist grind deeper (18+ inches), remove all chips, and backfill with fresh topsoil amended with compost. Place the new tree slightly offset from the original location.
Stump grinding vs. stump removal: what's the difference?
Stump grinding uses a machine to chip the stump into mulch 6-12 inches below ground—roots remain in the soil to decompose naturally. Stump removal (extraction) digs out the entire stump and major root system, leaving a large hole requiring significant backfill. Grinding is faster, less expensive, and causes minimal yard disruption. Full removal is only necessary when root systems must be completely eliminated, such as before construction.