Stump grinding leaves behind a pile of wood chips mixed with soil — called “grindings” — that fills the hole where the stump was. With a little aftercare, that spot turns back into healthy lawn in a single growing season. Here’s the step-by-step from Wilcox Tree Service.
What You’re Starting With
After our crew departs, you’ll typically have: – A mound of grindings where the stump was (the hole is filled + overflow) – Wood chips and soil mixed together – Possibly some scattered chips in a 3–5 foot radius – Small chunks of root material in the mix
The mound is intentionally higher than surrounding grade because grindings settle as they decompose.
Option 1: Leave As Mulch (Easiest)
For many locations, leaving the grindings in place works beautifully: – Use as a natural mulch area – Add wood chip depth on top if desired – Plant shade-tolerant groundcover – Gradually blend with surrounding mulch over time
Best for: Garden bed areas, shaded spots, properties where the owner prefers low-maintenance alternatives to lawn.
Option 2: Convert Back to Lawn (Most Common)
Step 1: Remove Excess Grindings Take the top 4–6 inches of grindings off the pile. Spread them as mulch around other trees, compost them, or dispose of them. You want the remaining grindings to be just below your lawn grade (slightly below, since they’ll settle).
Step 2: Add Topsoil Fill the remaining depression with quality topsoil. You want: – 3–6 inches of clean topsoil on top of remaining grindings – Level with surrounding grade – Free of large wood chunks
If you just seeded directly into grindings without topsoil, the seed would germinate but struggle as the wood chips continue to settle.
Step 3: Seed or Sod
Seed (cheaper, slower): – Use grass seed that matches your existing lawn – Apply at recommended rate – Cover lightly with straw or a seed blanket – Water daily until germination (7–14 days) – Water every 2–3 days until established (3–4 weeks)
Sod (faster, more expensive): – Prepare the soil as above – Lay sod rolls, staggering seams – Water immediately and daily for 2 weeks – Resume normal mowing after roots establish
Step 4: Protect from Traffic Stake a small area off if needed to keep kids and pets off the recovering lawn.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring As the deeper grindings continue to settle over 1–3 years, you may notice minor depressions. Add a thin layer of topsoil periodically to maintain level.
Option 3: Create a Planting Bed
Turn the former stump location into a garden feature: – Remove excess grindings – Excavate slightly to create a defined bed – Add 6–12” of quality garden soil – Install edging – Plant annuals, perennials, or shrubs
The decaying grindings below provide long-term organic matter.
Timing Considerations
Best time to overseed after grinding: – Early fall (late August–September) in NH — cooler temps, natural rainfall – Early spring (April–May) — before summer heat stresses germinating seed
Avoid: – Mid-summer (seed stress) – Late fall right before winter (no time to establish)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“The grindings are sinking.” Normal. Add topsoil as needed over time.
“Nothing is growing.” Could be: – Too much wood chip content in the seedbed (add more topsoil) – Compaction from equipment (loosen top soil and reseed) – Water issues (too much or too little) – Bad seed (try a different source)
“Grass grew in initially but is now dying.” Usually indicates a drainage problem or continued settling. Core aerate and topdress.
“Mushrooms are growing.” Totally normal for a few months after grinding. The mushrooms are feeding on the decaying wood and will stop once the easily-digested material is gone. They’re not harmful.
What About Stump Grinder Chips for Other Uses?
Wood chips from stump grinding can be: – Used as mulch in garden beds (mixed with soil, they compost quickly) – Composted (add nitrogen — they’re very carbon-heavy) – Spread on paths or playground areas – Used as firewood bedding for kindling
They are NOT great for: – Direct use as soil amendment without composting (temporarily ties up nitrogen) – Mulching directly against sensitive plants – Filling foundation settlement
DIY vs. Professional Aftercare
Most homeowners handle aftercare themselves. The steps are straightforward. Call a landscaper if: – The area is very large (5+ stump locations) – You want to convert the area into something complex (pathway, installed garden, retaining feature) – You’re not comfortable with landscape work
Questions Before or After Your Grinding?
Call 603-363-8197 or request an estimate.