What it involves:
We use specialised grinding machinery to reduce the stump to wood chips, usually around 6 inches below ground level. Chips can be:
Best for:
What it involves:
We excavate the entire root ball and major roots to leave a clear area of ground.
Best for:
You can get in touch with as little as: “One stump in Heavitree, can you take a look?”
However, the following details help us price more precisely:
You can upload photos in the quote form or send them by email.
For straightforward jobs, we can often give an indicative cost from photos and a quick call. If it’s more complex, we’ll arrange a short site visit to give you a fixed quote before any work starts.
Most garden stumps we see fall between £90 and £200.
For multiple stumps at the same property we can often provide more economical combined pricing.
Choosing the wrong contractor can mean damage to walls, lawns, or underground services. We remove stumps safely and protect the rest of your property.
Typically around 6 inches below ground, which is enough for lawn, beds, and most garden uses. We can go deeper if needed for particular projects.
Grinding produces wood chips and a small amount of soil disturbance. We contain the work, tidy up, and either leave chips neatly in place or remove them as agreed.
Yes! We have specialised compact equipment that can access stumps through standard garden gates and in tight spaces between buildings.
We regularly work near structures, paths, and services. We assess each site carefully and use guards and techniques to protect nearby features.
Yes, but we recommend waiting until the wood chips have decomposed or removing them first. For planting a new tree in the exact same spot, complete stump removal might be better to ensure there are no competing roots in the soil.
The time varies based on stump size and hardness as well as access. A small to medium stump typically takes 30-60 minutes to grind, while larger stumps may take several hours. Fresh stumps from recently cut trees take longer than older, partially decomposed stumps.
Stump grinding uses a specialised machine to chip away the visible stump to below ground level, leaving the deeper roots in place. Stump removal involves excavating the entire stump and root ball from the ground, which is more invasive but necessary for construction projects.
We typically rake the wood chips back over the area where the stump was. These chips will naturally decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. If you prefer, we can remove the chips completely for an additional fee.
Costs typically range from £90-£500+ depending on stump size, location, access, and the removal method. We can provide an accurate quote after seeing the stump. Small stumps (up to 12″ diameter) typically cost £90-120, medium stumps (12-24″) run £120-180, while large stumps (24-36″) cost £180-250, with very large specimens starting from £250. Prices vary based on access difficulty; narrow Exeter terraced gardens or steep Devon hillsides requiring compact equipment cost more than open-access situations, and fresh oak stumps take longer to grind than older, softer specimens common in Devon’s mature gardens.
Devon’s native oak and beech create some of the toughest grinding jobs due to their dense, hard wood, while softer species like willow or birch process much faster. Leylandii stumps, popular in Devon suburban gardens, grind relatively easily but often have extensive shallow root systems, we price accordingly and can advise on species-specific challenges during your free assessment.
Standard stump removal rarely requires special permissions, even in National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), but properties near the South West Coast Path or within East Devon AONB boundaries may have restrictions on machinery access or replacement planting requirements. We’re familiar with these designations and handle any necessary consultations with East Devon District Council planning departments.
We take great care when working near buildings, driveways, and Devon’s distinctive stone walls, using precision equipment and protective measures to prevent damage. Our compact grinders let us operate within inches of conservatories, garden walls, and block paving without causing vibration damage. This is especially important around Exeter, where stumps are often located close to extensions, patios, and the narrow driveways common in Devon’s older homes.
If your stump is not causing problems, removal is not always necessary. Dead wood can be valuable for fungi, insects, birds, and bats, and can be incorporated into wildlife-friendly garden designs.
If you are interested in maximising biodiversity, we can advise on turning existing stumps into habitat features instead of removing them.
We offer specialised habitat creation services that work with natural features to create thriving ecosystems.
To learn more about the benefits of leaving dead trees for wildlife, check out this article from the Royal Horticultural Society: Removing trees and stumps
Moorland Tree Care provides expert tree stump grinding and removal services throughout Exeter and across Devon, including but not limited to:
Exeter, Topsham, Alphington, St Thomas, Pinhoe, Heavitree, Countess Wear, Exminster, Kennford, Ide, Exwick
Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Budleigh Salterton, Newton Poppleford, Colyton, Whimple, West Hill, Broadclyst
Crediton, Tiverton, Cullompton, Bampton, Uffculme, Willand, Morchard Bishop, Bow, Halberton, Silverton
Newton Abbot, Totnes, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, Stoke Gabriel, Dartmouth
Moretonhampstead, Chagford, Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Princetown, South Brent, Yelverton, Buckfastleigh, North Bovey, Lustleigh, Manaton, Postbridge, Dunsford, Ilsington, Mary Tavy, Horrabridge, Liverton, Bridestowe and more
Don’t let stubborn stumps continue restricting your property’s potential or posing safety hazards to your family. Our experienced local team is ready to transform your outdoor space quickly and professionally.
Get your free quote now – we’re confident we can solve your stump removal challenge, no matter how difficult the access or complex the situation.
Just tell us what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a free, no-obligation quote. Simple as that!
