Stump Hight

[newb]

Is there a standard for the hight of leaving a stump. I had always been told that a stump could be left the hight that the diameter is. I had a customer that wanted a Willow taken down on the cheap and didn't want anything done with the stump. Now they don't want to pay because the stump is to high. Any input here would be great. There was nothing in the contract about doing any stump work or taking it down as low as possible. Pete

 

[Grace Tree]

I always state in my contracts that stumps will be flush cut as close to the ground as is practical. No one has ever complained. We normally make it the last cut of the day in case we get a little too close to the ground.
Phil

 

[ray benson]

Cut them as low as practical- usually about 10% of the diameter. Not too hard to cut them about 2" above the ground. Just hard on the chain.

 

[Dadatwins]

Be specific in your contracts and you will avoid this. Usually if the stump remains we will cut it as low as possible without damaging the chain. Most times this will be anywhere from 2-8" above the grade. I will specify this with the customer at the time of estimate by showing the customer approximate height of finished job.

 

[geofore]

stump

If they're not going to pay for a stump grind, ask them first what height they want it. Some are just too cheap to pay for a grind or don't mind a stump. Here's a secret, cut it about 4"-6" tall. Tell the customer to cover it with fresh grass clippings every time he mows the lawn and water it once a week. The stump will rot out in two to three years and it is tall enough the mower won't go over it. The moist grass and watering it gives the bugs and fungi a perfect place to hide and do the work of removing the stump. The idea of watering it gives the customer a reason to remember where it is so he does't hit it with the mower. In a couple of years it's soft enough to disappear.

 

[Sunrise Guy]

I let the client know that I'll leave them a level stump that is perfect for statuary or a potted plant. I ask them if they want it higher than a foot above grade and if they want it lower I tell them I will bring it down to somewhere between 5-8" above grade. I've never had any complaints. If they want the stump ground, I let them know that it will add $200 to the final price since I have to haul the grinder and get it into their yard. Most do not go with the grinder, unless they are planning on planting another tree in the exact spot the old one was at. I also let them know that even with grinding, old roots sometimes have a tricky way of sending up suckers just when you thought the old tree was dead and gone for good.

 

[treeman82]

I was just on a job today, cut all the stumps as low as possible. 1 large white oak stump has a HUGE rock in it, so I cut above the rock. The lady complained. I told her even if she paid me $1,000,000 I wouldn't cut the stump lower for her. Her husband is getting a grinder in there in the next week or two anyways, and she is just a B@#$%, so this was one more thing for her to complain about.

 

[rebelman]

Flush cuts are fine for stumps.

 

[JayD]

Hi Newb,
We always cut as low as possible,but usually everything is stated on the contract..where the mulch goes,does the customer want the wood?do they want grinding how deep do they want us to go, chase the roots..extra..some want the stump left for a pot stand if they request this we usually paint the top with high visibility paint just so joe blow can see it and our duty of care has been taken care of..but generally whats agreed upon..but i'm in Australia the states might be different.