Stump Removal and Grubbing
Complete removal of tree stumps and root systems (grubbing) to ensure sites are free of organic material that could decompose and cause settling issues under foundations or paved areas across South Florida.
Stump removal and grubbing is essential for complete site preparation. Our network of licensed contractors has the equipment and expertise to remove stumps and root systems completely, preventing future settling problems and preparing sites for construction.

Who This Service Is For
Stump removal and grubbing services are essential for developers, custom home builders, general contractors, and property owners who need complete site preparation after tree removal.
Whether you've cleared trees from your site or inherited a property with existing stumps, complete stump removal and grubbing ensures sites are ready for construction. We coordinate contractors with the right equipment to remove stumps and root systems completely, preventing future settling problems.
Typical Project Sizes
Stump removal and grubbing typically ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 for residential lots, and $40,000 to $150,000+ for large commercial sites or properties with many large stumps depending on stump quantity, size, and root system complexity.
What Stump Removal and Grubbing Includes
Stump Assessment
Evaluation of stumps and root systems to determine removal requirements. Assessment identifies stump sizes, root system extent, and removal methods needed for complete removal.
Stump Grinding
Grinding of stumps below ground level using specialized stump grinding equipment. Stump grinding removes stumps efficiently and prepares areas for root system removal.
Root System Removal
Complete removal of root systems (grubbing) to eliminate all organic material. Root system removal prevents decomposition that could cause settling under foundations or paved areas.
Excavation and Removal
Excavation and removal of large stumps and root systems using excavators and heavy equipment. Excavation ensures complete removal of all organic material from sites.
Debris Removal
Removal and disposal of ground stumps, roots, and organic debris. Debris removal ensures sites are clean and ready for construction activities.
Site Preparation
Preparation of grubbed sites for subsequent construction activities. Site preparation includes backfilling stump holes, rough grading, and coordination with grading and construction activities.
Why Stump Removal and Grubbing Is Important
Complete stump removal and grubbing is critical for preventing future problems:
- Foundation Protection: Decomposing organic material from stumps and roots can cause settling under foundations, leading to structural problems. Complete grubbing eliminates this risk and ensures stable foundation support.
- Pavement Protection: Organic material under paved areas can decompose and cause settling, leading to cracks and pavement failure. Grubbing prevents these problems and ensures stable pavement support.
- Site Stability: Complete removal of root systems ensures stable site conditions for construction. Grubbing eliminates voids and organic material that could affect site stability.
- Drainage Improvement: Removing stumps and roots improves site drainage by eliminating obstructions. Improved drainage prevents water accumulation and related problems.
- Construction Readiness: Complete grubbing prepares sites for construction activities including grading, foundation work, and infrastructure installation. Sites are ready for development after grubbing.
- Long-Term Stability: Grubbing prevents long-term settling problems that could affect structures and paved areas. Complete removal ensures sites remain stable over time.
South Florida Grubbing Considerations
Stump removal and grubbing in South Florida requires attention to local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table can affect grubbing operations and may require dewatering. Water table conditions determine grubbing methods and may affect root system removal.
- Coastal Soil Conditions: Coastal areas have unique soil characteristics that affect grubbing operations. Soil conditions determine equipment requirements and grubbing methods.
- Root System Extent: South Florida trees often have extensive root systems that require thorough grubbing. Complete root system removal ensures no organic material remains.
- Debris Disposal: Proper disposal of ground stumps, roots, and organic debris must comply with local regulations. Debris may be recycled, mulched, or disposed of at approved facilities.
- Site Restoration: After grubbing, sites require backfilling and restoration. Site restoration ensures proper site conditions for subsequent construction activities.
- Permit Requirements: Grubbing operations may require permits from local municipalities, especially for large-scale operations. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
The Stump Removal and Grubbing Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your stump removal and grubbing project is completed thoroughly and efficiently:
- Stump Assessment: We assess your site to identify stumps and root systems requiring removal. Assessment includes reviewing stump sizes, root system extent, and removal methods needed.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required permits for grubbing operations and coordinate with local municipalities. Permits ensure compliance with regulations.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (stump grinders, excavators, bulldozers) and experience for stump removal and grubbing.
- Stump Removal: Contractors remove stumps using grinding or excavation methods. Stump removal eliminates above-ground stumps and prepares areas for root system removal.
- Root System Grubbing: Contractors perform grubbing to remove root systems completely. Grubbing eliminates all organic material and prevents future settling problems.
- Debris Removal: All ground stumps, roots, and organic debris are removed from sites. Debris removal ensures sites are clean and ready for construction.
- Site Restoration: After grubbing, sites are backfilled and restored. Site restoration prepares areas for subsequent construction activities including grading and foundation work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between stump removal and grubbing?
Stump removal refers to removing the visible stump above or at ground level, while grubbing refers to removing the entire root system below ground. Complete site preparation requires both stump removal and grubbing to eliminate all organic material that could decompose and cause settling problems.
Why is grubbing important for construction?
Grubbing is important because decomposing organic material from roots can cause settling under foundations and paved areas, leading to structural problems and pavement failure. Complete grubbing eliminates this risk and ensures stable site conditions for construction.
How much does stump removal and grubbing cost?
Stump removal and grubbing costs vary based on stump quantity, size, and root system complexity. Typical residential lots range from $10,000 to $40,000, while large commercial sites or properties with many large stumps can range from $40,000 to $150,000+ depending on scope. Factors affecting cost include stump sizes, root system extent, and site access.
How deep do root systems need to be removed?
Root systems should be removed to a depth that eliminates all organic material in areas where foundations or paved areas will be constructed. Typical grubbing removes roots to depths of 2-4 feet, with deeper removal for large trees or areas with specific requirements. Engineering specifications may specify exact grubbing depths.
How long does stump removal and grubbing take?
Stump removal and grubbing timelines vary based on stump quantity, size, and root system complexity. Typical residential lots take 2-5 days, while large commercial sites may take 1-2 weeks depending on scope. Weather conditions and site access can affect timelines. We coordinate with contractors to complete projects efficiently.
Service Locations
We coordinate stump removal and grubbing across all of South Florida. Select your location to learn more about grubbing services in your area:
