So you’ve had a tree stump ground out — now what Most homeowners in Snohomish County don’t expect the pile of shredded wood and dirt that’s left behind. At Snohomish Tree Company, we’re often asked how to get rid of your stump grinding waste. Here’s what you need to know and some smart ways to deal with the leftover debris.
What Is Stump Grinding Waste
Stump grinding produces a mix of woodchips, root fragments, and soil. The result is a fluffy mound where the stump once was. Depending on the size of the tree, this pile can be several feet wide and up to a foot or more deep. It often settles over time but will not disappear on its own unless removed or repurposed.
Option 1: Leave It and Let It Settle
If the stump was in a garden or low traffic area, you may be able to leave the mulch in place. Over time, the material will settle and begin to decompose, especially in wetter parts of the county like Everett, Monroe, and Mill Creek. You can help the process by raking it level and keeping it moist.
Option 2: Use It as Mulch
Stump grindings make excellent mulch when aged properly. Spread the woodchips around flower beds, trees, or shrubs to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Just avoid placing it too close to plant stems, and give it a few months to start breaking down before applying directly to vegetable gardens.
Option 3: Rake It and Fill With Soil
For lawn areas or places where you want to replant grass, raking out the grindings and replacing them with topsoil is the best approach. After removing the bulk of the debris, fill the hole with clean soil, compact it lightly, and reseed. This is especially helpful in visible areas like front yards in Snohomish, Bothell, and Lake Stevens.
Option 4: Haul It Away
If you don’t have a use for the grindings and want the area cleaned completely, hauling the debris away is your best bet. At Snohomish Tree Company, we offer optional stump grinding cleanup and disposal services. We can load and remove the waste for you, leaving a clean surface ready for sod, soil, or new plantings.
Option 5: Compost It
Woodchips from stump grinding can be a great addition to compost piles if mixed with green material like grass clippings or kitchen scraps. This helps balance the high carbon content of the wood. If you have a composting system at your home in Edmonds, Mukilteo, or Arlington, this is a sustainable and useful solution.
Bonus Tip: Keep the Woodchips Off Your Home Foundation
Don’t pile grindings near your home’s siding or foundation. The moisture content and breakdown process can attract pests like carpenter ants or termites. If the stump was close to your house in Lynnwood, Gold Bar, or North Lakewood, make sure to move the grindings at least a few feet away.
We Can Help With More Than Just Grinding
Our job doesn’t end when the stump is gone. We offer full site prep, backfilling, grading, and mulch spreading to leave your yard looking great. Whether you’re in Mountlake Terrace, Darrington, Granite Falls, or surrounding areas, our crew can help you handle every part of the job, from removal to restoration.
Other Services We Offer
- Hazardous Tree Removal for storm damaged or unsafe trees
- View Clearing and brush removal
- Fixing Leaning Trees before they become dangerous
- Forest Thinning to reduce competition and improve tree health
- Tree Pruning for safety and aesthetics
Schedule a Free Estimate
Still not sure how to get rid of your stump grinding waste Contact Snohomish Tree Company for advice or a cleanup quote. Visit our contact page or request a free estimate anywhere in Snohomish County.
