Stump Removal

After a dead tree on your property has been taken down, the stump left behind can be an environmental hazard, a public safety hazard, and a cause of property damage. We offer a simple, low-cost, and fast stump removal services using our utilizing crew and specialized stump removal and stump grinding equipment.

Providing Stump Removal services in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island and more!

Specializing in stump grinding, our team sets industry standards by collaborating with leading organizations like the Tree Care Industry (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). We employ the latest equipment for stump rigging and extraction, which includes chopping stump roots at their base, stump clearing methods and thorough site cleanups.

stump tree removal new york

stump removal company

Stump Grinding Services

Once your old tree is removed, the remaining stump might seem decorative, but it’s often unsightly and hazardous and attracts pests. Dragonetti Tree Removal efficiently grinds unwanted stumps and roots 6” to 12” below grade, typically taking half an hour to two hours, depending on the stump’s size.

Contrary to its name, stump grinding uses equipment with specially designed carbide teeth on a cutter wheel, cutting the stump into smaller chips. The resulting debris can be recycled to fill the stump’s hole, used as decorative mulch, or removed.

stump removal services in new york

stump tree removal services

Why Trust Us With Your Stump Removal?

Even if you’re skilled at home repairs, stump removal is a job best entrusted to professionals. With over 40 years of experience and ongoing training, Dragonetti Tree Removal specializes in stump grinding. Opting for professional stump grinding services offers many advantages, including:

  • Licensed, Insured Professionals
  • Better, Well-Maintained Equipment
  • Proper Site Preparation
  • Better Protective Gear
  • Overall Cost Savings

Can You Rot A Tree Stump?

This leaves many people questioning whether you could simply let the stump rot on its own. Most people try various methods, some try Epsom salts, others vinegar, to speed this process up. While most of these solutions sound pretty simple, the effectiveness is not very reliable.

Common Methods:

  • Epsom Salts: Instead of just attacking the living tissue, this is supposed to work by dehydrating the stump, which would speed up decomposition.
  • Vinegar: The acid in it will encourage rotting, but you may need to apply multiple times.
  • Chemical Stump Removers: These are effective but have harsh potential environmental impacts.

Yet, there are a couple of disadvantages of doing it yourself. If you leave the stump to rot, it may take a number of years, leaving an eyesore in your yard that may attract some pests or diseases that may affect other plants nearby.

how to rot stumps new york

can you rot tree stumps

Disadvantages of Letting a Stump Rot:

It takes years: It is going to take years for the natural decaying process to be complete, meaning you need to endure this eyesore until it is fully decayed.

Attracts Pests: The degrading stump may attract insects, fungi, and other pests that could spread into your garden or landscape.

Incomplete Results: Most of these methods will not break the stump down completely.

Consistency: You may need to rot a stump every few days for over six months to a year.

Our professional advice? Skip the wait and have your stump removed in just a few hours with us.

Affordable Tree Stump Removal in New York

Ensure the safety and aesthetic appeal of your New York property by letting our certified specialists handle the removal of unwanted stumps. Dragonetti Brothers specializes in professional tree trimming, cutting, tree removal in nyc, stump grinding services across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. With over 40 years of landscaping expertise, we promise services that are safe, efficient, and budget-friendly, coupled with an exceptional customer experience.

Brooklyn-Stump Removal

Brooklyn

Queens-Stump Removal

Queens

Manhattan-Stump Removal

Manhattan

The-Bronx-Stump Removal

The Bronx

Staten-Island-Stump Removal

Staten Island

FAQs

Yes, but with important limitations. In New York City, tree removal laws are strictly enforced to protect the urban canopy. If a tree is located on private property, you typically have more leeway, but certain conditions must still be met. For instance, if the tree is larger than a specific diameter (usually more than 6 inches at chest height), it may require a permit or documentation, especially if it’s near property lines, public walkways, or utilities.

At Dragonetti Tree Removal, we always begin with a thorough site inspection to determine the tree’s size, condition, species, and location. If a permit is needed from NYC Parks or another city agency, we’ll guide you through the process or handle it ourselves. Removing a tree without proper clearance can lead to fines or legal issues, so don’t take the risk. 

In general, stump grinding is cheaper than full stump removal, especially in urban areas like NYC. Grinding involves using a high-powered machine to shave the stump down to just below ground level, which is quicker and less invasive. Full removal, on the other hand, requires digging up the entire root system, a labor-intensive process that can damage surrounding landscaping, driveways, or underground utilities.

At Dragonetti Tree Removal, we often recommend stump grinding for most residential and commercial clients. It’s not only cost-effective but also minimizes disruption to your yard or site. However, if you’re planning construction, hardscaping, or planting in that exact area, full removal might be necessary.

We’re happy to assess your stump and provide transparent pricing and pros/cons for both options, so you can make the best decision for your property and budget.

 

Great question, and one we get often. At Dragonetti Tree Removal, we quote stump grinding based on several key factors:

  • Stump diameter – The larger the stump, the more grinding time and equipment wear, which impacts the cost.
  • Stump location – Is it accessible to our machinery? Stumps in tight backyards, near fences, or up/down stairs require more effort and special equipment.
  • By inches – Standard depth is about 4–6 inches below ground, but deeper grinds (for replanting or construction) cost a bit more.
  • Root system spread – Some species, like oaks and maples, have extensive roots that may also need grinding.

On average, stump grinding in NYC starts around $150–$300 per stump but can vary. We provide free, no-obligation estimates.

It’s a common mix-up. Simply put:

  • A trunk is the upright part of the tree still standing, it supports branches and foliage.
  • A stump is what remains after a tree has been cut down. It’s the base and root portion, typically flush with or slightly above the ground.

In tree removal projects, we cut down the trunk and either leave or grind the stump depending on your preference. Some clients confuse a short trunk segment (like 3–5 feet tall) as a “stump,” but unless it’s been cut near ground level, it’s still technically part of the trunk.

We believe in responsible and eco-friendly disposal. After we remove a tree or grind a stump, all debris is cleaned up and hauled away unless otherwise requested. Depending on the tree size and project, this can include:

  • Mulching the wood chips for landscaping or donation
  • Firewood processing for use or sale (some clients keep it)
  • Hauling logs and branches to a licensed wood recycling center
  • Site cleanup and raking to restore the area

We’re proud of our clean work and never leave you with a mess. If you’d like to keep any part of the tree like mulch or lumber, just let us know in advance.

Great question and one that many NYC homeowners and contractors don’t think to ask until it becomes a problem.

We tailor stump grinding depth based on your project goals, but generally:

  • Standard grinding goes about 4–6 inches below ground. This is ideal if you just want to replant grass, lay mulch, or clean up the yard.
  • Deep grinding can go 8–12 inches or more, and is recommended if:
    • You plan to plant a new tree in the exact spot
    • You’re preparing for a hardscape install like pavers, a patio, or a sidewalk
    • The stump is near utilities or a foundation (we’ll always check first)

Now here’s where NYC makes things interesting:

If you’re doing sidewalk repair or construction near a public tree stump or roots, you may need permits from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, especially if roots extend into city-owned land. We’ve seen many clients get stalled mid-project because a contractor hit roots without checking for city restrictions.