After Stump Grinding: Chips, the Hole, and Replanting
Prices on this page are estimates compiled from the published sources listed below, not quotes. JoCo Stump Grinding is a free referral service that connects Johnson County homeowners with independent local pros. We are not a contractor and do not perform the work.
What is left behind
Grinding leaves a mound of chips and soil and a shallow depression that settles as wood decays.
Your options
- Keep chips as mulch in beds.
- Ask for haul off and topsoil backfill, usually priced separately.
- Reseed or sod once the area is filled and leveled.
Replanting
Plant a new tree a few feet away from the old stump, since leftover roots and chips make the exact spot poor for a new tree.
Get a free quote from a local pro
FAQ
Can I plant grass right away?
Remove most chips and add topsoil first. Fresh wood chips can tie up nitrogen in the soil.
Sources
Last checked October 22, 2026.