Stump Grinding & Removal in Fort Myers and Cape Coral
Joshua Tree Inc. grinds stumps for homeowners across Fort Myers, Cape Coral and the rest of Southwest Florida. Our ISA-Certified Arborists have served this area since 2011, and customers rate us 4.9 stars across 1,700+ reviews. A leftover stump is a trip hazard, an invitation to termites and ants, and in some species a source of new shoots. We grind it below ground level, clean up, and leave your yard level and ready for grass, mulch or a new planting.
Since 2011 · 4.9 stars · 1,700+ reviews · ISA-Certified Arborists
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Which Do You Need?
Stump grinding shreds the stump and its surface roots to several inches below ground and leaves the deeper roots to decay naturally. Stump removal pulls out the entire stump and root ball with heavy equipment, which leaves a large hole and costs more. Most yards only need grinding. Removal makes sense when you are building or replanting in the same spot.
| Stump grinding | Stump removal | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Grinds the stump and surface roots below ground level | Extracts the whole stump and root ball |
| Hole left | Small; filled with the grindings | Large; needs fill soil |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Most yards, fast with little disruption | Building or replanting in the same spot |
How We Grind a Stump
- Look at the site. An arborist checks the stump size, the roots and the access, and points out anything near the stump that needs protecting.
- Locate underground utilities. We have lines marked through Sunshine 811 before any grinding starts.
- Grind below ground level. Standard depth is 4 to 6 inches below grade if sod is being replaced. If we’re replanting we utilize a dyno digger, it’s a powered sharp flat shovel that cuts the whole root-ball out to make proper room for new installations.
- Grind the surface roots. Roots that run along the lawn surface come out with the stump.
- Backfill. The hole is filled with the wood chips.
- Rake and regrade. We level the area and clean up. Leave the extra chips as mulch for your beds or we haul them away.
Our crews use commercial-grade grinders and protect nearby beds, irrigation and hardscape.
What Stump Grinding Costs in Southwest Florida
Most stumps we grind run $200 to $550, and a typical single stump lands around $350. Your price depends on a handful of things we look at during the free estimate.
| What changes the price | Why |
|---|---|
| Stump diameter | Wider stumps take longer to grind |
| Root spread | Large surface roots add grinding time |
| Species | Dense hardwoods take more effort than softer wood; palms grind differently |
| Access | Gates, slopes and tight spaces can mean smaller equipment and more labor |
| Number of stumps | Several stumps in one visit save us setup time. |
| Depth | Grinding deeper for replanting adds time |
Ranges reflect our recent jobs. Your estimate is complimentary and covers your exact stump.
Why Grind a Stump in Florida?
Pests
A decaying stump can draw termites, carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles close to your home.
Regrowth
Some species, such as Brazilian pepper and certain ficus, can send up shoots from a cut stump. Grinding removes the part that sprouts.
Disease
Stumps from palms with Ganoderma butt rot can hold the fungus, which can reach nearby palms. Read more about Ganoderma and tree disease.
Everyday problems
Stumps cause trips, damage mower blades and take up planting space. Some HOAs expect stumps to be removed, so check your community rules.
What Happens After You Call
- Complimentary estimate. An arborist looks at your stump on site, or by virtual appointment if that is easier.
- Stump and Landscape Evaluation. You get a price for your stump and a time that fits your schedule.
- Grinding day. The crew locates utilities, protects your beds and irrigation, and grinds.
- Cleanup. We fill the hole, regrade, and walk the area with you before we leave.
Why Southwest Florida Homeowners Choose Joshua Tree Inc.
Joshua Tree Inc. has served Southwest Florida since 2011. Customers rate us 4.9 stars across 1,700+ reviews, and our team includes ISA-Certified Arborists and Board Certified Master Arborists. Every stump job ends with cleanup, and your property is treated like our own. Read our reviews.
Meet Your Arborist
Chris Comer, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Chris has 18 years of experience and holds the ISA Prescription Pruning Qualification. In his own words: “I am a dedicated arborist with a passion for trees, specializing in diagnosing health issues and creating effective treatment plans.”
Reviewed by Chris Comer · Last updated 11/01/26 · Meet the whole team
Stump Grinding Across Southwest Florida
We grind stumps in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples and Port Charlotte. Not sure we cover your street? Call and we will tell you.
What Homeowners Say
“This tree company is 10/10. 💯 trustworthy and they show up when they say they will. They are professional. They put down plywood so they didn’t destroy my lawn. They cleaned up really well. My Royal Palm was 60 feet and a healthy tree, but too huge to have near the house with increasing hurricane threats. It was heartbreaking to do, but I had to be proactive. Pricing is reasonable. They also care about local wildlife and donate their trucks to rescue and release local raptors. Great company!”
“The guys really had their hands full with my mess of a coconut tree. It hadn’t been trimmed for probably five years, and it was full of coconuts. The team did a fantastic job! I highly recommend Joshua Tree to anyone that needs palm tree trimming! They go above and beyond any other company you can hire. The cleanup was remarkable. They left no mess for me whatsoever! Superior teamwork! A+”
“The office staff and onsite employees were professional, skilled and courteous. Two palms over 40′ were struck by lightning. To make it more difficult, they were both next to the pool cage, canal, dock and the neighbor’s fence. All the cutting, moving, grinding and debris pickup was done in a few hours. The clean up was very thorough…you could hardly tell they’d been here!”
Stump Grinding FAQ
What is the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
Grinding shreds the stump and surface roots to several inches below ground and leaves the deeper roots to decay naturally. Removal pulls out the entire stump and root ball with heavy equipment, which leaves a large hole to fill and costs more. Most Southwest Florida yards only need grinding.
How much does stump grinding cost in Cape Coral or Southwest Florida?
Most stumps we grind run $200 to $550, and a typical single stump lands around $350. Price depends on stump diameter, species, root spread, access to the stump and how many stumps we grind in one visit. Large stumps and tight access cost more. A free estimate gives you a price for your stump.
How deep do you grind a stump?
We grind to about 4 to 6 inches below ground level, which is deep enough to plant grass or lay sod over. If you plan to replant a tree in the same spot, tell us at the estimate and we can grind deeper. Surface roots are ground out along with the stump.
Will my stump grow back after grinding?
Grinding removes the part of the stump that sprouts, which greatly reduces regrowth. Some species, such as Brazilian pepper and certain ficus, can still send up shoots from roots left in the ground. If shoots appear, cut them back promptly and call us so an arborist can advise on the next step.
Do I have to remove the stump after a tree is removed?
No, but we recommend it. A leftover stump is a trip hazard, can attract termites and ants, and may resprout. Grinding it during the same visit as the tree removal saves a separate trip and leaves the area ready to use. Mention the stump when you request your tree removal estimate.
What happens to the wood chips and the hole?
Grinding leaves a mound of wood chips. We fill the hole with the chips, rake and regrade the area, then leave the remaining chips as mulch for your beds or haul them away, your choice. Chips settle over time, so expect to top off the spot with soil before seeding or sodding.
Can you grind palm stumps?
Yes. Palms have a fibrous trunk and a mass of thin roots rather than a woody root system, so they grind differently from oaks or ficus. Trunk diameter and access set the price. Tell us the palm type at your estimate.
Do tree stumps attract termites in Florida?
A decaying stump can draw termites, carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles, and those pests stay active in Southwest Florida most of the year. Keeping that food source away from your home’s foundation lowers the chance they move in. Grinding removes it.
Get Your Free Stump Estimate
Joshua Tree Inc. · Mon to Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm, Sat 8:00am to 12:00pm, closed Sunday