By: Shelby McCullough| Published: December 16, 2025
When you hire a professional for tree removal, you expect a clean slate. You picture your yard free of that hazardous or unsightly tree, ready for a fresh start. However, there is a little bit of “secret sauce” about the tree industry that many homeowners discover too late: the aftermath of the stump.
Most people assume that once the tree is cut and the stump is ground down, the job is done. But what happens to the massive pile of wood chips and mulch created by that process?
The Industry Standard: A Big Pile of Mulch
Here is what most tree companies don’t tell you when they sell you a tree removal and stump grinding package: cleanup is rarely included.
Nine times out of ten, standard quotes cover the act of grinding the stump, but not the removal of the debris. Once the machine is turned off and the crew leaves, you are often left with a large, unsightly mound of mulch and wood chips where your tree used to stand.
While mulch can be useful in garden beds, a mountain of it in the middle of your lawn is a nuisance. It prevents grass from growing, looks messy, and can be incredibly heavy and difficult to move without the right equipment.
The Problem with Leftover Chips
Leaving a stump grinding pile isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it creates a logistical problem for your landscaping plans. If you want to reclaim that spot in your yard, you can’t just plant over the pile.
- It’s hard labor: Shoveling and hauling away wheelbarrows full of wood chips is back-breaking work.
- It blocks new growth: You cannot lay sod or plant flowers on top of a loose pile of chips.
- It delays your projects: You are stuck with a mound of debris until you find the time or money to remove it yourself.
The McCullough Difference: Complete Stump Grinding Cleanup
At McCullough Tree Service, we believe a job isn’t finished until your yard looks pristine. We offer comprehensive stump grinding cleanup with every tree removal we perform.
We don’t just grind the stump and drive away. We stay on-site to remove the excess mulch and clean up the chips. Our goal is to leave you with a nice, flat surface that is immediately ready for your next project.
Ready for Sod, Plants, or a New Tree
By choosing a tree service that handles the cleanup, you save yourself the hassle and the heavy lifting. Once we are finished, you have a clean slate to:
- Lay new sod for a seamless lawn.
- Install new plants to beautify the area.
- Plant a new tree to replace the old one.
Whatever your vision is for your landscape, you can accomplish it faster and easier when you don’t have a mountain of mulch standing in your way.
Save Your Back and Call Us Today
Don’t get stuck with the cleanup duties. Save yourself the hassle and the back-breaking work of handling your own stump grinding chips. Choose the team that handles it all from start to finish.
Give us a call today at 407-734-5854 to schedule your free estimate.
