What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Stump Grinding Service in Pennsylvania

After cutting down a tree, many property owners are left with one last frustrating problem: the stump. It’s not just an eyesore — it can interfere with new plantings, attract pests, and even damage lawn equipment. That’s where stump grinding comes in. But before you call the first guy with a skid steer or rent a DIY grinder, there are a few things to understand about the process, pricing, and what to expect.

At Kerr Forestry, we offer professional stump grinding using skid-steer mounted equipment that’s fast, precise, and built for all kinds of terrain. Here’s what you should know before hiring a stump grinding contractor.

1. Stump Grinding Isn’t Just About Looks
Sure, tree stumps can make your yard look messy — but the real issues run deeper. Leftover stumps:

• Can regrow or sprout suckers

• Attract insects like termites, ants, or beetles

• Make mowing difficult and even dangerous

• Interfere with grading, fencing, or reseeding

Removing the stump makes your land more usable, safe, and ready for the next phase — whether that’s planting grass, building a structure, or installing a fence.

2. Not All Grinders Are Created Equal
There are walk-behind grinders, tractor attachments, and high-power skid-steer-mounted units like the one we use at Kerr Forestry. If you’ve got a large stump, or it’s in a hard-to-reach area, you need something that can actually do the job efficiently.

We run a Bobcat SG60 paired with a Leonardi M1 Silver grinding wheel. This setup delivers faster grinding speeds and more torque, allowing us to get deeper and cleaner results than many tow-behind or rental models.

3. Depth Matters — Ask Before You Book
Some companies only “surface grind” stumps — just enough to get them below the lawn line. That may be fine for mowing, but it’s not enough if you want to:

• Reseed or plant grass

• Build a shed or fence

• Dig in the area later

We grind most stumps 4"–6" below grade, and can go deeper when needed. We also offer complete root collar removal for fence line or grading prep. If you’re not sure what depth you need, we’re happy to take a look.

4. Size and Accessibility Impact Pricing
Stump grinding is usually priced based on:

• Diameter of the stump (measured at the widest point at ground level)

• Number of stumps

• Accessibility (tight backyard? hillside? fence gate?)

• Travel distance

Our pricing typically starts with a per-inch rate for average jobs, with minimums for small projects and bulk discounts for large jobs. We’re transparent from the start — no hidden fees or surprise add-ons.

5. Cleanup May or May Not Be Included
Grinding a stump leaves behind a mix of mulch, dirt, and chips. Some companies include cleanup, others don’t. Make sure you ask:

• Do they haul away chips?

• Will the area be leveled?

• Can they reseed after?

At Kerr Forestry, we can either leave the mulch for your garden, rake the area smooth, or remove debris and reseed — depending on your goals. We also offer follow-up seeding as part of our land restoration service.

6. Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: What’s the Difference?
Grinding is faster, cheaper, and less invasive. It shreds the stump into mulch below the surface without disturbing the soil too much.

Removal involves digging out the entire stump and root system — which creates a huge hole and is usually only needed for construction or replanting large trees.

For most residential and small commercial jobs, grinding is the smarter and cleaner option.

7. DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper
Yes, you can rent a stump grinder — but be warned:

• Most rental units are underpowered

• It’s hard work and can be dangerous if you’re inexperienced

• You still have to transport, fuel, and clean it

Unless you have multiple small stumps and experience with power equipment, it’s often cheaper and safer to hire a pro who can knock it out in an hour or two.

Final Thoughts: Get It Done Right the First Time
A leftover stump is more than a nuisance — it’s a problem that grows over time. Grinding it out professionally ensures your property is clean, safe, and ready for whatever’s next. Whether you’re clearing land, prepping for grass, or just tired of looking at that dead tree base, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to schedule stump grinding in Lancaster County or nearby areas.
Fast, clean, and professional stump removal — done right the first time.

Top 5 Things to Know Before Hiring Forestry Mulching Services in Pennsylvania

Forestry mulching has quickly become one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways to clear land in Pennsylvania. Whether you're a property owner trying to tame overgrowth, a farmer reclaiming pasture, or a developer prepping for construction, forestry mulching can save you time and money compared to traditional land clearing. But before you hire just anyone with a skid steer and a mulching head, there are a few key things you should know.

At Kerr Forestry, we specialize in professional, low-impact land clearing using high-performance equipment. Here’s what we think every landowner should consider before hiring a forestry mulching contractor.

1. Not All Equipment Is Created Equal
Forestry mulching relies heavily on the type of machine and head being used. Many contractors use underpowered machines or rental attachments that can’t handle dense material efficiently. This results in longer job times and a less effective finish.

At Kerr Forestry, we use a purpose-built skid steer paired with a Fecon BH74SS mulching head — one of the most respected tools in the industry. It allows us to process material quickly and grind it down to a finer mulch, which breaks down faster and provides a cleaner look.

2. Experience Matters More Than Horsepower
Just because someone has the right machine doesn’t mean they know how to use it properly. An inexperienced operator can leave stumps too tall, miss entire areas, or cause unnecessary ground disturbance.

We’re owner-operated and have completed projects across Lancaster County and beyond — from tight residential lots to multi-acre woodlots. Every job is approached with precision, safety, and attention to detail. We’re not just trying to knock down brush — we’re helping you improve your land.

3. Mulching Isn’t the Same as Total Clearing
Forestry mulching is ideal for brush, small trees, undergrowth, and invasives like bamboo or multiflora rose. But it’s not the same as excavation or dozing. If you need roots removed, stumps pulled, or soil reshaped, mulching may only be part of the solution.

That’s why we often pair mulching with additional services like grading, stump grinding, and seeding. We can help you figure out the right approach for your goals — whether that’s creating a buildable pad or restoring a pasture.

4. Ask About Site Cleanup and Finish Work
Some companies will leave behind uneven ground, stringy material, or partially mulched debris. Before you hire anyone, ask:

• Do they mulch everything to ground level?

• Will they clean around stumps, trails, or fence lines?

• What does the finished product look like?

At Kerr Forestry, we don’t leave half-finished jobs. We aim for a smooth, consistent finish with mulch spread evenly and no piles of brush left behind. If needed, we can even return for follow-up work or regrading to prep for planting.

5. Local Knowledge and Licensing Make a Difference
Pennsylvania has unique terrain, soil types, invasive species, and weather challenges. A company that knows the local environment — and what grows back fast — can help you plan for long-term success.

Kerr Forestry is fully licensed, insured, and registered with the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) program. We understand township rules, zoning challenges, and how to work around utilities and easements. That’s a level of accountability you won’t always find with out-of-town contractors or Facebook handymen.

Bonus Tip: Get a Clear Quote Up Front
Forestry mulching jobs can be priced per hour, per acre, or by the project. Make sure the quote includes:

• Total estimated cost

• What’s included (travel, machine time, finish work)

• Any additional fees (fuel surcharge, stump grinding, etc.)

We believe in transparent pricing. When we quote a job, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting — no surprises or hidden charges.

Wrap-Up: Mulching Done Right Pays Off Long Term
Forestry mulching can drastically improve the usability, safety, and appearance of your property. But getting it done right the first time means hiring someone with the right tools, experience, and local knowledge.

If you’re thinking about clearing land in Lancaster County or the surrounding area, give Kerr Forestry a call. We’re not just equipment operators — we’re land restoration specialists who care about the outcome of every job.

You can contact us to schedule a free site visit and estimate.
Let’s talk about how we can help clear your land — the smart way.