Choosing the best stump grinder when you need to get your landscape cleaned can be difficult and intimidating if you haven't done it before. Here are a few tips to help you in your search.
1. Do they offer a guarantee?
Incomplete stump grinding is one of the most common complaints that we hear about from customers when they hire a tree or stump grinding service. Most companies do not mention a guarantee and because they have a small machine, use a rental machine, or are trying to work too quickly they miss roots or parts of the stump. Frequently, the pile of mulch that is left behind will cover their errors and they are counting on you not moving that pile until they are long gone.
At Southern Pines Stump Grinding, we make sure the job is done. We move the pile of mulch to see everywhere the stump was to ensure that we don’t miss anything. We also make sure we understand your goals up front so that we know if you just want grass planted, pine straw laid, or want to replant a tree.
2. Are they going to clean up?
Some stump grinders leave a mess of material all around the work area, some don’t even rake the mulch into a pile. You also want to know if they use protective barriers when needed to make sure woodchips don’t hit windows, or fly all over the yard. Make sure you understand ahead of time if they will be cleaning up the area or not.
3. Will they haul away material?
Most often, stump grinding companies leave the pile of mulch from the ground stump. At times this is sensible, it saves significant cost especially when the pile can just be spread around underneath pinestraw. However, when in the grass / lawn, are you going to be left with a giant pile of mulch? This is one of the most difficult things to deal with after a stump is ground.
Make sure you know if hauling away the material is included in the price quoted.
4. Are they insured?
Make sure your stump grinding company is insured! The machines used for stump grinding can be very dangerous when not handled properly, and you don’t want to be left having to cover someone else’s mistakes.
5. Do they give an accurate estimate?
Make sure you receive a written and accurate estimate of what the cost will be. This should include a description of what is to be done, the size and number of stumps, etc. This makes sure that everyone is on the same page for the work to be performed.
6. Are they asking for full-payment up-front?
Never pay a company in full up-front, even if they offer a discount. It is all too common of a story to hear that they never showed up, or they only did half the job and were off with your money. It is reasonable for a company to expect a deposit, but never give full payment up-front.