Stump Grinding & Stump Removal in Blair and Cambria County

An old stump is a tripping hazard, a mowing obstacle and a home for ants and fungus. Mountain Top Mowing & Landscaping grinds and removes stumps for homeowners in Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Cresson and across Blair and Cambria County, and leaves the spot ready for grass, a planting bed or a new tree.

Stump grinding vs. stump removal

Stump grinding

Grinding is the most common choice. A stump grinder chews the stump down below ground level into wood chips. The main roots stay in the ground and break down naturally over time. Grinding is fast, causes little disturbance to the lawn, and works well when you want to replant grass or put a bed over the spot.

Full stump removal

Removal pulls the stump and its main root ball out of the ground. It's more work and disturbs more of the yard, but it's the better choice when you plan to build, pour concrete or install a patio where the stump was.

Not sure which you need? We'll look at the stump, what's around it and what you want to do with the space, and recommend the right option.

What to expect

1. Free quote. Call or send us a photo of the stump. Price depends mainly on the stump's diameter, the type of wood and how easy it is to reach.

2. Utility check. Underground lines are marked before any digging or deep grinding.

3. Grinding or removal. We protect nearby beds, siding and windows from flying chips.

4. Clean-up. We can fill the hole with topsoil and seed it, or leave the wood chips for use as mulch elsewhere in your yard.

Common stumps around here

Our area's yards are full of oak, maple, cherry, ash and pine. Hardwoods like oak take longer to grind than softwoods, and the many ash trees lost to the emerald ash borer have left plenty of dead trees and stumps behind across central Pennsylvania. Whatever the species, we can take it down to below grade.

Frequently asked questions

How deep do you grind?

Typically several inches below ground level, deep enough to lay topsoil and grow grass over the spot. We can go deeper if you plan to plant something there.

Will the stump grow back?

Some species send up sprouts from roots after grinding. Grinding below grade removes the growing point at the stump, and any sprouts that appear can be mowed or cut back until the roots run out of energy.

Can you reach stumps in a backyard?

Usually yes. Let us know if access is through a narrow gate and we'll plan for it.

Do you also take the tree down?

Yes. We handle tree removal, trimming and planting too, and can grind the stump on the same visit.

Get a free stump grinding quote

Call (814) 935-9171 or request a free quote. Serving Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Bellwood, Tyrone, Ebensburg, Cresson, Gallitzin, Patton, Carrolltown and the rest of Blair and Cambria County.