Stump grinding in Longview
Taking the stump below the grass, and the state rule that comes with digging.
A stump grinder chews the stump down below the surface so grass, a bed or a new tree can go back in. It's usually quoted separately from the tree itself, and it's the one part of tree work that puts powered equipment into the ground.
Texas 811 and the 16-inch line
Texas Utilities Code Section 251.002 defines "excavate" as work with powered tools or mechanized equipment "to remove or otherwise disturb soil to a depth of 16 or more inches." Section 251.151 then requires anyone who intends to excavate to notify the 811 notification center no more than 14 days and no less than 48 hours before starting, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.
Texas811's own advice is broader: contact it at least two working days before digging, whatever the size or depth of the project. Marking public utility lines is free. Private lines, such as power to a detached shop or an irrigation line, aren't marked for free; the property owner pays for a private locate. Grinding depth varies, so ask the contractor how deep they'll go and whether they'll open a ticket.
Published prices
| Item | Published cost |
|---|---|
| Average per stump | $250 |
| Most homeowners pay | $120 to $400 |
| Per diameter inch | $2 to $5 |
| Typical minimum charge | $100 |
| First stump / each added stump | $100 to $150 / $40 to $75 |
| Digging out roots | $100 to $200 per hour |
| Hauling away the grindings | $50 to $200 |
Because of the minimum charge, grinding several stumps in one visit costs much less per stump than one at a time. If a removal is coming anyway, ask for the stump in the same quote.
The grindings
Grinding leaves chips and soil where the stump stood. Ask whether the contractor will rake them into the hole, haul them off or leave them in a pile. Longview's compost site lists grass, trees, leaves and garden waste among what it takes, but its page doesn't mention stump grindings, so call the site at 903-237-2735 before hauling them there.
Where these facts come from
- Texas Utilities Code Section 251.002, Definitions (via Public.Law)
- Texas Utilities Code Section 251.151, notice of excavation (via Public.Law)
- Call Before You Dig Utility Safety Questions, Texas811 FAQ page
- How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost? Angi, by Catherine Hiles, revised Oct. 15, 2026
- City of Longview: Compost Site
Looked up October 27, 2026. Longview services, Texas rules and published prices all shift over time, so open the source before leaning on any one figure.
Common questions
Do I need an 811 ticket for stump grinding?
Texas law treats powered digging that disturbs soil 16 inches deep or more as excavation, which needs 48 hours' notice (weekdays only) to the 811 center. Texas811 recommends calling for any digging. Ask the contractor whether they'll open the ticket.
What does grinding one stump cost?
Angi's national average is $250, with most people paying $120 to $400 and a typical minimum of about $100.
Can the roots be removed too?
They can be dug out; Angi puts that at about $100 to $200 an hour.
Get your stumps priced
Phone the number or use the form; a tree contractor from the Longview area returns the call and arranges to see the job. There's no fee for asking.
Voicemail picked up? Leave a name, the best number, where the property is, and whether the tree is leaning, dead or already down.