| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $131-$438 per stump; minimum fees often $100-$150 |
| Time | 45-60 minutes for a single stump |
| Who's qualified | Ask the pro for proof of license and insurance before work begins |
Gurley, AL: what's different here
Gurley is a small community of about 543 people in Madison County, Alabama. It sits roughly 16 miles from Huntsville, about an 18-minute drive via US-72. North Alabama soil and drainage conditions make deeper grinding for footings more demanding than a simple surface grind. Huntsville is in USDA zone 7b, with average annual extreme minimum temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why deck footings need a deep grind in Gurley
A footing requires a deeper grind than a standard grass-ready grind. Standard grinding runs 4 to 8 inches below grade, but a deep grind for a slab, paver deck, or footing goes 12 to 18 inches down. More material must be removed, which makes the job more demanding.
What does stump grinding for deck footings cost?
National pricing runs about $2 to $5 per diameter inch, with difficult conditions at $4 to $10 per inch. A common range is $131 to $438 per stump, averaging around $272. Many contractors charge a $100 to $150 minimum service fee.
How long does a footing stump grind take?
A typical single-stump visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Deep grinding for a footing removes more material, so expect the job to take longer than a surface grind.
Do Gurley deck projects need permits after stump grinding?
Site work after stump grinding can be affected if grading, drainage, or erosion control is involved; Huntsville requires permits for many land-disturbing activities. Check with Madison County authorities for rules that apply to your Gurley property. Residential construction or improvement projects over $10,000 require a home builder license in Alabama.
What to do next
- {'text': "Measure the stump's diameter at ground level, since pricing runs about $2 to $5 per diameter inch, or $4 to $10 for difficult conditions."}.
- {'text': 'Tell the pro the spot will hold a deck footing so they quote a deep grind of 12 to 18 inches below grade, not a standard 4 to 8 inch grind.'}.
- {'text': 'Ask the pro for proof of license and insurance before work starts.'}.
- {'text': 'Ask whether grading, drainage, or erosion control after the grind will require a permit from local authorities.'}.
- Call (256) 578-4701 or email [email protected] for a free quote from an independent, insured stump grinding pro.
HSV Stump Guy is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
