| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $300 to $800 per stump for full removal; grinding is $75 to $350 |
| Time | Half a day for full removal; grinding takes 1 to 2 hours |
| Who's qualified | Independent, insured stump grinding pro; ask for proof of insurance |
Gurley, AL: what's different here
Gurley sits in east-central Madison County in northeast Alabama, about 16 miles and roughly 18 minutes from Huntsville via US-72. The town was incorporated in 1891, so its housing stock follows older development patterns with mature trees. Huntsville is in USDA plant hardiness zone 7b, with average annual extreme minimum temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why full stump removal before a driveway pour matters
Full stump removal is recommended when the stump or roots would interfere with the slab base or grading. Grinding leaves roots in place, which can cause settling under new concrete. That settling can crack a fresh driveway slab.
Grinding vs. full removal in Gurley
Grinding generally removes the stump 4 to 12 inches below grade, while full removal excavates the entire root ball. Grinding is listed at about $75 to $350 per stump locally. Full removal costs more but clears the roots a pour needs gone.
How long stump removal before a driveway pour takes
A typical full stump removal job takes about half a day. For an 18 to 24 inch stump, mini-excavator removal takes about 2 to 4 hours from setup to cleanup. Backfill and grade restoration can add another 1 to 2 hours after extraction.
What equipment the pro will use
Most residential stump extractions use a mini-excavator in the 1.5 to 4 ton class. The pro we refer is independent and insured. Ask the pro for proof of insurance before work starts.
What to do next
- Ask the pro whether grinding or full root-ball removal is right for your slab base and grading.
- Request a per-stump quote that separates grinding ($75 to $350) from full removal ($300 to $800).
- Ask how long the job takes, including backfill and grade restoration before the pour.
- Check whether your project tops $10,000, which requires a residential home builder license from Alabama's Home Builders Licensure Board.
- 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.
