Sometimes a tree has reached the end of its life. Whether it has been damaged by storms, weakened by disease, is encroaching on structures, or simply poses a safety risk to your family and property, professional removal is the safest course of action.
At Western Tree Services, our ISA-certified crew has been safely removing trees across North Vancouver and the Lower Mainland since 1992. We handle everything from single residential trees to complex multi-stem removals near power lines, buildings, and fences -- working efficiently and leaving your property clean.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right option for your property and budget.
Stump grinding is the most popular and cost-effective method. A rotating cutting disc chips away the stump wood 4 to 8 inches below grade level, turning it into fine mulch. The surrounding lawn and landscaping stay virtually untouched, and the area can be filled and replanted within days.
Most residential stumps cost between $170 and $500 depending on size, species, and accessibility. Hardwood species and larger diameters sit at the higher end of the range.
Full stump removal extracts the entire root ball from the ground. This is a more invasive process that requires heavy equipment and leaves a larger hole that needs backfilling. It is typically only recommended when the area will be excavated for construction, grading, or major landscaping changes.
Removing old stumps does more than improve appearances -- it protects your property and makes way for new growth.
Reclaim usable yard space and create a clean, level surface for new gardens, patios, or lawn areas.
Grinding below grade eliminates sucker shoots and new sprouts that can emerge from living root systems for years.
Decaying stumps attract carpenter ants, termites, beetles, and fungi that can spread to healthy trees and nearby structures.
Grinding the stump and primary roots creates room for a replacement tree to establish a healthy root system without competition.
Exposed stumps are tripping hazards for children, guests, and anyone walking your property -- especially once grass begins to hide them.
If you plan to plant a new tree where an old one stood, stump grinding is an essential first step. Old root systems compete with new roots for water and nutrients, and decaying wood can introduce pathogens into the soil that affect young trees.
Our crew grinds below grade and removes the bulk of surface roots, giving your replacement tree the best start possible. We can also advise on species selection and ideal placement based on the soil conditions and sunlight at your property.
Western Tree Services operates with a fully equipped team of ISA-certified arborists and experienced ground crew. We bring the right equipment for every job, whether it is a backyard cedar or a towering Douglas fir on a steep slope.
