Will Stump Grinding Kill the Roots, or Can the Tree Regrow?

Garden stumps and eyesore?

You’ve just had a tree removed from your garden in Stepps. The stump is gone, ground down to wood chips. Job done, right? Not necessarily. Many a homeowner has learned this the hard way when their “dead” cherry tree sends up a thicket of suckers, wrecking their new patio.

So, will stump grinding kill the roots for good, or are you just giving your tree a brutal haircut? Let’s dig into the truth (without the gardening myths).

Will stump grinding kill the roots? This is an image with a cut down tree, the stump is above the ground and there are chainsaw marks in the top. It will need stump grinding to completely remove it.

1. The Short Answer: It Depends

Stump grinding removes the visible stump but typically leaves the root system intact. Whether those roots regrow depends on:

  • Tree species (some fight hard)

  • Grinding depth (shallow = comeback potential)

  • Your follow-up (wait-and-see vs. active prevention)

We answer some important questions in “Tree Stump Grinding: Why It’s Worth Doing (And How to Get It Right)“

2. The Usual Suspects: Trees That Won’t Quit

Through our Glasgow stump grinding work, we’ve identified the repeat offenders:

High-risk regrowers:

  • Willows (roots can regrow from fragments)

  • Poplar (sends up “clone” shoots)

  • Cherry/Elm (sucker happy)

Low-risk (usually stays dead):

  • Pine

  • Oak

  • Most conifers

Pro tip: If your tree was diseased (like ash dieback), grinding alone won’t kill the fungus in the roots though. (Want to know more about Ash die back, read Understanding Ash Dieback)

3. How to Stop Roots Regrowing (Without Digging Up Your Garden)

Want to guarantee no comeback? Here’s what actually works in Stepps soils:

Option 1: Go deep

  • Grind at least 30cm below ground (standard services often do 15cm)

  • Our industrial grinders can reach 45cm – ask for “deep grind” when booking

Option 2: Starve the roots

  • Cover the area with black landscape fabric for 12+ months (no sunlight = no energy)

  • Avoid salt/chemicals – they can sterilise your soil for years

Option 3: Outcompete

  • Plant vigorous shrubs (bamboo, laurel) near the old roots to drain their resources

4. When You Might Want Regrowth (Yes, Really)

Sometimes, those stubborn roots are a blessing:

  • Sloped gardens: Root networks prevent erosion (common in Cathcart’s hilly areas)

  • Wildlife value: Decaying roots feed beetles and fungi (a RSPB-approved approach)

  • Future trees: Some species (like yew) can regenerate from old roots ethically

5. How Benson’s Does It Differently

Our Glasgow Tree Stump Removal service includes what others charge extra for:

  1. Species assessment (we’ll tell you if grinding alone will work)

  2. Depth guarantees (with before/after measurements when requested)

  3. Waste removal (no hidden “leave the chips” surprises)

Final Answer

So, will stump grinding kill the roots completely? Usually not, but with the right approach, you can control what happens next.

Need a definitive solution? Call Benson’s on 0141 558 3329 for free no obligation advice.