Stump grinding in Waterlooville

A row of old conifer stumps along the fence

A lot of the estate gardens around Waterlooville and Cowplain were planted with leylandii or other conifers along the boundary years ago. When a hedge like that finally comes out, it usually leaves a line of stumps right where you want a new fence, a new hedge or a border. Grinding them out along the line clears the way, and if the hedge itself still needs taking down we can quote for the whole job together.

When a tree has died, ask why first

If the stump is from a tree that died rather than one you simply wanted gone, the cause matters. The Royal Horticultural Society advises that where a soil-borne disease such as honey fungus killed a tree, the stump and large roots should come out, and that where digging out isn't possible the stump should be ground and the grindings collected up rather than left in the soil. Tell us what you know about how the tree died and we'll take it into account when we suggest grinding or full removal.

Which council looks after your area

Waterlooville, Cowplain, Purbrook and Widley are in Havant Borough, so Havant Borough Council deals with protected trees there. Denmead comes under Winchester City Council, and Horndean and Clanfield come under East Hampshire District Council. If your stump is left from a tree that needed the council's consent to fell, check that consent for conditions, such as a replacement tree, before planning what goes in the space.

Bigger plots near the Downs

Homes closer to the Downs and Queen Elizabeth Country Park often have larger gardens that back onto woodland or open ground. Stumps here can be several in one area, or sit in rough ground well away from the house. Let us know how many stumps there are and roughly where, and whether there is a vehicle way in at the back as well as through the garden.

Helpful details for a Waterlooville quote

• Which part of the area you're in, such as Cowplain, Denmead or Horndean
• How many stumps there are, and a photo of each
• Whether the stumps are from a hedge, a single tree or a tree that died
• The narrowest gate or path between the road and the stumps
• What you're planning to put there instead