Grounds Crew (319) 988-1953

Waterloo · Cedar Falls · the Cedar Valley

Stump grinding in the Cedar Valley

Any size stump, ground below grade. Wood chips stay or go.

5.0from 11 Google reviews“Carson and crew came thru to remove a few stumps. They were very timely and left the place looking a lot better than when they arrived.”Ryan Larrabee

Let’s remove that ugly stump

Prefer to talk? Call or text (319) 988-1953
  • $1M general liability insurance
  • We call in the utility locate
  • Chips raked out, yard left clean
  • Ground below grade, roots and all
Before and after a stump grinding job: the stump, then level ground Before and after a stump grinding job: the stump, then level ground Before and after a stump grinding job: the stump, then level ground Before and after a stump grinding job: the stump, then level ground

Every photo on this site is a job we did. Nothing staged, nothing stock. See all 27 before & afters →

How we work

What we take care of, every job

We clean up before we leave

Chips raked out, ground level, no ruts across your lawn. Keep the chips as mulch or we haul them away — your call, agreed before we start.

We use debris shields to prevent property damage

Chips come off a grinder fast. When a stump sits close to the house, the siding or a play set, we stand plywood between the machine and whatever we are not willing to risk.

We grind below grade, roots and all

Deep enough to plant, lay sod or pour over. Not a shave off the top that leaves you with the same problem next spring.

About

The person who shows up

Carson, owner of Grounds Crew

Carson has lived in Iowa his entire life and has been a resident of the Cedar Valley for the past 15 years. He started Grounds Crew in 2025 due to a desire to work and spend more time outdoors while helping homeowners with projects they can't complete themselves. Carson's goal is to operate the business on principles of honesty, fair pricing and clear communication.

Every quote, every machine hour and every phone call is him. There is no crew to dispatch and no office between you and the person doing the work, which is why the number on this page reaches Carson rather than a queue.

Carson and crew came thru to remove a few stumps. They were very timely and left the place looking a lot better than when they arrived. He was very clear with communications and reasonably priced will use them again in the future.

Ryan Larrabee ★★★★★

Carson carries $1,000,000 general liability insurance, per occurrence. He answers the phone himself — (319) 988-1953.

Equipment

My machine

What the Cedar Valley says

Rated 5.0 out of 5 by Cedar Valley homeowners

Tonya Neuberger

★★★★★

We had 5 stumps removed at my daughter’s house in Hudson. It was very professional and well done.

Stump grinding job photo from Tonya Neuberger's reviewStump grinding job photo from Tonya Neuberger's reviewStump grinding job photo from Tonya Neuberger's reviewStump grinding job photo from Tonya Neuberger's review

Abby Brekke

★★★★★

Great service, good work, fast. Would definitely recommend.

Stump grinding job photo from Abby Brekke's review

Zach Allen

★★★★★

Professional, fast and thorough!

Victoria Platt

★★★★★

Carson was very polite to work with. He came and did an amazing job in a timely manner and for a great price!

Stump grinding job photo from Victoria Platt's reviewStump grinding job photo from Victoria Platt's review

Clinton Fletcher

★★★★★

I had two stumps removed and was thoroughly impressed. Fast, affordable, and top-notch service. A pleasure to work with — highly recommend to anyone looking for quality stump removal!

Don Sauser

★★★★★

Friendly - not overbearing. Work was professional and well-done. Recommend Grounds Crew to anyone. - Don Sauser

Rick Hansen

★★★★★

Excellent work. Easy to work with and left the site in great condition!

Ryan Larrabee

★★★★★

Carson and crew came thru to remove a few stumps. They were very timely and left the place looking a lot better than when they arrived. He was very clear with communications and reasonably priced will use them again in the future.

Bret Bouska

★★★★★

Carson was quick to respond when I requested an estimate for several stumps I wanted removed. Fair pricing, quick responses, and completed the work in a very reasonable time frame. 10/10 would recommend.

Justin Brekke

★★★★★

Carson did an excellent job with our stump! He called in to have our utilities marked and it was done the next day! Great communication, no marks left in the yard. A+!

Jackie West

★★★★★

Awesome job! Will recommend to others!

Straight pricing

$150 minimum, then $5 per inch of stump diameter

Measured across the stump at its widest point. We quote the exact number before we start — no surprises when we are done.

Get my stump removed

Where we work

Serving 10 towns across the Cedar Valley

Black Hawk, Bremer, Grundy and Tama Counties. If your town is not listed, call — we probably still come out.

Frequently asked questions

What is stump grinding and how does it work?
Stump grinding is a safe and efficient process that uses a specialized machine to grind a tree stump and its visible roots into small wood chips, usually 6–12 inches below ground level. Unlike stump removal, which excavates the entire root system, stump grinding is less invasive to your yard and more cost-effective.
How much does stump grinding cost?
The cost of stump grinding typically ranges from $150 to $400 per stump, depending on the stump’s diameter, location, accessibility, and number of stumps. Larger stumps (over 24 inches) or those in hard-to-reach areas may cost more. We offer free, no-obligation evaluation so you know exactly what the cost will be.
How long does the stump grinding process take?
Most single-stump grinding jobs take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on the size and hardness of the wood. We can usually schedule and finish the job on the same day or within a few days of your call. For multiple stumps or larger projects, we’ll provide a more precise timeline.
What should I do with the wood chips after stump grinding?
You have several options: Leave the chips on-site as natural mulch for your garden beds or pathways. We can haul away the chips for an additional fee. You can use them for composting (they make excellent mulch once aged).
Will stump grinding damage my lawn or landscaping?
Carson is careful to minimize disruption to your lawn and landscaping. The grinding machine is maneuverable, and we clean up all the wood chips and debris after the job. In most cases, the area can be reseeded or patched with sod shortly after grinding. We take pride in leaving your property looking neat and tidy.
How soon after stump grinding can I plant a new tree or build over the area?
You can usually plant a new tree, lay sod, or start construction in the area within a few weeks after grinding. We recommend waiting at least 4–6 weeks to allow any remaining root pieces to begin decomposing and to give the ground time to settle. For large stumps or if you plan to build a structure (patio, deck, etc.), we suggest waiting at least three months.

Let’s remove that ugly stump

Prefer to talk? Call or text (319) 988-1953