Is stump grinding dangerous?

The short answer to this question is that yes, stump grinding can be dangerous, but under most circumstances, it isn’t.

The short answer to this question is that yes, stump grinding can be dangerous, but under most circumstances, it isn’t. Safety really comes down to using common sense, keeping your wits about you, understanding the risks, and following basic safety standards.
Understanding the risks of stump grinding
As a stump grinding customer, the main things for you to be concerned about are 1) your underground utilities, and 2) flying stump debris. Our stump grinding machine would destroy any utility line it touched in mere seconds. Flying debris can break windows and cause pain and injury to people in the vicinity. To avoid incidents, we’re always careful about the direction the wheel is turning and what could be in harm’s way if any pieces slip past the shields.
Addressing the risks
On every job, whether it’s stump removal or tree removal, we make sure to locate any underground utilities that could be in harm’s way.
A common stump grinding situation is removing a stump right next to driveway or sidewalk. And utility lines (communications, water, sewage, gas) are commonly placed underneath driveways and sidewalks.
When it comes to the hazard of flying debris, the best thing to do is keep the area clear. Our stump grinding machine, the Bandit SG-75,comes fully equipped with top-of-the-line safety features: remote operation, shields to contain the debris, and stops to prevent dangerous cutting practices. But the shields simply don’t catch all the debris. Once in a while a piece gets through. Some of our guys have been hit by them (usually in the ankle), and they hurt.
The point is, there’s a reason that we ask our customers to stay clear of the area while we grind. If you absolutely need to move through the vicinity, we can pause the work for a moment. If you want to watch, we ask you to do it from the safety of the house.
Safety protocol
Like any type of contractor, tree and stump removers need a safety procedure to follow in order to maximize safety. This ensures that we haven’t overlooked anything, and that we’re ready to deal with any unexpected hazards if they emerge.
Our livelihood relies on keeping our customers safe, as well as making sure they feel safe while we’re on site. If it gives you any peace of mind, you can view a PDF of our standard safety plan here. 
The final word
The final word on stump grinding is that no, it isn’t dangerous for the customer. At least, not if you hire a company whose top priority is doing things safely. At Snohomish Tree, we believe that safety is much more than part of the job–it is the job.
Homeowners in Snohomish and the surrounding area can schedule an appointment for an estimate on their stump removal job by using our quick and easy contact form, which you’ll find here.