Frank's Stump Grinding
530-318-1228

General Contractor | Master Arborist


Tahoe's Elite stump specialist:
master arborist expertise. General Contractor standards.



From tight-access backyard gardens to full-scale lot clearing, we provide precision stump removal that protects your property and our forests. Licensed, bonded and insured.


Free Fast Bid - No "Tahoe Time"

Why is Frank's Stump Grinding The Best Choice?





When you hire Frank's Stump Grinding you get the precision of a Licensed General Contractor and the biological expertise of a Certified Master Arborist.

  • Unmatched Technical Skills: As a CA Licensed General Contractor (#901732), I manage complex removals near foundations, utilities, & sensitive infrastructure with the highest safety standards & full insurance coverage (liability and workers' compensation).
  • Ecological Knowledge: As an ISA Certified Master Arborist (#WE-13925B), I protect the long-term health & beauty of your landscape, providing expert consultations on tree preservation & pest management.
  • Legal & Insurance Peace of Mind: In a landscape where many operators cut costs by skipping essential licenses and insurance, we choose to do things right. We follow every regulatory obligation—not just because it’s the law, but because it protects you from the liability and financial risk that comes with unlicensed labor.
  • Professional Reliability: We prioritize clear, professional communication from the first bid to the final clean-up. When we say we’ll be there, we’re there—with the right gear and a plan to finish the job. We don't run on 'Tahoe Time'.
  • Local Roots, Family Values: As a family-owned Business in Tahoe for over 20 years, we treat your property like it's our neighbor's - because it often is.


Why Remove Your Stump?





The Problem/Pain PointsSafety & Liability: Stumps are "invisible" trip hazards, especially in the winter or under brush. Removing them protects you, your guests, and your bottom line from insurance claims.Pest Prevention: Old stumps are "luxury hotels" for carpenter ants, termites, and mice. By the time you see them, they may have already migrated to your home’s foundation.Fire Safety (Defensible Space): In the Tahoe Basin, a dry stump is a high-octane fuel source. Removing them isn't just about looks it’s about meeting CAL FIRE and insurance compliance.Utility & Space: Whether it’s clearing a path for a new RV pad, a driveway expansion, or a home addition, a stump is a literal roadblock to your property's potential.​​


What We Do: Professional Solutions





Construction & Expansion

  • Structural-Grade Grinding: We grind deep enough to clear the way for home additions, new foundations, or structural footings.
  • Parking & Driveways: We clear the path for new driveway installs, repairs, or additional RV and trailer parking pads.

Specialized Arborist Services

  • Compliance Inspections: As a Master Arborist, I provide defensible space inspections that ensure your property meets all local and state fire safety codes.
  • Tree Preservation: As a Master Arborist, I treat your land as a living ecosystem. We utilize specialized equipment designed for a low impact small footprint, ensuring we remove the problem without damaging the soil health or the root systems of your surrounding 'keeper' trees.

Precision Restoration

  • Tight-Access Specialists: We can navigate backyard gardens and narrow gates to remove stumps in areas where larger equipment simply can't reach.
  • The "Flawless State" Clean-up: We don't just leave a pile of woodchips. We offer complete haul-off and site leveling so you can plant "new life" immediately.


Transparent Pricing: What Determines the Cost





Every project is unique. As a Licensed General Contractor and Master Arborist, I evaluate each job based on the specific technical and biological requirements of your property. Your custom bid is calculated using the following factors:



  • ​Scope & Volume: The total diameter, quantity, and height of the stumps.
  • Access & Complexity: Tight-access backyards, steep slopes, or proximity to delicate landscaping and hardscaping.
  • Infrastructure Safety: Proximity to foundations, irrigation systems, and underground utilities (gas, sewer, power).
  • Grinding Depth: Standard surface clearance versus deep "Construction-Ready" grinding for new footings or driveways.
  • Site Restoration: Your choice of services, from basic grinding to full debris haul-off and soil leveling for immediate replanting.
  • Biological Variables: Tree species, root structure density, and soil composition.


Why Professional Licensing & Insurance Matter





Hiring professional labor is an investment in your property’s safety. While 'budget' operations may offer lower prices by bypassing the costs of operating legally, they often leave the homeowner vulnerable. As a Licensed General Contractor, I provide the professional protections that ensure the job is done safely, legally, and to the highest standard.Full Liability Protection: We carry comprehensive liability insurance. If accidental damage occurs to your structures, foundations, or underground utilities during the grinding process, our policy—not yours—covers the cost.Workers' Compensation Coverage: We are fully covered by workers’ comp. This ensures that you, as the homeowner, are never held liable for medical expenses or lost wages if a worker is injured on your property.Zero Risk Standards: Holding a CSLB License (#901732) means we are held to strict ethical and safety standards. You aren't just getting a stump removed you are getting the peace of mind that comes from a business that invests in the community’s safety rather than taking shortcuts."Insurance & CAL FIRE Compliance: Many insurance providers now require documentation that defensible space work was completed by a licensed professional. Our work ensures your property meets these critical standards for continued coverage.


Our work: Before and After



Service Area





At Frank's Stump Grinding, we provide professional, arborist-led land management and stump grinding across a wide range of mountain and valley communities. Whether you are in a tight residential lot in the Old Bijou neighborhood or a large acreage project in Grizzly Flat, we bring the same level of precision and licensing to every job.



Lake Tahoe Basin (all shores)

  • South Shore: South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Tahoe Keys, Christmas Valley, Montgomery Estates
  • East Shore: Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Round Hill
  • North & West Shore: Tahoe City, Kings Beach, Olympic Valley, Homewood, Tahoma, Rubicon

Carson Valley & Northern Nevada

  • Carson City, Minden & Gardnerville
  • Genoa
  • Topaz

​Highway 50 Corridor & Sierra Foothills

Alpine County & High Sierra

  • Woodfords
  • Markleeville
  • Kirkwood ​






Frank McCreary



General Contractor | Certified Master Arborist



frankmccreary@sbcglobal.net | Phone: 530-318-1228

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