Lake Charles has a particular reason to think about stumps. In 2020 two hurricanes crossed the area within six weeks, and a lot of trees were cut up, hauled off or left half standing. If you still have a splintered stump, a leaning trunk or a pile of old roots in your yard, this guide covers what to ask and what to watch out for. It is general information, not a substitute for a provider who sees your property.
What happened
The National Weather Service says Hurricane Laura made landfall at Cameron around 1 AM on August 27, 2020, with sustained winds of 150 mph. Its Lake Charles office recorded a station-record peak gust of 133 mph at the airport, and a separate instrument at the parish government building downtown measured a 137 mph gust. The service describes wind damage to buildings and trees as major to catastrophic in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes.
Hurricane Delta came ashore near Creole on the evening of October 9, 2020, as a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds, then moved directly over Lake Charles. News coverage at the time said nearly every home in the city was already damaged before Delta arrived.
We did not find a count of how many stumps were left behind, and we will not guess one. The point is simpler: a yard that lost a big tree to either storm may still have the stump, even years later.
A 2021 parish debris program
In July 2021 the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury announced a Hurricane Laura Private Property Debris Removal program, run with a contractor and subject to FEMA approval. According to the local news report, it covered removal of storm debris near the commonly used or maintained areas of a property, including hazardous limbs, trees and stumps. It was limited to properties in the parish's unincorporated areas, required a field survey and FEMA approval, and excluded vacant lots, unused areas and agricultural land. Applications opened July 26, 2021.
That report is from 2021 and we could not confirm that the program is still open. If your stump is storm related, ask Calcasieu Parish about current programs before you pay for a private job. Do not assume you are covered.
Cutting up a fallen tree versus working on a standing one
The state Department of Agriculture and Forestry says an arborist license is required to recommend or perform tree work for a fee, including removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization and cavity work. A separate utility arborist license covers work along utility rights of way. The Louisiana Forestry Association quotes the department as saying no license is needed for debris removal, such as cutting up and hauling away fallen trees, but that work on a tree or part of a tree still standing needs a license.
The department's arborist page does not mention stump grinding by name. We therefore do not state whether a stump-only job needs a license. If a provider will also take down or trim a standing tree, consider asking to see the license and proof of liability insurance. The department lets you verify a license through its website or at (225) 952-8100. The Louisiana Forestry Association quotes the commissioner as urging homeowners to get a written estimate and not to pay the full amount up front.
Storm stumps are different
A stump left by a storm is often not a clean, level cut. It may be splintered, split, tilted, or still attached to heavy roots and soil. That can make it harder to grind, because the operator needs a stable surface. Rental guides advise cutting a stump as low to the ground as possible with a chainsaw before grinding and clearing rocks and debris from around it. Cutting a split or leaning stump is a job for a trained person with the right equipment. If the stump is part of a trunk that is still leaning or under tension, do not cut it yourself.
Stay away from anything near power lines. If a tree or limb is touching or near a line, call the utility, not a tree provider.
Before the machine comes
- Call 811. Louisiana 811 asks for at least two business days of notice before digging, excluding weekends and holidays, and says to wait for the markings. Marks are valid for up to 20 calendar days. A locate does not include private lines, such as service lines laid by a builder, so a plumber or electrician may need to help trace those.
- Clear the area. Pull back toys, hoses, pots and anything loose. Mark sprinkler heads.
- Decide about the chips. Ask whether they stay, get spread or get hauled away.
- Know your plan. Lawn, bed, patio or tree. It sets the grind depth.
Doing it yourself
Renting a grinder is possible, but it is not a small tool. A rental company says stump grinders weigh about half a ton, so you need a trailer or delivery. The same company says to always wear protective gear for your eyes and hands, and says you may want a mask over your nose and mouth. As general advice, wear hearing protection too, because grinders are loud, and keep people and pets well back, because grinders throw chips and debris. If you have never run one, or the stump is large or storm damaged, a provider is the safer choice.
What to ask once a provider calls
Storm stumps raise a few extra questions. Ask whether the provider has handled stumps that are split or leaning, and whether the price assumes a level cut. Ask who is responsible if the grinder hits a buried line that was not marked. Ask what happens if the grinder uncovers old debris, such as wire, nails or concrete, and whether that changes the quote. Keep a record of the date, the quote and what was agreed in writing. If insurance or a government program is involved, keep photos and paperwork, because you may be asked for them later.
Request a quote
If a storm left a stump in your yard, request a quote through this site. A local, independent provider in the Lake Charles area can look at the stump, tell you what the job involves and give you a real number. It is free and there is no obligation to hire anyone.
Common questions
Can I cut up and haul away a fallen tree myself?
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry says no license is needed for debris removal such as cutting up and hauling away fallen trees. It also says work on a tree that is still standing needs an arborist license. Chainsaw and downed-wire hazards are serious, so ask a provider if you are unsure.
Does the 2021 parish debris program still take stumps?
The Calcasieu Parish private property program announced in 2021 covered storm debris such as hazardous limbs, trees and stumps near commonly used areas of eligible properties in unincorporated areas. We could not confirm that it is still open, so check with Calcasieu Parish.
How do I check whether a tree worker is licensed?
The state agriculture and forestry department lets you verify an arborist's license through its website or by phone. It also suggests asking to see a license and proof of liability insurance, and getting a written estimate.
Should I call 811 before a stump is ground?
Louisiana 811 asks for at least two business days of notice before digging, and a grinder cuts into the ground. Ask your provider who requests the locate.