08/21/2026
Hey all. Thought we would put out a few words of caution to everyone dealing with the tornado aftermath from the business we know best.
With an event like the tornado that struck here, affected areas are always overrun with a large number of storm chasers and a fair share of not so honest and trustworthy souls who pop up in many lines of business as contractors. Here are a few things to watch for to protect yourselves from added problems to the already seemingly endless list. We will speak about what we know best which is stump grinding.
1. Wisconsin Statutes require a Diggers Hotline ticket to be pulled and locate completed prior to any below grade work being performed. Ticket must be in name of contractor performing said work to be valid. Stump grinding is 1000% below grade work. Any contractor who offers same day or next day service is undoubtedly violating this law. There is currently an abnormal number of state and federal people at any given time out and about assessing random things and the last thing you need is some cowboy out in your yard digging illegally raising red flags. Make them do the proper leg work to be legal. You can not call in a ticket and have it cover them either.
2. Ask for proof of insurance and even ask for a certificate naming you as an insured under the policy. If they fight you on it they likely have none. Any joker can go buy a j***y old grinder that a rental company sold at auction or even just rent a machine and print some cards up and suddenly he is in business.
3. Never prepay. A deposit is acceptable but put it on a credit card so if they are not legit you have recourse. If they don't take credit cards there is a good chance they are not for real.
4. Get a clear understanding of work to be performed and cost and make it be in text, email, or written form. A verbal or handshake gets you nowhere .
5.Keep it local whenever possible. Your money stays in your community and helps your local economy thrive.
6. Cheapest is not always best. Read the contractor's online reviews and ask others what they know. You may save $100 but regret it for years to come.
7. Lastly, pay attention to what the person says when you meet with them. Do they sound like they know what they are talking about? Do they sound like they are in over their heads before they even unload a machine? Do they tell you about potential collateral damage if you grind too deep and too close to another tree that survived the storm? Do they sound like one of these jack of all trades companies who can roof your house, grind your stumps, repaint your car, and many more things all at once? Jack of all trades, master of none as the saying goes.
Just a few things to watch out for. Don't let yourself become a victim. You have a big enough mess going on. Just some friendly words from Flat Out Stump Grinding. Visit our website at www.flatoutstumpgrinding.com if you would like to contact us. Thank you.
We specialize in stump grinding and lawn rolling services. State-of-the-art equipment. Free Estimates.
