Stump Grinding on the Highway – What You Need to Know

After a tree is felled, the remaining stump can create hazards on the public highway, especially in urban areas. Left unmanaged, it may obstruct pedestrian pathways, present trip risks, or interfere with road maintenance operations.

Safety & Liability Concerns

If a stump is left protruding above the ground:

It becomes a safety risk for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
The person or company responsible for the works may be liable for:
- Injuries or accidents
- Delays or costs linked to future highway upgrades or repairs

Why Stump Grinding Is Essential

Stump grinding is the preferred method for removing the stump below ground level in a safe, effective manner. It restores the integrity and safety of footways or verges and prevents:

Structural interference with infrastructure
Obstruction to planned maintenance or development

Pre-Work Considerations

Before grinding begins, it’s essential to:

Check for underground utilities like gas, electric, telecoms, and water.
Use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) and safe hand-digging techniques to identify buried services.
Have up-to-date utility drawings (e.g., from “Dial Before You Dig” services).

Legal Requirements – Section 50 Notice

If you're not a utility company and you plan to excavate within the highway, you must obtain a Section 50 licence from the local authority under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

This includes:

Any digging or grinding within the public highway (footway, verge, or carriageway)
Ensuring compliance with Street Works qualifications (e.g. NRSWA O1)
Applying in advance, with traffic management plans and public liability insurance

Traffic Management Planning

Stump grinding work often requires:

Temporary Traffic Management Plans (TTMP) and Utility Plans (‘dial before you dig!’)
Safe site set-up, including:
- Signing, lighting, and guarding
- Pedestrian diversions if footways are blocked
Coordination with the local authority to avoid traffic disruption

Summary: Key Responsibilities

If you're removing a tree stump on the public highway:

Obtain a Section 50 notice
Check for underground services before grinding
Use qualified personnel and approved equipment
Prepare a traffic management plan
Restore the highway to its original safe condition

Download our Pre-Application Checklist

If you are interested in Streetworks courses, find out more here.

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