The landscaping and property maintenance industry offers different services that help property owners beautify, maintain, and ensure the durability of their structures. Cutting trees is one of the most done services, especially when the trees themselves become an obstruction. Whenever trees are cut, stumps should be left in them, and removing one or many of them can be difficult.
You may not be very familiar with it, but stump removal services are starting to catch up and becoming a niche offering to property owners who want to eliminate the stumps in their lawns.
This became an entry point for a business idea for Chris Mehrkens, owner of Bye Bye Stumps. In the past 7 years, Bye Bye Stumps became the most trusted provider of stump removal services in the heart of Minnesota.
It started as a simple side project of Chris, who used to be an advertising executive. It quickly transformed into a rapidly expanding business operating on a franchising business model, offering an essential service to homeowners and businesses alike.
How Bye Bye Stumps Started
Chris Mehrkens did not initially set out to become a leader in the stump removal industry. His professional background was rooted in advertising and marketing, where he worked with major companies in the Twin Cities market, crafting comprehensive campaigns and media strategies.
Before that, he spent time in sales and the outdoor services industry, focusing on landscaping and lawn care. Eventually, he took a position with the City of Plymouth, where he maintained public grounds, operated heavy equipment, and became familiar with tree trimming and stump grinding.
It was this experience that planted the seed for Bye Bye Stumps.
Chis recognized a local need and decided to test the waters by advertising his stump removal services on the neighborhood platform Nextdoor. “I figured I’d throw up a post and see what happens. Almost immediately, the responses started pouring in. There was clearly a big demand for this service,” Mehrkens recalls.
What started as a small side hustle in 2018 rapidly expanded.
“In the first year, we serviced between 40 and 80 customer locations. The following year, that number jumped to 200, then 450 the next year, doubling again after that,” Mehrkens explains.
This rapid growth forced him to make a critical decision: remain in his leadership role at the City of Plymouth or pursue Bye Bye Stumps full-time. “It was a tough call, but at the end of the day, I knew this was the right move for me and my family.”
Scaling Through Franchising: A New Growth Model
Rather than following the traditional expansion model of hiring more employees and purchasing additional equipment, Mehrkens opted for a franchising approach.
“I wanted to create a business model where others could succeed too—where they could be in control of their own future while leveraging a proven system,” he explains.
This transition to franchising began less than a year ago, and the first franchisee is already on board.
“We’ve had over 80 people express interest, and we’re being careful in selecting the right partners. This isn’t just about growth—it’s about sustainable, long-term success,” Mehrkens says.
To support this growth, the company has invested in comprehensive training programs, operational guides, and marketing strategies to ensure new franchise owners can hit the ground running.
Setting High Standards for Success
A key aspect of Bye Bye Stumps’ franchise success lies in its approach to equipment and branding. “We’re not cutting corners,” Mehrkens states. “Every franchisee has to use top-tier equipment. We’ve even negotiated special deals to help them save money while maintaining the highest standards.”
Unlike some licensing models, Bye Bye Stumps’ franchisees operate under the same brand name, benefiting from years of market positioning, branding efforts, and advertising strategies developed by Mehrkens and his team. “Starting a business is tough,” he says. “But with the right support and branding, you don’t have to do it alone.”
The Demand for Stump Removal: A Growing Market
Tree removal is a common necessity for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities, yet the aftermath—the leftover stumps—is often an afterthought.
Many property owners are unaware of the potential hazards of leaving stumps in place, including attracting pests, creating tripping hazards, and interfering with new landscaping projects.
“A lot of people don’t realize the risks until they trip over a stump or see mushrooms growing out of it,” Mehrkens notes with a chuckle. “That’s where we come in.”
Through blog posts, social media campaigns, and community outreach, the company highlights the importance of professional stump removal. “Education is key. When people understand why stump removal matters, they’re much more likely to act on it,” Mehrkens explains.
The Need for Industry Accreditation
One challenge that remains in the stump removal industry is the lack of formal certification programs. While tree care professionals in arboriculture often require certifications, stump removal does not have an equivalent credentialing system. “Right now, anyone with a grinder can say they’re a professional,” Mehrkens points out. “That’s a problem for customers who don’t know who to trust.”
Recognizing this gap, Mehrkens is looking to establish an accreditation program specifically for stump removal professionals. “If we can set industry standards, we can elevate the profession and ensure customers get high-quality service. It’s about raising the bar,” he says.
Bye Bye Stumps as an Industry Leader
Beyond building a successful company, Mehrkens is driven by a broader mission: creating opportunities for others.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about grinding stumps—it’s about building something bigger than myself,” he shares. As a father, he values the long-term impact of his business decisions, focusing on how they can positively influence people’s lives. By expanding through franchising, he aims to help others achieve financial independence and career fulfillment.
His approach to growth is measured and strategic. “Too many companies scale too fast and lose sight of quality. We’re not doing that. We’re making sure every franchisee is fully prepared before they launch,” he says. The company is also committed to sustainability. “Stump grinding is already an eco-friendly process, but we’re always looking for ways to reduce waste and operate more efficiently.”
The First Franchisee: A Case Study in Opportunity
The first franchisee of Bye Bye Stumps comes from a background in automotive mechanics and home services. He has hands-on experience in outdoor maintenance, DIY projects, and management roles in the automotive industry.
“He’s the perfect example of someone who wanted a change but didn’t want to start from scratch. He saw the value in joining a system that works,” Mehrkens explains.
For many individuals, working a traditional job means using only a limited set of skills, leaving personal passions unfulfilled. Bye Bye Stumps offers an opportunity to combine mechanical knowledge, customer service, and hands-on outdoor work into a single rewarding business.
“It’s not just about making money—it’s about building something you can be proud of,” Mehrkens says.
The Future of Bye Bye Stumps
With a strong demand for stump removal services and a growing network of franchisees, Bye Bye Stumps is currently headed to continued success. The company is taking a responsible approach to growth, ensuring that new franchises receive the support they need rather than expanding too quickly.
As the business grows, Mehrkens remains committed to upholding high ethical standards, establishing industry best practices, and helping other entrepreneurs achieve success.
“We’re not here to be just another service company. We’re here to lead the industry, innovate, and make a real difference. That’s what keeps me going every day.”
For those looking for a rewarding business opportunity or homeowners needing professional stump removal, Bye Bye Stumps sets a new standard in the industry—one stump at a time.
With its focus on quality service, customer education, and ethical franchising, the company is well-positioned to leave a lasting mark on the industry and continue its impressive growth trajectory.
In Conclusion
The business has been named Twin Cities’ preferred Tree Stump Removal Service and Tree Stump Grinding Specialists for just a couple of years.
If you need a tree stump removed or are looking for stump grinding services, whether your tree stumps are big or small, Bye Bye Stumps will help.
Their company offers prompt, courteous, and safe stump removal service with free estimates and affordable pricing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.
Moreover, their services are affordable and reliable. They are licensed & insured with 5-star ratings that guarantee customer satisfaction.
This article is part of our Vendor Spotlight series, where we feature businesses that champion customer experience and go beyond to provide the best service. Stay tuned for more.
To learn more about Bye Bye Stumps, visit their website.
We want to thank Chris Mehrkens for sharing his time, knowledge, and expertise, which made this article possible. If you have questions for Chris, you can reach him via email at chris@byebyestumps.com
If you have any pest and wildlife-related concerns, feel free to call us at 763 – 363 – 4375 or schedule an appointment.
Abra Kadabra is once again nominated for 2025 Minnesota’s Best in Home Services under the Mosquito/Pest Control category. Help us secure the Gold title by voting for us every day until March 12.
