Abstract: A vertical underground stump grinding apparatus having an elongated stump grinding tool rotatable about a vertical axis with cutting blades on the surface and a drilling end rotatably mounted on a vehicle such as a hydraulic excavator, skid steer loader, self propelled vehicle, or tow behind trailer which provide adequate power to rotate the tool and directional support to provide vertical movement into the ground adjacent the stump, transverse movement underground toward and in grinding engagement with the sides of the stump and removal by lifting out of the ground after the stump is ground away.