A stump in the open lawn is one thing; a stump against the house, a fence, or over buried utilities is another. This is where DIY jobs go expensively wrong, so slow down here.
Call 811 first — every time
In the U.S., call 811 a few days ahead and let the utility companies mark buried gas, electric, water, and communication lines for free. Never grind over unmarked ground, and treat every marked line as a hard no-go zone. A cable or gas strike is catastrophic and completely avoidable.
Keep your distance and stay shallow
Stay well clear of marked lines, and near a foundation grind no deeper than you need to — buried cables and footings are often shallower than people expect. If you only need the surface flush for landscaping, don't chase depth right next to the wall.
Access and the machine
Tight spots against fences and walls limit how you can position the machine. A large tow-behind unit may not fit or maneuver safely, so a smaller walk-behind — or a pro with the right equipment — is often the practical choice. See choosing the right stump grinder.
When to hire a pro
If the stump is close to the foundation, over or near utilities, on a slope, or hard to reach, a local stump-grinding service that works around these constraints daily is the safer and often cheaper call once you factor in the risk. Compare in how much stump grinding costs, or find a local pro near you.