Method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps

Disclosed is an apparatus and a method for cutting trees and grinding and mulching tree stumps. The apparatus includes a semi-spherical arcuate shield with a control mount and a foot mount attached to the arcuate shield. A cylindrical drum having cutting teeth mounted on the periphery of the drum is mounted below the arcuate shield such that the arcuate shield covers the upper forward and rearward surfaces of the drum. The method of the present invention includes grinding the upper portion of a tree trunk with a cylindrical drum with cutting teeth until substantially all of the tree trunk is cut away, pushing the apparatus against the tree trunk at a point above the ground away portion of the tree trunk until the upper portion of the tree trunk breaks off, grinding the resulting tree stump down to ground level with the cylindrical drum with cutting teeth, and depositing the tree cuttings from the tree stump around the tree stump. Preferably, the apparatus engages the tree trunk at a point that is 90% of the height of the tree trunk.