How much does stump grinding cost?
How much does stump grinding cost?
$120 – $400 average cost to grind the first stump
+$30 – $60 average cost per each additional stump
$2 – $6 stump grinding cost per inch
$100 – $200 grinding service cost per hour
Stump grinding cost
Stump grinding costs $120 to $400 for one stump and $30 to $60 per additional stump on average. Grinding extra-large stumps costs $300 to $800 each. Tree stump grinding prices are $2 to $6 per inch or $100 to $200 hourly, with minimum fees of $80 to $160.
| Stump diameter | Average cost to grind |
|---|---|
| Up to 12” | $30 – $70 |
| 24” | $50 – $150 |
| 36” | $70 – $220 |
| 48” | $100 – $290 |
| 60” | $120 – $360 |
| 72” | $150 – $430 |
*Minimum service fees are $80 to $160.
Measure the longest stump width at ground level to get the most accurate cost estimate.
Average cost for stump grinding
The average cost of tree stump grinding is $120 to $400 or up to $800 for an extra-large hardwood-tree stump in difficult working conditions. Contractors charge per stump size or per hour according to the job type.
| Price rates | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per inch of stump diameter | $2 – $6 |
| Per stump (first) | $120 – $400 |
| Per stump (each additional) | $30 – $60 |
| Per hour | $100 – $200 |
| Per day | $800 – $1,600 |
*Minimum service fees are $80 to $160.
Stump griding cost per inch
Stump grinding costs $2 to $6 per inch on average. Contractors measure the diameter of the tree trunk’s base, and not just the cut surface, to estimate the grinding price.
Stump grinding cost per stump
Stump grinding costs $120 to $400 per stump for the first one and $30 to $60 for each additional stump. Grinding extra-large or wide stumps costs $300 to $800 on average. Hardwood stumps have higher rates than young softwood stumps.
Cost to grind a stump per hour
Stump grinding costs $100 to $200 per hour. Tree services and arborists charge per hour only when grinding many stumps on large land plots with a heavy-duty grinder. Hourly rates sometimes also apply to highly difficult jobs.
Alternative costs to grind a stump
Alternative stump removal costs include digging, chemical rotting, and burning.
| Method | Cost per stump |
|---|---|
| Digging up* | $80 – $190 |
| Chemical rotting | $100 – $200 |
| Burning out | $50 – $200 |
*Contractors charge a $150 to $350 minimum to operate a backhoe.
Stump grinding price factors
The total cost of stump grinding depends on the following factors:
Tree type – Old hardwood tree stumps take longer to grind and require bigger equipment than young, rotted, or softwood stumps.
Size – Larger stumps and trunks with complex root systems take longer to remove and require larger equipment.
Number of stumps – Reduced rates typically apply for grinding multiple stumps.
Grinding depth – Standard service grinds down 4” to 6” below ground level. Complete grinding out of the whole stump and large roots up to 18” deep is labor-intensive and costs more.
Labor – Extra travel fees apply outside of standard service areas.
Accessibility – Stumps near a home’s foundation, in a city, or on property with limited access for lawn equipment have higher labor rates.
Terrain condition – Extra time is necessary to handle grinding equipment on sloped or rocky soil.
Debris removal – Cleanup and disposal costs an extra $2 to $4 per inch of the stump’s diameter. Some companies include this fee as part of the labor cost or charge an extra flat fee.
Extra services – Combining stump grinding with related lawn services gives cheaper overall costs.
Permits – Tree removal permits cost $75 to $450 and typically include stump grinding. Removing trees on private property doesn’t always need a permit, so check with the local city council.
Tree removal
Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 per tree on average, depending on the tree type, height, and location. This price typically includes cutting, cleanup, hauling, and disposal without stump removal. Excavators and tractors are best for pushing over a tree and its roots simultaneously.
Tree roots removal
Tree root removal costs $75 to $150 per hour. Stump grinding does not include root removal. This process involves digging up and cutting all underground roots.
Extra costs apply for:
Filling the hole with mulch, topsoil, and new sod
Repairing underground pipes damaged by roots
Repaving over damaged asphalt or concrete where the roots were
DIY cost of stump grinding
Renting a stump grinder for removing a few stumps often costs more than hiring a professional. Stump grinding is a labor-intensive job that requires safety precautions.
Renting a stump grinder
Stump grinder rentals cost $100 to $400 per day or up to $1,000 per week. Total costs depend on the grinder type, size, and rental company. In comparison, stump grinder prices are $1,600 to $10,500 per machine for buying a new unit.
Stump grinder FAQs
Should I grind or remove a stump?
The pros and cons of grinding or removing a tree stump are:
| Grinding | Removal by digging and excavation |
|---|---|
|
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How long does it take to grind a stump?
Grinding a stump takes 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the tree size, the wood hardness, and its location. Landscapers grind 3” to 15” diameter stumps from young trees the quickest. Older and larger hardwood trees take the most time.
What happens if you don't grind a tree stump?
If you don’t grind a tree stump, it will rot and attract pests and fungi. Stumps take 3 to 10 years to rot completely. The roots may also keep growing underground in some tree species. Old stumps are a tripping hazard and mowing obstacle.
What to do after stump grinding?
After stump grinding, fill the area with wood chips, topsoil, or sod to grow new grass. Don’t replant a new tree in the same spot unless all roots are gone and both new soil and fertilizer are in place.
Hiring a landscaper costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Topsoil costs $10 to $50 per yard.
What happens to roots after stump grinding?
Roots remain in the ground after stump grinding, and not all tree roots die until years later. A stump grinder alone cannot remove all the tree roots underground. Only a stump-remover drill machine or excavator can extract all roots.
Deciduous tree species like elms and willows are likely to produce new sprouts from their tree stumps. These trees require complete root removal to clear them.
Getting quotes from stump grinding services
Before hiring a stump removal service near you, be sure to:
Compare multiple bids.
Request detailed estimates of all labor, material, and equipment fees.
Read their HomeGuide and Google reviews and references.
Pick a licensed, bonded, and insured company with years of experience.
Check if your state requires contractors to have an arborist license.
Beware of the cheapest quotes that can signal low-quality work.
Don’t make full payments upfront.
Questions to ask
How long have you been grinding stumps?
Which tree types do you typically remove?
How big is your grinder, and will I need to make space for it?
Do you have to cut my stump down further to grind it?
Will you wear protective gear while working?
Do you call the utility company to locate underground lines first?
What will you do to protect the surrounding area?
How far down will you grind the stump, and can you plant grass over it?
Will you save the wood chips for my garden?
Do cleanup and debris disposal cost extra?
How long will it take to remove the stump?
What incidental fees typically apply that aren’t in my estimate?