How much does stump grinding or removal cost?
Stump grinding costs $100–$400 per stump in the US. Most pros charge $2–$5 per inch of stump diameter with a $100–$150 minimum, so a 20-inch stump is roughly $100–$150 and a 40-inch stump $150–$250. Full stump removal with the roots dug out costs $300–$1,000+. Extra stumps on the same visit are cheaper.
Stump work is cheap compared with tree removal, but the pricing confuses people because it is often quoted per inch and almost always has a minimum. Here is what the numbers look like in practice. Measure your stump across its widest point at ground level, including the flare where the roots spread, and find the row.
| Stump diameter | Typical tree | Grinding cost | Full removal cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | Ornamental, fruit tree, young shade tree | $100–$150 (the minimum) | $300–$400 |
| 12–24 inches | Mature fruit tree, small maple, pine | $100–$200 | $400–$600 |
| 24–36 inches | Mature maple, oak, ash | $150–$300 | $600–$900 |
| 36 inches and up | Large oak, sycamore, old shade tree | $250–$400+ | $900–$1,000+ |
| Each additional stump, same visit | — | $50–$100 less than the first | Negotiable |
| Chip removal and backfill | — | Add $50–$150 | Usually included |
How is stump grinding priced?
Most companies price by diameter at $2–$5 per inch, measured at ground level across the widest part, flare included. That is the number that decides how long the grinder runs. Nearly everyone also has a $100–$150 minimum, because the cost of bringing the machine out is the same whether the stump is 6 inches or 16. So a small stump costs about the same as a medium one, and the per-inch rate only starts to matter above about 30 inches. Some companies quote flat rates by size band or by the hour instead; any of these is fine as long as the quote is in writing. What a good quote should list is covered on what tree removal includes.
Why does a stump cost more than I expected?
The minimum covers driving a trailer and a machine that costs as much as a car to your house, and that is the bulk of a small job. After that, access is the biggest variable. A stump behind a 36-inch gate needs a smaller, slower machine. A stump on a slope, tight against a fence or foundation, or surrounded by landscaping takes longer and needs hand work. Rocks and buried debris stop the wheel and can damage the teeth, so expect a surcharge if the operator hits any. Species matters a little: oak, hickory, and other dense hardwoods grind slower than pine or maple. And a stump that is still tall, say 2 ft instead of the usual 6–12 inches, costs more because there is more wood to chew through.
Is it cheaper to grind several stumps at once?
Yes, noticeably. Once the machine is unloaded, the marginal cost of each extra stump is just the grinding time, so second and later stumps are often $50–$100 less each than the first. If you have three or more, ask for a per-visit price instead of a per-stump price; a morning of grinding for a flat fee is common. It is also worth asking neighbors. A company that can do two houses on one street will often give both a better rate. The same logic applies if you are having a tree removed: adding the stump to that job is usually cheaper than a separate visit later.
Does stump grinding include cleanup?
Usually not. The standard job ends with a mound of chips sitting in and around the hole. Many homeowners are happy with that, since the chips work as mulch and the job is done. If you want the spot lawn-ready, raking out the chips, hauling them, and backfilling with topsoil adds $50–$150. Ask for it when you book so it is on the quote. Deeper grinding, below the standard 6–12 inches, is also a line item and is worth requesting if you plan to plant there; see can I plant where a stump was ground?
How much does it cost to remove a stump with the roots?
$300–$1,000+ per stump. Small stumps can sometimes be pulled with a truck or a skid steer for the low end. A large hardwood root ball needs an excavator, a dump truck to haul it, and several yards of fill dirt to close the hole, which is where the high end comes from. If you are removing the stump because you are building on the spot, get it priced as part of the site-prep work; the contractor already has the machine there. For most other purposes, grinding is the better value, and the difference between grinding and removal explains when that is not true.
How does this compare with the cost of removing the tree?
It is a small fraction. Removing the tree itself runs $200–$2,000 depending on height and access, so the stump is often 10–20% of the total project. That is why it makes sense to add grinding to the removal quote rather than skipping it and dealing with the stump later. Full tree pricing is on how much does it cost to remove a tree? And if $100–$400 still feels like too much for a stump, what's the cheapest way to get rid of a stump? ranks the alternatives, including renting a grinder yourself.
No independently confirmed professional review is on file yet.
Not yet independently reviewed. Figures are typical US ranges for planning purposes, not quotes.