Short answer: Expect to pay $100-$400 for a single stump, with most homeowners spending around $200. Additional stumps cost $30-$60 each.

Here's exactly what affects the price and how to get the best deal.

Average Stump Grinding Costs

Pricing Method	Cost
Per stump (first)	$120-$400
Per stump (additional)	$30-$60
Per diameter inch	$2-$5
Minimum service fee	$100-$150
Hourly rate	$125-$200

National average: $200 per stump

Most contractors charge by the stump or by the inch, with a minimum fee to cover travel and setup time.

Cost by Stump Size

Stump diameter is the biggest factor in pricing. Here's what to expect:

Stump Diameter	Average Cost
Small (6-12")	$75-$150
Medium (12-24")	$150-$250
Large (24-36")	$250-$400
Extra Large (36"+)	$400-$800

How to measure: Measure across the widest part of the stump at ground level. Include any visible root flare in your measurement.

What Affects the Price?

1. Stump Size

Larger stumps require more time, more blade wear, and sometimes larger equipment. A 36-inch oak stump takes 3-4x longer than a 12-inch pine stump.

2. Wood Hardness

Hardwood species cost more to grind:

Wood Type	Price Impact
Softwood (pine, cedar, cypress)	Standard pricing
Hardwood (oak, maple, walnut)	+10-20%
Very hard (locust, hickory)	+20-30%

The harder the wood, the more wear on the grinding teeth and the longer the job takes.

3. Number of Stumps

Multiple stumps? You'll save per stump:

Quantity	Cost Savings
1 stump	Full price
2-5 stumps	20-30% off each additional
6+ stumps	30-50% off each additional

The equipment is already on-site, so additional stumps are mostly just labor time.

4. Accessibility

Hard-to-reach stumps cost more:

• Easy access (flat yard, near driveway): Standard pricing
• Moderate access (backyard, some obstacles): +$25-$50
• Difficult access (steep slope, tight spaces, far from parking): +$50-$200

If a standard grinder can't reach the stump, the contractor may need specialized equipment.

5. Root Grinding

Standard grinding goes 4-6 inches below ground—enough to plant grass. Want to go deeper?

Depth	Purpose	Additional Cost
4-6" below grade	Lawn, garden beds	Included
8-12" below grade	New tree planting	+$50-$100
18"+ below grade	Construction	+$100-$200

Surface root grinding (those roots spreading across your lawn) typically costs $2-$5 per inch of root diameter.

6. Location

Prices vary by region:

Region	Price Range
Southeast	$100-$300
Midwest	$125-$350
Northeast	$150-$400
West Coast	$175-$450

Urban areas tend to cost more than rural areas due to higher operating costs.

7. Season

Timing matters:

• Peak season (spring/summer): Full price
• Off-season (late fall/winter): 10-25% savings

Tree services are slower in winter, so many offer discounts to keep crews busy.

What's Included (and What's Not)

Usually Included:

• Grinding the stump 4-6" below grade
• Basic cleanup of wood chips
• Moving equipment to and from the stump

Usually Extra:

• Hauling away wood chips ($50-$100)
• Filling the hole with soil ($25-$75)
• Surface root grinding ($2-$5/inch)
• Deep grinding beyond 6" ($50-$200)

Pro tip: Ask for an itemized quote so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Stump Grinding vs. Other Options

Method	Cost	Time	Best For
Professional grinding	$100-$400	1-2 hours	Most situations
DIY grinder rental	$150-$300/day	3-8 hours	Multiple stumps, handy homeowners
Full removal	$370-$675	1-3 hours	Replanting, construction
Chemical rotting	$10-$50	6-12 months	Not in a hurry, small stumps
Burning	$10-$20	1-3 days	Rural areas (check local laws)

Should You Rent a Grinder?

Rental makes sense if you have 3+ stumps and mechanical experience. Here's the math:

Rental costs:

• Grinder rental: $200-$350/day
• Pickup truck (if needed): $50-$100
• Fuel: $20-$40
• Total DIY: $270-$490

Professional cost for 3 stumps: $250-$450

It's often a wash on cost, but the pro does it in 1-2 hours while DIY takes most of a day. Plus no risk of injury or property damage.

How to Save Money

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices vary significantly between contractors. Get at least 3 quotes for any job over $200.

2. Bundle Multiple Stumps

Having 3 stumps ground is barely more expensive than 1. If you have a neighbor with stumps, see if you can schedule together.

3. Schedule Off-Season

Book in late fall or winter for 10-25% savings. The ground isn't frozen in most areas, and contractors are hungry for work.

4. Leave the Wood Chips

Hauling away debris adds $50-$100. Use the chips as mulch instead—they're great for garden beds.

5. Do Basic Prep

Clear obstacles, trim any remaining trunk down to stump level, and make sure the contractor can easily access the area.

6. Skip Unnecessary Extras

Standard 4-6" grinding is fine for most lawns. Don't pay for deep grinding unless you're actually planting a tree there.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

What's the total price? Get a firm number, not an estimate.

What's included? Grinding depth, debris removal, cleanup.

How do you charge? Per stump, per inch, or hourly.

Are you insured? Always verify liability insurance.

When can you do it? Faster isn't always better—off-season may save money.

When to Call a Professional

DIY isn't worth it when:

• The stump is near utilities, foundations, or irrigation
• You only have 1-2 stumps
• The stump is larger than 24 inches
• Access is difficult
• You're not comfortable with heavy equipment

A pro with the right equipment can grind a 24-inch stump in 20 minutes. It might take you 2 hours—if you don't damage the rental or hurt yourself.

Stump Grinding Costs by City

Looking for pricing in your area? Check out our local guides:

North Carolina: [Raleigh-Durham](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-raleigh) | [Charlotte](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-charlotte) | [Greensboro](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-greensboro) | [Wilmington](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-wilmington) | [Asheville](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-asheville) Florida: [Miami](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-miami) | [Orlando](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-orlando) | [Tampa](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-tampa) | [Jacksonville](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-jacksonville) | [Fort Lauderdale](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-fort-lauderdale) Texas: [Dallas](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-dallas) | [Houston](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-houston) | [Austin](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-austin) | [San Antonio](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-san-antonio) Other Markets: [Nashville](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-nashville) | [Louisville](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-louisville) | [Richmond](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-richmond) | [Kansas City](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-kansas-city) | [Twin Cities](/blog/stump-grinding-cost-twin-cities)

Get Your Stump Handled

Stop staring at that ugly stump every time you look out the window. Get an instant quote and see exactly what it costs to grind your specific stumps—takes less than 60 seconds.