Quick Answer: Des Moines stump grinding costs $3.75-$4.50 per inch, with Iowa's short grinding season and freeze-thaw cycles impacting both pricing and availability.

Des Moines Metro Pricing

Area	Rate/Inch	Notes
Des Moines (city)	$4.00	Standard metro pricing
West Des Moines/Urbandale	$4.00-$4.25	Newer developments, easier access
Ankeny/Johnston	$4.00-$4.50	Lower contractor density
Suburbs (Norwalk, Waukee)	$4.25-$4.50	Travel time premiums

Typical Iowa Stump Costs

Stump Size	Price Range
8-12" (ash, boxelder)	$32-$55
18-24" (maple, cottonwood)	$70-$110
30-40" (oak, walnut)	$115-$180
45"+ (mature hardwood)	$170-$250+

Iowa-Specific Pricing Factors

Short Grinding Season: Iowa's ground freezes Nov-Mar. Contractors can only grind 7-8 months per year, so they charge 15-20% more than year-round southern markets to sustain their business.

Emerald Ash Borer Impact: Iowa lost millions of ash trees to EAB. Dead ash stumps are brittle and grind faster, but contractors are swamped with volume. High demand = higher prices (especially spring).

Clay Soil Challenge: Iowa's heavy clay soil dulls cutting teeth 30-40% faster than sandy soil. Frequent blade changes are built into pricing.

Seasonal Pricing in Des Moines

• Spring (Apr-May): Peak demand as homeowners tackle winter damage. Expect $4.25-$4.50/inch and 2-3 week waits.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Best availability and pricing. Book now for $3.75-$4.00/inch rates.
• Fall (Sep-Oct): Second rush before freeze. Prices rise 10-15% in October.
• Winter (Nov-Mar): Ground too frozen to grind. Book for spring slots in Feb-Mar.

Des Moines Multi-Stump Discounts

Iowa contractors offer aggressive multi-stump pricing (they want to maximize limited season):

• 2 stumps: 10-15% off
• 3-5 stumps: 20-30% off
• 6+ stumps: 30-40% off total

Pro Tip: If you have stumps from EAB-killed ash trees, ask about "ash removal specials"—some contractors offer flat-rate pricing for ash stumps 12-20" diameter.

Des Moines instant stump quote →