Quick Answer: Wilmington stump grinding costs $3.50-$4.00 per inch, with coastal properties and hurricane season demand driving pricing in the Cape Fear region.
Wilmington Area Pricing
| Location | Rate/Inch | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington (city) | $3.50-$3.75 | Standard residential pricing |
| Wrightsville Beach | $4.00-$4.50 | Island access, coastal species |
| Carolina Beach/Kure Beach | $3.75-$4.25 | Beach access challenges |
| Leland/Hampstead | $3.50-$3.75 | Suburban accessibility |
Sample Wilmington Costs
| Stump Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-14" (pine, dogwood) | $35-$55 |
| 18-26" (oak, magnolia) | $65-$100 |
| 30-40" (live oak) | $105-$155 |
| 45"+ (mature hardwood) | $160-$225 |
Coastal NC Pricing Factors
Hurricane Season Impact: Post-storm demand (Sep-Nov) can double or triple pricing as contractors handle backlog from downed trees. Book immediately after storms or wait 6-8 weeks for rates to normalize.
Salt-Tolerant Species: Live oak, magnolia, and longleaf pine near the coast have adapted root systems. Salt exposure makes wood harder and grinding 20-30% slower. Expect $0.50-$0.75/inch premiums on coastal properties.
Sandy Soil Advantage: Wilmington's sandy soil grinds 25-35% faster than Piedmont clay. This keeps base pricing lower than Charlotte or Greensboro.
Island Access Challenges
Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, and other barrier islands require equipment transport across bridges:
- Standard mainland: Included
- Island properties: +$75-$150 travel premium
- Figure Eight (gated): +$150-$250 (limited contractors, gate fees)
Pro Tip: If you're on an island with multiple stumps, the travel premium is per trip, not per stump. Coordinate with neighbors for shared grinding days to split the premium.
Best Time for Stump Grinding in Wilmington
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild weather, lowest demand. Best pricing and availability.
- Spring (Mar-May): Peak landscaping season. Book 7-10 days ahead.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot, humid, storm prep season. Moderate pricing.
- Fall (Sep-Nov): AVOID if hurricanes hit. Otherwise, second-best window.
Multi-Stump Discounts
Wilmington contractors offer competitive multi-stump pricing:
- 2 stumps: 10-15% off
- 3-5 stumps: 20-25% off
- 6+ stumps: 25-30% off
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