How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Last updated: April 27, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
Stump grinding costs $150 to $450 per stump on average, with pricing usually based on the stump's diameter — most companies charge roughly $2 to $5 per inch, with a minimum service fee of around $100-$150 for small jobs.
A single small stump on flat, accessible ground sits at the low end, while large stumps, extensive surface roots, or multiple stumps in one visit push the price higher (though multi-stump jobs often come with a per-stump discount). The calculator below adjusts for your specific stump.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $150 – $450
Low end
$75
High end
$750+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Stump Grinding Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs below for an estimate tailored to your project.
Optional upgrades
Estimated Project Cost
—
Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Grinding labor & machine time | $100 – $300 |
| Chip and debris cleanup | $30 – $90 |
| Travel / minimum service fee | $20 – $60 |
What Affects the Cost
Stump diameter
Most companies price by the inch of stump diameter, so wider stumps cost proportionally more to grind down below grade.
Root system and surface roots
Trees with extensive shallow roots need extra grinding passes to clear roots radiating away from the trunk, not just the stump itself.
Number of stumps
Grinding several stumps in one visit is usually cheaper per stump than scheduling separate visits, since the crew is already mobilized on-site.
Accessibility
Stumps in tight side yards or behind fences that block grinder access may require a smaller machine or extra labor to reach, raising the price.
Wood chip cleanup
Grinding produces a large pile of wood chips and sawdust at the stump site; hauling it away or spreading it elsewhere on the property is often a separate line item.
Minimum service fees
Most companies charge a flat minimum (commonly $100-$150) regardless of stump size to cover mobilization, which affects pricing most for very small single-stump jobs.
Cost by Stump Diameter
| Stump Diameter | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 6-12 in | $75 – $175 |
| 12-18 in | $125 – $250 |
| 18-24 in | $175 – $350 |
| 24-30 in | $250 – $450 |
| 30+ in | $350 – $650 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
DIY stump grinding is feasible for small to medium stumps using a rented stump grinder, typically costing $100-$200 for a half-day rental, but the machines are heavy, kick up debris, and can be dangerous without proper technique and protective gear.
Hiring a professional
Professional crews own commercial-grade grinders that make quick work of large or multiple stumps, know how to navigate around utility lines and irrigation pipes, and haul away the resulting debris as part of the job.
Bottom line: A single small stump is a reasonable rental-equipment DIY project for a comfortable homeowner; larger stumps, extensive root systems, or multiple stumps are usually more cost-effective and safer to hire out.
Ways to Save
- Bundle multiple stumps into one visit to take advantage of per-stump discounts most companies offer.
- Schedule stump grinding at the same time as tree removal, since the crew is often already on-site.
- Skip optional add-ons like topsoil fill or debris haul-away and handle cleanup yourself if you're comfortable with basic yard work.
- Get a few quotes, since per-inch pricing and minimum fees vary noticeably between local companies.
- Rent a grinder yourself for a single small stump if you have experience with power equipment and want to avoid a service call fee.
- Ask about off-season pricing in late fall or winter when tree service companies typically have more open availability.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
Want an exact price?
Get free estimates from local, pre-screened professionals for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stump grinding cost?
Stump grinding costs about $250 on average per stump, with most jobs falling between $150 and $450 depending on the stump's diameter and root system.
How much does stump grinding cost per inch?
Most companies charge roughly $2 to $5 per inch of stump diameter, often with a minimum service fee of $100-$150 to cover the cost of showing up.
Is stump grinding the same as stump removal?
Not quite — grinding chews the stump down below grade and leaves the root system in the ground to decompose naturally, while full stump removal digs out the entire root ball, which is more labor-intensive and expensive.
Can I plant grass over a ground stump?
Yes, once the stump is ground down and the hole is backfilled with topsoil, you can typically seed or sod over it within the same season, though the area may settle slightly as remaining roots decompose.
How long does stump grinding take?
A single stump usually takes 15-45 minutes to grind depending on diameter and root spread, though a crew visit including setup, grinding, and cleanup often takes an hour or two.