Short answer: Grinding one stump up to 24 inches costs about $150 to $220. Most companies charge $4.00 to $7.50 per inch of diameter but enforce a $150 to $225 minimum, so small stumps cost the minimum. A 48-inch stump runs about $205 to $360. Extra stumps on the same visit cost far less. Chip haul-away and topsoil are extra.
$5.50 median published rate per inch of stump diameter, across 14 U.S. price lists (range $2.00–$10.00)
$200 median job minimum on those lists (range $125–$225)
$165 median one-day rental for a 13-hp walk-behind grinder (5 rental stores)
8–12 in. typical grinding depth below grade cited by Iowa State and South Dakota State extension
Most stump grinding price pages repeat the same line: $2 to $5 per inch. We went to the source instead. In October 2026 we compiled the published rate cards of 14 stump grinding companies in 11 states, every one of which posts its own per-inch rate and minimum, plus 12 rental stores’ posted prices for stump grinders. Then we ran the same stumps through every price list. The result is a per-inch figure higher than the one most guides quote, and a minimum charge that decides the price of most single stumps.
Depth, cleanup and what to do with the hole come from land-grant extension services, and the utility-locate rules come from state 811 centers. The arithmetic is in the method box near the end. For other project prices, see our cost guides and the full landscaping cost breakdown.
Stump grinding cost by diameter
Measure across the widest part of the stump at ground level, root flare included, then find the row. The middle column is what the middle half of the 14 price lists would charge for that stump alone, ground below grade with the chips left in the hole. The last column is what the same stump adds when the grinder is already on site for another one.
| Stump diameter (widest point at ground) | One stump, typical (middle half) | Median | Full range, 14 lists | Each added stump, same visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in. | $150–$210 | $190 | $80–$265 | $32–$60 |
| 12 in. | $150–$210 | $190 | $115–$285 | $48–$90 |
| 18 in. | $150–$210 | $190 | $125–$315 | $72–$135 |
| 24 in. | $150–$220 | $200 | $125–$345 | $96–$180 |
| 30 in. | $150–$225 | $205 | $125–$375 | $120–$225 |
| 36 in. | $155–$270 | $225 | $125–$405 | $144–$270 |
| 42 in. | $185–$315 | $260 | $145–$435 | $168–$315 |
| 48 in. | $205–$360 | $300 | $170–$480 | $192–$360 |
| 60 in. | $260–$450 | $370 | $210–$600 | $240–$450 |
One-stump ranges are the middle half of 14 published price lists (October 2026). The visit factor reflects how per-inch pricing and shared minimums lower the per-stump cost; the access factor is our assumption. Adders are priced for one average stump. See How we built these numbers.
Two patterns jump out. First, everything up to about 30 inches costs nearly the same, because at $4.00 to $7.50 an inch a 30-inch stump only reaches $120 to $225, which is where the minimums sit. A homeowner with one 12-inch stump and a homeowner with one 28-inch stump will usually get the same bill. Second, the minimum stops mattering once the grinder is on site: a second 12-inch stump adds roughly $48 to $90, not another $190.
How stump grinding companies price: per inch, minimums and trip fees
Every company in our set prices by the inch of diameter, but they use two different structures, and the difference matters on a small job.
- Per inch or the minimum, whichever is higher (11 of 14). WiscoStumps in Waukesha, Wis., charges $6 per inch with a $200 trip minimum; a single 20-inch stump works out to $120 of grinding, so the bill is $200. Stumpt in West Jordan, Utah, charges $7.50 per inch with a $175 minimum and says most single yard stumps land at that minimum.
- Trip fee plus per inch (2 of 14). Chipper Trees in Cumming, Ga., adds a $90 trip fee to $2.00 per inch (stumps up to 36 inches), rising to $2.50 and $3.00 for bigger stumps. Gone In One Grind in Naperville, Ill., adds a $225 trip fee to $5 per inch. On a 24-inch stump that is $138 at the first and $345 at the second.
- Per inch, no stated minimum (1 of 14). Affordable Tree & Shrub Experts in Colorado Springs prices at about $10 per inch, adjusted for location, access and wood type.
When you compare quotes, convert each one to a total for your stumps. A low per-inch rate with a trip fee can beat or lose to a higher rate with a minimum depending on how many inches you have.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Company (published price page) | Area | Rate per inch of diameter | Minimum or trip fee | Depth and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chipper Trees | Cumming, Ga. | $2.00 (to 36 in.); $2.50 (36–48); $3.00 (48–60) | $90 trip fee, added | 4–7 in. |
| Grade A Cuts | Virginia | $3.50 | $125 | Basic cleanup included |
| Revisions Unlimited | Central Minnesota | $3.50–$5.00 | $150 trip minimum | 10% off 5+ stumps, 15% off 10+ |
| Khoury Bros | Plymouth, Mass. | $4.00 | Starting at $150–$250 | Measure root to root |
| Flowers Stump Grinding | South Carolina | $4.00 | $150 | Measured at ground level |
| Boise Stump | Treasure Valley, Idaho | $5.00 | $200 | 8–12 in. deep; 20% off 3+ stumps |
| Gone In One Grind | Naperville, Ill. | $5.00 | $225 trip fee, added | Measured at ground level |
| WiscoStumps | Waukesha, Wis. | $6.00 ($11.00 with haul-away) | $200 trip minimum | 6–8 in. deep |
| Indiana Stump Grinding | Franklin, Ind. | $6.40 | $210 | $2/minute travel beyond 30 minutes |
| GrindNGo Stumps | Milwaukee area, Wis. | $7.00 | $225 | 6+ in.; deep grind +$2.50/in.; cleanup +$5/in. |
| Utah Stumps | Ogden and Layton, Utah | $7.50 | $200 | Measure widest point at ground |
| Stumpt | West Jordan, Utah | $7.50 | $175 | 6 in. deep; surface roots $12 per foot |
| Affordable Tree & Shrub Experts | Colorado Springs, Colo. | About $10.00 | None stated | 6–12 in. deep |
| Master Arbor | St. George, Utah | $10.00 | $210 | 6–12 in. deep |
Across the 14 lists the median rate is $5.50 per inch and the middle half runs from $4.00 to $7.50. Half of the companies (7 of 14) charge more than $5 an inch, the ceiling of the range most cost guides repeat. The minimums cluster tightly: the 11 companies that use one set it between $125 and $225, with a median of $200.
Rising prices are part of the reason older figures look low. The BLS consumer price index for gardening and lawncare services rose 52.0 percent from September 2019 to September 2025, against 26.5 percent for all items (BLS CPI series CUUR0000SEHP02). A $3-per-inch quote from 2019 would have been about $4.56 by September 2025 on that index alone.
One more test of the published numbers: for a 10-inch stump, none of the 14 price lists comes in under $100. A guide that lists medium stumps at $75 is describing a price you are unlikely to find from a company that posts its rates.
How to measure a stump for a quote
Every company that explains its method measures the widest point at ground level, not the flat cut on top. Khoury Bros tells customers to measure root to root, including the hump to grade level; Indiana Stump Grinding asks for the widest exposed area at the base where the stump meets the ground; WiscoStumps says outside edge to outside edge, root flare included. Extension guidance agrees: Iowa State notes that arborists charge by the size of the stump measured at its widest point (Iowa State University Extension).
That means a tree that was 20 inches across at chest height can bill as a 26- or 30-inch stump once the flare is counted. Measure it yourself before you call, take a photo with the tape in frame, and ask each company to quote from the same number.
Multiple stumps: where the real discount is
The minimum is what you pay for a truck and a machine to show up. Once they are there, most companies just add inches. WiscoStumps publishes the example: three 15-inch stumps total 45 inches, or $270 for all three on one visit, against $600 if each were booked separately at the $200 minimum. Some companies take a percentage off as well: Revisions Unlimited takes 10 percent off five or more stumps and 15 percent off ten or more, and Boise Stump takes 20 percent off jobs with three or more.
| 18-inch stumps on one visit | Job total, middle half of 14 lists | Median job total | Median cost per stump |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 stump | $150–$210 | $190 | $190 |
| 3 stumps | $215–$405 | $335 | $112 |
| 6 stumps | $430–$800 | $670 | $112 |
| 10 stumps | $720–$1,330 | $1,100 | $110 |
Put another way, the per-stump price of 18-inch stumps drops about 40 percent as soon as there are two or more of them. If a neighbor has stumps too, booking the same day and asking for one trip charge between the two properties is worth a phone call. The same logic applies to tree removal: if a crew is already cutting the tree, ask for the grind on the same visit so you do not pay for a second trip.
How deep do they grind stumps?
Standard service on the price lists we compiled goes 4 to 12 inches below the surrounding grade. Two land-grant extension services describe 8 to 12 inches as typical: South Dakota State says grinding usually takes the stump down 8 to 12 inches along with surface roots that flare out from it (SDSU Extension), and Iowa State says the same range for the stump and large lateral roots (ISU Extension).
| Company | Standard depth below grade | Deeper option |
|---|---|---|
| Chipper Trees | 4–7 in. | Deeper possible; extra charge to dig chips out by hand |
| Greenline Tree Service (Vista, Calif.) | 4–6 in. | 10–12 in. or more on request for replanting or concrete, at extra cost |
| Stumpt | 6 in. | Included in the $7.50 per inch |
| GrindNGo Stumps | At least 6 in. (6–8) | Deep grind to 18–20 in.: +$2.50 per inch |
| WiscoStumps | 6–8 in. | Enough to seed or sod; plant new trees a few feet over |
| Boise Stump | 8–12 in. | Ultra-deep 18–24 in.: +$50 to $100 |
| Affordable Tree & Shrub | 6–12 in. | Included |
| Master Arbor | 6–12 in. | Adjusted to your plans |
| Diamond Peak Stump Grinding | Up to 15 in. | $250 minimum |
For grass, 6 inches is enough. Depth matters when you plan to put something heavier or deeper on the spot. A paver patio, a shed pad or a new fence line through the old stump all need the wood out of the base layer, which means asking for 10 to 12 inches or more and paying for it. Get the depth in writing; it is the easiest thing for a low bid to leave out.
Replanting a tree in the same hole is a different question, and the answer from extension is usually not to. University of Illinois Extension advises planting the new tree adjacent to the old stump with the new hole at least three feet away, because the ground-out cavity has little mineral soil, the grindings tie up nitrogen, and the spot settles as the remaining wood decays (Illinois Extension, Ask Extension). Moving the new tree three feet is free. Grinding 18 to 20 inches deep is not.
Root flare and surface roots: the extras that change a quote
The flare at the base of the trunk is already in your diameter if you measured correctly. Roots that run across the lawn beyond it are not. Some companies price them separately: Stumpt grinds sprawling surface roots at $12 per foot of diameter, so roots spreading 10 feet across add about $120, and B&C Tree Service in Phoenix prices root chasing as an add-on at $150 to $400. GrindNGo includes connected root flare and exposed surface roots that cause mowing problems.
Other things that can raise a quote are hidden in the wood. Indiana Stump Grinding lists embedded steel, stone or metal found in the stump and restricted access as reasons a price may rise. Chipper Trees adds extra charges for large stumps not cut low to the ground before the grinder arrives. If your tree crew is still on site, ask them to cut the stump as close to grade as they safely can.
What’s included and what’s extra: chips, backfill, topsoil and seed
The base price almost never includes hauling the grindings away or filling the hole. South Dakota State Extension says grinding usually does not include removing the chips or filling the hole, and that services that do it usually charge extra (SDSU Extension). Here is how the published lists price each step.
| Line item | Included in base price? | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding below grade, chips left in or beside the hole | Included | All 14 lists |
| Chips raked back into the hole or into a pile | Usually included | WiscoStumps, Chipper Trees, Grade A Cuts |
| Haul chips away | Extra | +$5 per inch (GrindNGo; WiscoStumps $11/in. all-in vs $6); +$75 to $150 per job (Boise Stump) |
| Backfill with clean fill | Extra | About $20 per stump (Revisions Unlimited) |
| Backfill with screened topsoil | Extra | About $40 per stump (Revisions Unlimited); $10 per inch (GrindNGo) |
| Topsoil and grass seed | Extra | $50 to $100 more (Grade A Cuts); offered by Diamond Peak |
| Deeper grind for replanting or paving | Extra | +$2.50 per inch (GrindNGo, to 18–20 in.); +$50 to $100 (Boise Stump, 18–24 in.) |
| Surface root chasing | Extra | $12 per foot of diameter (Stumpt); $150 to $400 (B&C Tree Service) |
Leaving the chips is the cheapest finish, and extension says it is the worst one for a lawn. Iowa State recommends removing the wood chips, sawdust and root fragments before planting grass, because their high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio temporarily reduces the nitrogen available to new grass, wood-filled soil dries out fast, and decaying fragments leave voids that settle (ISU Extension). Purdue adds that fresh chips can be very acidic, sometimes near pH 4, and should ideally compost for a full year before going back into a planting bed (Purdue Extension).
The fix is small. A hole 3 feet across and 8 inches deep holds about 4.7 cubic feet of soil, or 0.17 cubic yard, which is roughly six 0.75-cubic-foot bags. In bulk, screened topsoil was $48 a yard at one Colorado supplier in March 2026 (Bedrock Landscaping Materials price list), though delivery fees make bags the better buy for one or two holes. Both Iowa State and Purdue recommend mounding the soil slightly above grade for settling and using a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer on the new turf (Purdue Extension). Iowa State notes seeding works best in early fall while sod can go down through the growing season. If you are choosing between the two for a bare patch, our sod vs. seed comparison and sod installation prices cover the trade-offs.
Stump grinder rental vs. hiring a pro
Rental stores post their rates, so the DIY side of the math is easy to pin down. We collected posted prices for 14 grinders at 11 stores. They fall into three classes.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Machine class | Store (model) | 4 hours | 1 day | 1 week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 hp walk-behind (wheel-and-handlebar) | Rent Equip, Elkton, Va. and Shippensburg, Pa. (Bluebird SG1314B) | $93 | $132 | $529 |
| 13 hp walk-behind | Great Lakes Rents, Toledo, Ohio | $95 | $150 | $600 |
| 13 hp walk-behind | Redi Rental, Grand Haven, Mich. | $95 | $225 | $1,000 |
| 13 hp walk-behind | Handy Rents, Northeast Ohio | $133 | $190 | $726 |
| 13 hp walk-behind | Tool Rental Place, Oakland, Calif. | $130 | $165 | $550 |
| Self-propelled, about 25–40 hp | Longenecker’s, Manheim, Pa. (Toro STX-38) | $210 | $275 | $825 |
| Self-propelled | A-1 Rental, Ann Arbor, Mich. (Bandit SG-40; trailer extra) | $179 | $289 | $1,234 |
| Self-propelled | Madison Rentals, Madison, Ga. (Toro STX-26) | $250 | $300 | $1,200 |
| Self-propelled | Taylor True Value Rental, Lancaster, Ohio (Vermeer SC30TX) | $247.50 minimum | $330 | $990 |
| Self-propelled | Talisman Rentals, Marietta, Ga. (Vermeer SC30TX) | $274 | $365 | $1,135 |
| Tracked, 37 hp | Rent Equip (Barreto 37SGB) | $328 | $437 | $1,309 |
| Large, 54–56 hp | Handy Rents (Rayco RG55) | $358 | $441 | $1,399 |
| Large, 54–56 hp | Rent Equip (Rayco RG55) | $419 | $558 | $2,231 |
| Large, 54–56 hp | Four Star Rental, Goshen, Ind. (Vermeer SC552) | $401.66 | $642.65 | $2,570.57 |
On posted prices alone, renting wins once you have more than one stump. A 13-hp machine for a day ($165 median) costs less than hiring a pro for one 18-inch stump ($190 median), and the gap widens fast: three 18-inch stumps cost a median $335 to hire, six cost $670.
The rental price is not the whole cost, and the chart flatters the DIY column in four ways:
- Transport. Even the walk-behind units weigh a few hundred pounds; the self-propelled machines need a trailer and a tow vehicle, and A-1 Rental lists the trailer as an additional cost. Delivery is often extra.
- Teeth and damage. Rocks and buried metal chip carbide teeth. Elsinore Valley Rentals notes in its listing that additional charges apply for damaged teeth and teeth holders.
- Time. A professional machine and operator finish most residential stumps in a single visit. A first-time operator on a 13-hp machine will be slower, and a rental clock keeps running.
- Skill and safety. UC IPM’s guidance on stump grinding says it requires a skilled operator and many safety precautions, starting with reading the entire manual for the grinder being used (UC IPM WeedCUT).
Our read: for one or two stumps under about 24 inches, hire. The minimum you would pay a pro is close to what a rental day plus transport costs, and you skip the learning curve. For five or more stumps, or for a property you will keep clearing, a rental day pays off if you can move the machine yourself. Large stumps over about 36 inches are where a 13-hp walk-behind runs out of reach; that job needs the self-propelled or tracked class, and the rental price climbs to $275 to $640 a day.
Stump grinding vs. stump removal vs. chemical stump remover
Grinding is the method extension services recommend first. Iowa State calls it the quickest, easiest and safest way to remove a stump (ISU Extension). The alternatives trade money for time or for a cleaner hole.
| Method | Cost | Time | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding (hired) | $150–$220 for one stump up to 24 in.; less per stump in groups | Same visit, usually hours | Stump and flare gone 4–12 in. down; deeper roots left to decay | Price lists above; Iowa State and SDSU Extension |
| Grinding (rented machine) | $95–$133 for 4 hours, $132–$225 a day (13 hp) | One day plus transport | Same, depending on operator and machine | Rental table above |
| Excavation (dig out root ball) | Mini excavator alone $200–$275 a day to rent, before operator, hauling and fill | A day of machine work | Root ball removed; large hole to backfill; lawn and irrigation disturbed | Rent Equip excavator rates; Illinois Extension |
| Hand digging | Tools only | Hours to days | Practical only for small stumps; Iowa State says about 12 in. or less, Illinois Extension’s author would not go much over 6 in. | Iowa State, Illinois Extension |
| Chemical stump remover (usually potassium nitrate) | Product cost | 4–6 weeks per application, repeat as needed, then burned (Colorado State); 1–3 years with drilled holes and nitrogen (Iowa State) | Speeds decay about 25%, versus up to 50% for well-managed natural decay (Illinois Extension, citing Kim Coder) | Colorado State, Iowa State, Illinois Extension |
| Let it rot | Free | 5–10 years (Colorado State); 10+ years (Iowa State); a decade or more (SDSU) | Stump becomes habitat; may resprout | Colorado State, Iowa State, SDSU Extension |
Full removal earns its cost when something is being built on the spot: a foundation, a footing, a pool. University of Illinois Extension notes that digging, pushing or pulling stumps with backhoes, excavators or loaders disturbs the surrounding landscape and needs room for the machine to work (Illinois Extension). Chipper Trees, which offers both, calls digging out with machinery the most costly and invasive method.
Chemical removers are the slowest option short of waiting. Colorado State’s PlantTalk describes drilling holes, adding the product and water, waiting four to six weeks, repeating as needed and then burning the stump (PlantTalk Colorado). Iowa State says most of these products are simply nitrate fertilizers and that regular fertilizer works as well; with 1-inch holes at least 10 inches deep and about 4 ounces of fertilizer in each, a stump can usually be broken up with a spade after one to three years. Check burning rules before you light anything: Iowa State lists burning first among the methods to avoid, and many cities and counties prohibit it.
Call 811 before grinding
A stump grinder cuts below grade, and utility lines often run through root zones. The national 811 service is free; you contact it, or your state’s 811 center online, a few business days before any digging, and the utilities mark their buried lines with paint or flags (Common Ground Alliance, call811.com). State centers treat stump grinding as digging:
- Colorado 811 lists “Tree Root Removal / Stump grinding” among the activities that count as excavation under state law, and says you must notify it even if you are only excavating a few inches (Colorado 811).
- Virginia 811’s locate-request best-practice guide lists stump grinding as an example work type to include on a ticket (Virginia 811).
- Florida’s Sunshine 811 tells homeowners to call 811 before pulling out or grinding a stump, two full business days before digging (Sunshine 811).
- Washington’s dig law (RCW 19.122) requires a locate request at least two business days before digging, excluding weekends and legal holidays (Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission).
811 marks public utility lines, not yours. Chipper Trees tells customers they are responsible for marking water lines and sprinklers because the utilities protection center does not cover them, and GrindNGo asks owners to identify private sprinkler lines, invisible pet fencing and landscape lighting. Flag those yourself before the crew arrives. Many grinding companies place the 811 request for you; ask who is doing it, and do not let anyone start before the marks are down.
Do stump grinding prices vary by state?
Yes, but less predictably than labor costs would suggest. We set each company’s posted rate next to the BLS median wage for tree trimmers and pruners in its state, the closest BLS occupation to a grinder operator.
| State | Published rate per inch | Tree trimmers and pruners, median hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $2.00 + $90 trip (Chipper Trees) | $22.55 |
| Virginia | $3.50 (Grade A Cuts) | $23.34 |
| Minnesota | $3.50–$5.00 (Revisions Unlimited) | $37.24 |
| Massachusetts | $4.00 (Khoury Bros) | $30.07 |
| South Carolina | $4.00 (Flowers Stump Grinding) | $20.99 |
| Idaho | $5.00 (Boise Stump) | $21.08 |
| Illinois | $5.00 + $225 trip (Gone In One Grind) | $30.99 |
| Wisconsin | $6.00 (WiscoStumps); $7.00 (GrindNGo) | $27.85 |
| Indiana | $6.40 (Indiana Stump Grinding) | $22.14 |
| Utah | $7.50 (Utah Stumps, Stumpt); $10.00 (Master Arbor) | $27.35 |
| Colorado | About $10.00 (Affordable Tree & Shrub) | $24.71 |
| U.S. | Median of 14 lists: $5.50 | $24.50 |
The highest-wage state in the set, Minnesota, has one of the lowest posted rates, and Utah, near the national median wage, has the highest. One company per state is not a market survey, and we do not treat it as one. What the table shows is that a stump grinding price depends mostly on the business model (a dedicated stump company with a compact machine versus a full tree service), the minimum, and local competition. Get two or three quotes even in a low-wage area. For wage context across the trade, see our landscaper salary data.
Red flags in a stump grinding quote
- No depth stated. A price that does not say how far below grade is the easiest one to undercut. Ask for the number in inches.
- No measurement stated. If the quote does not say what diameter it assumed, you cannot compare it to another one.
- Chips “cleaned up” without saying where they go. Raked into the hole and hauled away are different services at different prices.
- Nobody mentions 811. Ask who places the locate request. A company that grinds without one is risking your gas line and its own liability.
- A separate trip charge for each stump on the same visit. The companies in our set apply their minimum or trip fee per job or per visit, not per stump.
- Cash-only, no business name. Ask for a written quote on letterhead and proof of liability insurance; our guide to checking a contractor’s license explains what you can verify with your state.
How we built these numbers
We have no job data of our own. In October 2026 we collected the posted stump grinding rates of 14 U.S. companies that publish a per-inch rate on their own websites (linked in the price-list table). For each company we coded its rules as published: rate per inch, minimum or added trip fee, tiered rates (Chipper Trees), and stated volume discounts (Revisions Unlimited, 10 percent off 5 or more stumps and 15 percent off 10 or more; Boise Stump, 20 percent off 3 or more). Revisions Unlimited posts a $3.50 to $5.00 range, which we coded at the $4.25 midpoint; Khoury Bros says pricing starts at $150 to $250, which we coded as a $150 minimum; Affordable Tree & Shrub states no minimum.
We then priced the same stumps under all 14 rule sets: one stump at 8, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and 60 inches, and groups of 18-inch stumps. Tables show the 25th to 75th percentile (“middle half”) and median of the 14 results, rounded to $5. Example: a 24-inch stump costs $225 at GrindNGo (24 × $7 = $168, below the $225 minimum), $200 at WiscoStumps, $138 at Chipper Trees ($90 + 24 × $2), and $345 at Gone In One Grind ($225 + 24 × $5); the median of all 14 is $200. “Each added stump” uses diameter × $4.00 and × $7.50, the 25th and 75th percentiles of the 14 posted rates (Chipper’s $2.00 tier included). Two size-band price lists not used in the calculation serve as checks: Pelton’s in Gautier, Miss. (13 to 24 inches, $150 to $300) overlaps our middle band, and TN Tree Care in Hanover, Mass. (12 to 24 inches, $200 to $350) sits in the upper half of our full range.
The calculator multiplies the number of stumps by the one-stump range for the chosen diameter, then by two factors. The visit factor (0.65 for 2 to 4 stumps, 0.55 for 5 or more) comes from re-running the 14 price lists for groups of 12- to 36-inch stumps: the median group discount was 29 to 33 percent across all sizes and about 40 percent for 18-inch stumps; we rounded toward the typical residential size. The access factor (1.15 for a fenced backyard, 1.35 for slopes, tight spots, rocky soil or work against a structure) is our assumption, not a published rate: several companies say access raises the price but none posts a percentage. Adders are priced for one average stump from the published add-on prices in the cleanup table. Rental medians come from the 14 machines in the rental table. Wages are BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates for SOC 37-3013. The CPI change uses BLS series CUUR0000SEHP02, September 2019 to September 2025. Excluded: sales tax, travel surcharges beyond a company’s service radius, permits for street trees, and stumps over 60 inches, which most companies quote individually.
This page is general information, not legal or safety advice. 811 notice periods and excavation rules differ by state; confirm with your state 811 center. Stump grinders throw debris and can cause serious injury, so follow the operator’s manual and the rental store’s safety instructions, and read the label before using any chemical stump product or herbicide.
More project prices built the same way are on our costs hub, and our methodology page explains how we source and check every figure.
Stump grinding questions people search
How much does it cost to grind a 24 inch stump?
About $150 to $220 if it is the only stump, with a median of $200 across 14 published price lists. At $4.00 to $7.50 per inch, a 24-inch stump comes to $96 to $180 of grinding, so most companies’ $150 to $225 minimum sets the price. Added to a visit for another stump, it costs about $96 to $180.
How much does it cost to grind a 12 inch stump?
On its own, $150 to $210 at most companies, because a 12-inch stump is only $48 to $90 at typical per-inch rates and the job minimum applies. If the grinder is already there for another stump, a 12-inch stump adds about $48 to $90.
How do you calculate stump grinding cost?
Measure the stump across its widest point at ground level, including the root flare. Multiply by the company’s per-inch rate, then compare the result with its minimum and use the higher figure, or add the trip fee if it charges one. For several stumps, add up all the inches first. Then add any extras: chip haul-away, topsoil, deeper grinding or surface roots.
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
Grinding is cheaper. One stump up to 24 inches costs about $150 to $220 to grind, while digging out the root ball needs an excavator that rents for $200 to $275 a day before the operator, hauling and fill. Removal is worth it mainly when something will be built on the spot.
Can you grind a stump yourself?
Yes. A 13-hp walk-behind grinder rents for a median $95 for four hours or $165 a day at the stores we checked, before transport and damage charges. Call 811 first, mark private lines such as sprinklers, read the full operator’s manual and wear the protective gear the store specifies. For one small stump, hiring costs about the same.
How long does it take to grind a 24 inch stump?
Iowa State University Extension says that with professional grinding the stump is gone within a matter of hours. Because companies price by the inch, not the hour, the time rarely changes your price unless access, rocks or surface roots slow the job.
Will a tree grow back if I grind its stump?
Some species resprout from the remaining roots even after grinding. Iowa State Extension says applying an herbicide containing glyphosate, triclopyr or imazapyr to the cambium right after cutting reduces resprouting. For aggressive root-suckering species such as tree-of-heaven, Penn State Extension says cut-stump treatments do not stop root suckers.
What is the cheapest way to get rid of a stump?
Letting it rot is free but slow: 5 to 10 years or more, according to Colorado State and Iowa State extension. Drilling 1-inch holes, adding nitrogen fertilizer and keeping it covered can cut that to one to three years. For several stumps, renting a grinder for a day is the cheapest fast option.
Sources
- GrindNGo Stumps (Wis.), Wisconsin Stump Grinding Cost Calculator (rates, add-ons, depth). Accessed October 2026.
- GrindNGo Stumps (Wis.), Stump Grinding in Milwaukee. Accessed October 2026.
- WiscoStumps (Waukesha, Wis.), Stump Grinding Prices. Accessed October 2026.
- Chipper Trees LLC (Cumming, Ga.), Stump Grinding & Removal Services. Accessed October 2026.
- Affordable Tree & Shrub Experts (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Stump Removal. Accessed October 2026.
- Revisions Unlimited (Central Minn.), Stump Grinding Cost Calculator. Accessed October 2026.
- Khoury Bros Stump Grinding (Plymouth, Mass.), Stump Grinding Plymouth MA. Accessed October 2026.
- Utah Stumps (Ogden, Utah), Pricing. Accessed October 2026.
- Stumpt LLC (West Jordan, Utah), Stump Grinding Cost. Accessed October 2026.
- Boise Stump (Idaho), Stump Grinding Cost. Accessed October 2026.
- Grade A Cuts (Va.), How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in Virginia?. Accessed October 2026.
- Flowers Stump Grinding (S.C.), Estimates. Accessed October 2026.
- Indiana Stump Grinding LLC (Franklin, Ind.), Services and pricing. Accessed October 2026.
- Gone In One Grind (Naperville, Ill.), What a Stump Grinding Price Chart Actually Tells You. Accessed October 2026.
- Master Arbor (St. George, Utah), Stump Grinding St. George Utah. Accessed October 2026.
- Greenline Tree Service (Vista, Calif.), Stump Grinding Cost in North County. Accessed October 2026.
- Diamond Peak Stump Grinding (Garden City, Idaho), Stump Grinding in Garden City, ID. Accessed October 2026.
- B&C Tree Service (Phoenix, Ariz.), Stump Grinding Cost Phoenix 2026. Accessed October 2026.
- TN Tree Care (Hanover, Mass.), Stump Grinding Cost. Accessed October 2026.
- Pelton's Tree and Land Services (Gautier, Miss.), How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost. Accessed October 2026.
- Rent Equip (Elkton, Va.; Shippensburg, Pa.), Stump Grinders rental rates. Accessed October 2026.
- Rent Equip (Elkton, Va.; Shippensburg, Pa.), Excavators rental rates. Accessed October 2026.
- Great Lakes Rents (Toledo, Ohio), Stump Grinder, Walk Behind 13HP. Accessed October 2026.
- Redi Rental (Grand Haven, Mich.), Stump Grinder 13 HP. Accessed October 2026.
- Handy Rents (Northeast Ohio), Stump Grinder, 13HP, Gas. Accessed October 2026.
- Handy Rents (Northeast Ohio), Rayco RG55 Stump Grinder. Accessed October 2026.
- Tool Rental Place (Oakland, Calif.), Stump Grinder, 13HP Honda. Accessed October 2026.
- Madison Rentals (Madison, Ga.), Stump Grinder, Toro STX26. Accessed October 2026.
- Longenecker's (Manheim, Pa.), Toro Stump Grinder STX-38. Accessed October 2026.
- Talisman Rentals (Marietta, Ga.), Vermeer SC30TX Stump Cutter. Accessed October 2026.
- Taylor True Value Rental (Lancaster, Ohio), Vermeer SC30TX. Accessed October 2026.
- A-1 Rental (Ann Arbor, Mich.), Lawn & Garden Equipment Rentals (Bandit SG-40). Accessed October 2026.
- Four Star Rental (Goshen, Ind.), Large Commercial Stump Grinder (Vermeer SC552). Accessed October 2026.
- Elsinore Valley Rentals (Lake Elsinore, Calif.), Rayco RG 13 Stump Grinder (teeth damage note). Accessed October 2026.
- Bedrock Landscaping Materials (Colo.), Price list, Valid March 10, 2026. Accessed October 2026.
- South Dakota State University Extension, How to Remove a Stump. Accessed October 2026.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, How to Remove Tree Stumps. Accessed October 2026.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, How to Plant Grass After Tree Stump Removal. Accessed October 2026.
- University of Illinois Extension, What to do with that tree stump? A guide to tree stump removal, July 18, 2025. Accessed October 2026.
- University of Illinois Extension, Ask Extension: Don't Plant New Tree atop Recently Ground Stump. Accessed October 2026.
- Colorado State University Extension, PlantTalk Colorado 1740: Stump Removal. Accessed October 2026.
- Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Can I Plant Grass Over Newly Removed Stump?. Accessed October 2026.
- Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Can the Mulch Made by Tree Stumps Be Mixed Into the Surrounding Soil?. Accessed October 2026.
- University of California IPM, WeedCUT: Stump Grinding. Accessed October 2026.
- Penn State Extension, Tree-of-Heaven. Accessed October 2026.
- Common Ground Alliance, call811.com. Accessed October 2026.
- Colorado 811, Professional Excavators (definition of excavation). Accessed October 2026.
- Virginia 811, Locate Request Best Practices Guide. Accessed October 2026.
- Sunshine 811 (Florida), Safe Planting. Accessed October 2026.
- Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, Dig Law (RCW 19.122). Accessed October 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, state estimates, SOC 37-3013, May 2025. Accessed October 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI-U: Gardening and lawncare services (CUUR0000SEHP02), September 2019 to September 2025. Accessed October 2026.
