Stump grinding cost by stump size
| Stump size | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Small stump, up to 12 inches across | $40–$160 | Usually billed at the company minimum |
| Medium stump, 13 to 24 inches across | $75–$220 | The middle size class in the guides |
| Large stump, over 24 inches across | $100–$420 | Guides disagree most on very wide stumps |
Every guide we read quotes the job at $2 to $5 per inch of diameter (HomeGuide $2 to $6), but the per-inch rate is only part of the price. Companies also set a minimum charge of about $100, so a small stump costs more than the rate alone suggests. The guides disagree most on very wide stumps: HomeGuide tops out well below LawnStarter, so the large-stump range is wide.
What changes the price
- Diameter. This sets the per-inch price and decides whether the minimum charge applies.
- Number of stumps. Additional stumps in the same visit usually cost less than the first. HomeGuide prices them at $30 to $60 each, Angi at $40 to $75 and LawnStarter at $37 to $70.
- Type of wood. LawnStarter adds a hardwood surcharge per stump.
- Roots. Roots that run along the surface or toward pipes are billed by the hour.
- Debris. Hauling away the wood chips is an extra charge.
- Where you live. The calculator adjusts the labor share for your state's tree trimmer wages.
Extras to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood stump | $50–$150 per stump | Dense species that grind more slowly |
| Hauling away the chips | $50–$200 | When you do not want the chips left in the hole |
| One hour of root removal | $75–$200 | Surface roots or roots near pipes |
Grinding leaves the roots in the ground. Pulling the whole stump out costs more: LawnStarter prices full stump removal at $175 to $516. Taking down the tree itself is priced on tree removal cost, and a new lawn over the spot on sod installation cost.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price per inch, per stump or a flat visit fee, and what is the minimum charge?
- How deep will you grind, and will you leave the chips or haul them away?
- What do you charge for each additional stump in the same visit?
- Is there a surcharge for hardwood or for roots?
- Will you mark underground lines before you start?
Methodology and sources
We price each stump size from four published guides, take the middle of their lows, midpoints and highs, and adjust the labor share for your state's wages. Forbes Home is used as an independent cross-check. Read how we estimate costs.
- HomeGuide: stump grinding cost — price by diameter, minimum charge, additional stumps, roots
- Angi: stump grinding cost — price by diameter, minimum charge, debris, roots
- LawnStarter: stump grinding cost — price by size class, hardwood surcharge, stump removal
- Fixr: stump grinding cost — price by size class, minimum charge
- Forbes Home: stump grinding and removal cost — used as an independent cross-check
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 37-3013, Tree Trimmers and Pruners) — state labor index
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide |
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| Angi |
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| LawnStarter |
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| Fixr |
|
Common questions about stump grinding costs
How much does stump grinding cost?
A typical job (medium, 13 to 24 in.) comes to about $140 nationally, within a range of $80 to $220. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
How much does it cost to grind one stump?
A medium stump of 13 to 24 inches across costs about $75–$220. A small stump of up to 12 inches costs about $40–$160 and a large one about $100–$420.
What is the stump grinding cost per inch?
Most guides quote $2 to $5 per inch of diameter, and HomeGuide $2 to $6. Companies also set a minimum charge, so a small stump is billed at the minimum rather than the per-inch rate.
Is there a minimum charge for stump grinding?
Yes. Angi and Fixr both put it at $100, and HomeGuide at $80 to $160. That is why the small-stump price starts well above what the per-inch rate would give.
How much does it cost to grind several stumps?
Each additional stump in the same visit usually costs less: HomeGuide $30 to $60, Angi $40 to $75 and LawnStarter $37 to $70. The calculator prices every stump at the full rate, so its total for three medium stumps, $230–$660, is a ceiling.
How much more does a hardwood stump cost?
LawnStarter adds $50–$150 per stump for dense hardwoods. Forbes Home gives the surcharge as a percentage instead.
How much does root removal cost?
Crews bill roots by the hour. HomeGuide puts it at $75 to $150 an hour and Angi at $100 to $200, so an hour is about $75–$200.
Does the price include hauling away the wood chips?
Not usually. Hauling away the debris costs about $50–$200 extra, according to Angi and HomeGuide.
Is stump removal more expensive than grinding?
Yes. LawnStarter prices full stump removal instead of grinding at $175 to $516, against about $75–$220 for grinding a medium stump.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 4 published cost pages from 4 publishers, last checked Oct 9, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 4 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.