What You're Actually Going to Pay
Estimate disclaimer: These estimated ranges are based on national pricing data for stump services. Your actual quote depends on soil conditions, stump age, root complexity, and your contractor's pricing model.
Small (under 12 in)
$100 – $175
Per stump, standard access
Medium (12–24 in)
$175 – $275
Per stump, standard access
Large (24–36 in)
$275 – $400
Per stump, standard access
Very Large (36+ in)
$400 – $600
Per stump, may require larger equipment
Pricing by Stump Diameter
Diameter is the single biggest driver of cost — larger stumps take longer, wear out the equipment faster, and sometimes require a bigger machine. Here's how the numbers break down across common sizes.
| Stump Diameter | Flat Fee Range | Per-Inch Rate | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | $100 – $175 | $3–$5/inch | You'll likely hit the minimum service call fee regardless of size |
| 12–24 inches | $175 – $275 | $2.50–$4/inch | The most common size on residential lots — most quotes assume this |
| 24–36 inches | $275 – $400 | $2–$3.50/inch | Some contractors will bring a larger machine, which can bump the price |
| Over 36 inches | $400 – $600+ | $2–$3/inch | Commercial-grade grinder territory — get at least two quotes |
Grinding vs. Full Removal — Which Do You Actually Need?
Here's the honest answer: most homeowners don't need full removal. Grinding chews the stump down to chips and leaves the roots underground to decompose on their own — it's faster, cheaper, and leaves your yard looking clean. Full removal digs out the entire root ball, which matters if you're replanting a tree in the same spot or pouring a patio. That extra work costs 50–80% more. Check out thestump grinding vs. stump removal guideif you're still on the fence, or head to the stump removal cost guide for full removal pricing.
How Contractors Actually Price This Work
Not every company uses the same pricing model, and knowing the difference helps you compare quotes apples-to-apples.
- Per-stump flat fee — the most common approach for standard residential jobs; easy to shop around with
- Per-inch of diameter — they measure the stump at ground level and charge $2–$5 per inch; straightforward once you know your stump size
- Day rate — usually reserved for large commercial jobs or clearing many stumps at once; typically $600–$1,500/day
- Minimum service call fee — almost every company charges $75–$150 just to show up, even for a tiny stump; this is normal and worth factoring in
The Add-Ons That Sneak Into Your Quote
The base price gets you the stump ground down. Everything else is extra — and these line items add up faster than you'd expect.
| Extra Service | Typical Added Cost |
|---|---|
| Travel/mobilization | $50 – $100 (if not already baked into the quote) |
| Hauling away the debris and chips | $25 – $75 per job |
| Grinding exposed surface roots | $25 – $75 per linear foot of root |
| Difficult access — tight fence gate, steep slope | +20 to +40% on top of the base quote |
| Grinding deeper than 12 inches | +$25 – $75 per stump |
Got More Than One Stump? Ask About a Bundle
What most people don't realize is that the mobilization fee — that $75–$150 just to show up — is a fixed cost no matter how many stumps you grind in one visit. That means your second stump in the same yard often costs 20–30% less than the first because the travel is already covered. If you've got five or more stumps, per-stump rates can drop by 30–40%. The savings are real. Always mention every stump when you ask for a quote — never schedule separate visits.
Thinking About Renting a Grinder and Doing It Yourself?
Stump grinder rentals run $150–$400 per day at most equipment rental yards. Fair warning though — these machines weigh between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds and you'll need a trailer to haul one home. DIY only really pencils out if you've got at least 3–4 stumps, a wide open workspace, and you're comfortable operating heavy equipment.
Skip the DIY route if: any stump is within 10 feet of a structure, there are utility lines in the area, the stump is bigger than 24 inches (you'll need commercial-grade gear), or you've never run a piece of heavy machinery before. It's one of those jobs where a bad day can get expensive very fast.
How These Estimates Are Generated
Stump cost bases are derived from national pricing data for stump grinding and full removal services, adjusted by stump diameter, root complexity, service type, and state labor-rate multipliers.
What these estimates cover: Typical residential stump grinding or full removal in a standard access situation, including equipment and standard debris handling.
What they don't replace: A professional site assessment. Actual contractor prices vary based on individual overhead, seasonal demand, equipment availability, and site conditions no formula can fully capture.Always get at least 2–3 written quotes.