How Much Does Stump Grinder Rental Cost in 2025?
Renting a stump grinder costs an average of $300
The average stump grinder rental cost is $300 per day, with prices ranging from $90 to $400 per day.
Rental costs depend on factors such as rental duration and grinder type.
Renting allows you to remove stumps yourself, but can be labor-intensive and potentially hazardous.
Hiring a professional stump removal expert saves time and ensures safety and efficiency.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Planning to remove that stubborn tree stump yourself? Renting a stump grinder costs an average of $300 per day, with prices ranging from $90 to $400. Rental duration and the type of grinder influence the overall expense. Before you decide to DIY, remember that hiring a professional will save you time and effort and ensure that your stump is removed safely.
Stump Grinder Rental Cost Factors
If you're considering the DIY route for stump grinding, several factors will impact the rental cost of a stump grinder. Your expenses will depend on the duration of the rental, the grinder type, and where you rent it from.
Amount of Time
Costs start at $60 per hour, or $200 per day. A full day gives you 24 hours of use and is likely the best value, as it gives you a cushion if you're working on a tough stump to help you avoid a late fee. If you're working on clearing a large area of stumps, then you might find it more economical to rent a stump grinder by the week. Here are the average costs for various rental durations.
| Rental Duration | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hour | $60–$90 | $75 |
| Half day | $110–$220 | $165 |
| Day | $200–$400 | $300 |
| Week | $840–$930 | $885 |
Brand
The stump grinder rental company also impacts your cost. Here’s a breakdown of some popular stump grinder rental brands.
| Brand | Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| AAA Equipment Rental | $135–$250 |
| Sunbelt Rentals | $120–$350 |
| Home Depot | $200–$300 |
| Lowe's | $120–$150 |
| Herc Rentals | $250–$280 |
Grinder Type
Standard stump grinders cost between $200 and $400 per day. Mini grinders are only suitable for small stumps under 10 inches in diameter. For particularly large grinders, you might also need to rent a trailer, which generally adds another $50 to $60 to your cost.
Mini or compact stump grinders range from $60 to $90 per day, or up to $1,000 for four weeks. They cost less than traditional grinders and weigh a lot less. You might not have to rent a trailer to move it. However, these machines only work for small stumps. Talk to a stump removal company near you to see what they recommend.
DIY Stump Grinding vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a professional for tree stump removal costs $370 on average, with prices ranging from $150 to $500. You’ll pay the same amount to grind a stump yourself as you would by hiring a pro, so it's worth getting an estimate from a tree removal company near you .
If you're considering DIY stump grinding, keep these risks in mind:
Safety: Without the right safety equipment, you risk serious personal injury.
Size: Rental stump grinders often handle only rotten or very small stumps. If your stump is more than 12 inches in diameter, a rental likely won't suffice.
Cost: Renting large stump grinders with trailers could end up costing more than hiring a pro.
Labor: DIY stump grinding is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Mess: You might end up with more debris than expected due to wood chips and dirt clods.
Considering these factors, it’s more efficient and safer to hire a professional for your stump removal project.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, grinding a stump is worthwhile if you plan to use the area for planting, recreation, or building. Removing the stump clears space for new landscaping or construction projects. Additionally, as the stump decomposes, it can rob the soil of nitrogen, affecting the growth of other plants. Stumps are also a tripping hazard, making removal a wise choice.
The time it takes to grind a stump depends on its size, density, and the grinder's performance. A small, soft stump can be ground in 15 minutes, while a large, dense stump may require up to eight hours for complete removal. Factors like the stump's structure and your grinding technique affect how quickly you can remove it.
Grinding a stump is often the best solution for clearing an area for construction or planting. It removes the visible portion of the stump, but the roots remain underground. If you need to remove the roots for long-term stability or design plans, you'll need to hire a professional for full stump and root removal. This ensures your site is completely cleared for future projects.
Leaving a tree stump in your yard can cause several problems. It can become a breeding ground for pests and diseases that might harm nearby trees and structures. Plus, the decaying stump can interfere with your landscaping plans, making mowing difficult and promoting unwanted new growth that can disrupt soil stability. Removing the stump eliminates these risks and improves your yard's safety and appearance.
To effectively kill a stump, you need to interrupt its nutrient supply and speed up decay. Drill holes into the stump and fill them with a concentrated herbicide like glyphosate, rock salt, or Epsom salt. This method ensures the substance penetrates deeply. Alternatively, cover the stump with a dark, heavy-duty tarp to deprive it of sunlight, which accelerates the process. Remember to follow safety guidelines when using these methods.
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