How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Grinding down a stump costs an average of $250, with prices ranging from $30 for small stumps up to $1,600 for larger ones. Key factors like stump diameter, tree type, quantity of stumps, and terrain conditions influence the final cost. Grinding down old tree stumps helps deter unwanted pests and improves the curb appeal of your property. Hiring a professional stump removal service ensures the stump is removed safely and efficiently, saving you time and avoiding potential hazards.

Cost to Grind Stumps by Diameter

Stump grinding rates often depend on the diameter of the stump. Professionals charge between $2 and $5 per inch of diameter. If you have a small 6-inch stump, grinding it might cost you $12 to $30. Larger stumps, like a 24-inch one, could cost between $48 and $120. Keep in mind that many contractors have a minimum fee of $100 to $150 for a single stump. If you have multiple stumps, you may get a discount on each additional one, lowering your overall cost.

Stump Grinding Cost Factors

Stump grinding costs vary depending on the type and number of stumps you remove, the terrain, necessary permits, and landscaping requirements.

Type of Stump

The type of tree stump in your yard can affect grinding costs. Stumps from softer woods like pine, cedar, and cypress are easier to grind down, keeping labor costs low. But if you're dealing with a hardwood stump like oak, maple, or walnut, you might pay up to 20% more due to the time and equipment required to remove them.

Quantity

The more stumps you have removed, the less you'll pay per stump. While a grinding service might charge you a flat fee of between $100 and $150 for the first, additional stumps may cost just $40 to $75 each, reducing your overall cost per stump. You may be able to negotiate an even better deal for large quantities of stumps.

Terrain

Working on difficult terrain incurs additional costs of up to $50 per hour or a flat fee upcharge of up to $200. Grinding a stump on flat, grassy terrain is considerably easier than working on a stump on rocky, uneven, or hilly terrain. Working in challenging conditions takes longer, hence the additional labor costs.

Permit

You may need a permit to grind a stump, especially if utility lines run underneath it. These permits ensure safety measures are in place to avoid damaging underground utilities. Permit costs range from $100 to $500, depending on your city and the scope of the work. Sometimes, whether you need a permit can even depend on the type of tree you're removing.

Debris Removal

Debris removal and disposal costs $50 to $200. You may pay an additional hourly labor rate of $50 per hour, or the stump grinding pro may calculate waste removal by the stump's diameter at $2 to $4 per inch.

Root Removal

Stump grinding doesn't remove the entire root system underground. If you plan to plant a new tree, start a garden, or build something over the area, you'll need to remove the roots, which costs $100 to $200 per hour.

Leaving the roots can make digging difficult and may lead to problems down the line. As roots decay, they can create voids in the soil, causing foundations to shift or crack. Removing the roots now can save you from future headaches.

Tree Removal

If you’re considering removing trees near the stump or opting for complete tree removal, expect to pay between $200 and $2,000, depending on the type, size, and accessibility of the trees. This cost does not include the price of grinding out the stump. It only includes felling the tree and hauling away the wood. A stump removal professional near you can also help reposition or transplant trees as part of the project, with costs ranging between $300 and $1,000, depending on the tree size.

Yard Repairs

The cost of yard repairs depends on the size and quantity of stumps you remove and their impact on your property.

Mulching costs an average of $0.35 per square foot and lets you fill in the holes left by the stumps quickly and affordably. It prevents the holes from becoming a trip hazard for humans and pets, filling them with rich, fertile matter ready for planting.

Laying sod over the area costs $1 to $2 per square foot. You can lay the sod right over the mulch or go with a layer of rich topsoil instead. Sodding creates an instantly-green lawn area, a good option if you don't want to plant another tree or a flowerbed in place of the old stumps. You may also want to take the opportunity to simultaneously sod the rest of your yard to maximize savings.

DIY vs. Hiring a Stump Removal Pro

If you want to take on a stump removal project yourself, you can rent a stump grinder for $100 to $300 daily. Remember that these machines are heavy and tricky to operate safely without experience. Plus, DIY stump grinding often overlooks tasks like root removal, debris disposal, and ground repair, which can add to your workload and expenses.

Hiring a local stump grinding professional, costing between $200 and $500, ensures the job is done safely and efficiently. Stump removal pros handle everything—from grinding and root removal to cleanup and complying with local regulations. If your stump is near utility lines or structures, leaving it to the experts is especially wise.

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.