Stump Removal & Grinding Cost
Stump work is the add-on every quote tries to bundle — know the standalone rate before you agree. Grinding (the cheap option) leaves roots to rot; full removal (digging out the root ball) costs several times more and most yards don't need it.
What moves your quote
- Grinding vs removal: Grinding: $80–$350 per stump or $2–$4/inch of diameter. Full extraction (root ball dug out): $350–$700+, needed mainly for construction or replanting in the same spot.
- Diameter & depth: Standard grind is 6–8 inches below grade; deeper grinding for replanting adds $2–$3 per inch.
- Access: Grinders fit through 36-inch gates; if the machine can't reach, manual removal multiplies labor cost.
- Roots & soil: Shallow surface roots, rock, or clay slow the grinder. Old rotten stumps grind faster and cost less than fresh hardwood ones.
Stump Removal cost by city
Prices swing a lot between metros — labor and disposal fees explain most of it. Pick your city for a localized 2026 range:
- New York, NY — $120–$515
- Los Angeles, CA — $120–$525
- Chicago, IL — $95–$415
- Houston, TX — $70–$305
- Phoenix, AZ — $70–$310
- Philadelphia, PA — $95–$415
- San Antonio, TX — $75–$340
- San Diego, CA — $110–$475
- Dallas, TX — $80–$340
- San Jose, CA — $120–$520
- Austin, TX — $90–$390
- Jacksonville, FL — $70–$305
- Fort Worth, TX — $75–$320
- Columbus, OH — $75–$320
- Charlotte, NC — $75–$335
- Indianapolis, IN — $80–$345
- San Francisco, CA — $120–$520
- Seattle, WA — $95–$420
- Denver, CO — $80–$355
- Nashville, TN — $75–$335
Compare at least 3 quotes
Homeowner reports consistently show the same job quoted 2–4x apart within one metro. Written, itemized quotes are the only defense — verbal numbers evaporate the moment the crew arrives.
Frequently asked questions
How much does stump grinding cost?
The national band is $80–$350 per stump, averaging $2–$4 per inch of trunk diameter. Many companies waive or discount the minimum charge if they're already on site removing the tree.
Should I DIY rent a grinder?
Rental runs $100–$200/half-day plus pickup logistics and safety risk. For one small stump it can break even; for several stumps or big hardwood, pros finish faster for similar total cost with debris hauling included.
What about the chips and the hole left behind?
Grinding leaves a shallow crater filled with chips — most crews leave the chips as free mulch or haul them for $25–$75 extra. The hole settles over a season; topdress with soil and seed.
Will the tree grow back after grinding?
Some species (maple, willow, poplar, locust) sucker aggressively from remaining roots. Ask for grinding 8–10 inches deep and a follow-up treatment if regrowth is a concern.