Stump Grinding
Erase That Eyesore for Good
After a tree comes down, the leftover stump is more than an eyesore, it's a tripping hazard, a mowing obstacle, and an invitation to pests and regrowth. Stump grinding chews it down below ground level so you can reclaim the space.
Grinding is faster and cheaper than full excavation, and pricing usually tracks the stump's diameter. A good pro grinds several inches below grade, leaving you a clean spot ready to sod, plant, or build over.
Abode connects you with local stump grinding pros. Compare specialists, understand the cost, and clear that stump for good.
Did You Know?
Left in place, a tree stump can attract termites, carpenter ants, and beetles, drawing wood-destroying pests closer to your home.
Stump Grinding Cost. How Much Do Projects Cost?
Most projects run between $100 and $600. The average price is typically around $225. The $100 to $600 range covers grinding one stump on a standalone visit, where the minimum job fee sets the floor; a stump ground while the crew is already on site for the removal skips that minimum, and one contractor posts a 10 percent discount for taking the stump along with the tree. Grinding chews the stump below grade but leaves the root system in the ground rather than excavating it, hauling off the grindings and backfilling are normally billed separately, and the per-inch row below is a unit rate rather than a project total while an extra-large hardwood stump can reach $800.
Typical duration: 15 minutes to a few hours
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per-inch pricing | $2-$7 per inch of diameter | The standard basis, measured at the widest point of the root flare; a few contractors post a flat $10 per inch |
| Minimum job fee | $100-$150 | Applies even to a small stump, and a single stump 45 to 60 minutes out can carry a minimum near $300 |
| Large stump | $300-$800 each | Extra-large hardwood stumps, where deeper grinding and surface roots add time |
| Each additional stump | $30-$150 each | Far cheaper than the first because the grinder is already on site |
| Haul-away and backfill | $50-$100+ for the grindings, plus $10-$50 per yard of topsoil | Not included in the grinding price, so without it you are left with a mound of chips over a hole |
Cost data verified August 26, 2026. How we source cost data.
08/26/2026
Signs You Need Stump Grinding
- A leftover stump after tree removal
- A stump obstructing mowing or landscaping
- Pests or regrowth around a stump
- A tripping hazard in the yard
- Wanting to reclaim the space
Is It Right For You?
Who It's For
- Homeowners with leftover stumps to remove
- Anyone reclaiming yard space after tree removal
Who It's Not For
- Standing trees that need removal first
- A stump a homeowner is content to leave
What to Watch Out For
Grinding removes the stump but leaves the root system
Even a tiny stump hits the minimum job fee
Alternatives to Consider
| Alternative | Better When | Worse When |
|---|---|---|
| Full stump removal | Removes roots too | Costs 2-3x more than grinding |
| Chemical rotting | Cheap DIY | Takes weeks to months to work |
Is It Worth It?
Stump grinding is worth it to reclaim usable yard space and remove a hazard and pest magnet, at a fraction of full excavation cost.
Questions to Ask Your Pro
- Is grinding or full removal better for my plans for the space?
- How deep will you grind below ground?
- Do you offer a discount for multiple stumps?
Frequently Asked Questions
Grinding a single stump on a standalone visit typically costs $100 to $600, averaging around $225, priced at roughly $2 to $7 per inch of diameter with a $100 to $150 minimum job fee. An extra-large hardwood stump runs $300 to $800, and each additional stump on the same visit is only $30 to $150.
Grinding chews the stump down several inches below grade and leaves the roots, while full removal excavates the entire root ball at 2 to 3 times the cost. Neither price includes hauling off the grindings or backfilling the hole.
Bringing out the grinder has a fixed cost, so even small stumps hit a $100 to $150 minimum job fee, and a stump 45 to 60 minutes out can carry a minimum near $300. A stump ground while the crew is already there for the tree removal avoids that minimum and costs less.
Yes, and the drop is steep. The first stump carries the minimum, while each additional stump on the same visit runs $30 to $150 rather than full price.
Pros measure the diameter at the widest point of the base including the root flare, not just the cut surface on top.
