Once a tree is gone, the stump is the leftover problem — and pricing it confuses a lot of homeowners because “removal” and “grinding” cost very different amounts.
Stump removal typically costs $175 to $550 per stump, while the cheaper grinding method runs about $100 to $400. Many companies charge roughly $2 to $5 per inch of stump diameter, with a minimum fee of around $100. The price depends on size, root system, soil, and whether you want the roots fully dug out or just ground below the surface.
Here’s how the numbers break down and where you can save. For the grinding method specifically, see our stump grinding cost guide.
Cost by stump size
| Stump diameter | Grinding | Full removal |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 12″) | $100 – $175 | $175 – $300 |
| Medium (12″ – 24″) | $175 – $300 | $300 – $450 |
| Large (24″ – 36″) | $300 – $400 | $450 – $550+ |
| Very large (36″+) | $400+ | $550 – $1,000+ |
Many crews offer a per-inch rate (about $2–$5/inch) and discount additional stumps in the same visit.
Grinding vs. full removal
Stump grinding chews the stump down to 4–12 inches below grade and leaves the roots to decay naturally — faster, cheaper, and less disruptive to your yard. Full removal extracts the stump and major roots, leaving a large hole, and costs more but fully clears the area for replanting or construction.
- Choose grinding for most lawns and landscaping.
- Choose full removal if you’re building, planting a new tree in the same spot, or the roots are a problem.
What affects the price
- Size and root spread — bigger, wider-rooted stumps cost more.
- Number of stumps — per-stump price drops with volume.
- Accessibility — tight or sloped spots that block a grinder add labor.
- Wood hardness and soil — hardwoods and rocky soil are slower.
- Cleanup — hauling the grindings or filling the hole may be extra.
Can you save by doing it yourself?
Renting a stump grinder runs roughly $100–$200 per day — worthwhile if you have several stumps. For a single small stump, a pro is often barely more than the rental. Chemical (slow rot) and manual digging are cheap but labor-intensive. See renting a stump grinder and how to remove a stump yourself.
How to get the best price
- Get itemized quotes; confirm whether grinding depth, root chasing, and cleanup are included.
- Bundle multiple stumps into one visit.
- Ask if grindings can be left as mulch to skip hauling fees.
- Schedule alongside other tree work for a package rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is stump grinding cheaper than removal?
Yes — grinding is typically $100–$400 vs. $175–$550+ for full removal, because it leaves the roots in place.
What’s the average cost per stump?
Around $175 on average, but small stumps can be near the $100 minimum and large ones exceed $500.
Does stump removal include the roots?
Full removal does; grinding does not — roots are left to decay below the surface.
Will the company fill the hole?
Some include backfill or leave grindings; confirm in the quote, as it can be an add-on.
Disclaimer: Prices are general 2026 estimates and vary by region, stump, and company. Get local quotes. General information, not a guaranteed price.
Jack Turner
