Reviewed
Contractors may also charge approximately $2–$6 per inch of stump diameter, depending on the size, species and accessibility of the stump. Minimum service fees can apply even to relatively small stumps. HomeGuide
Stump grinding and complete stump excavation are different services, so their prices shouldn’t be compared without checking the scope.
This guide breaks down published stump removal prices by stump size, removal method and the number of stumps.
How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?
The price depends on whether the stump is ground below grade or physically excavated with its root mass.
| Service | Published Cost | Pricing Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Average stump removal | $100–$400 | Per stump |
| Grinding first stump | $120–$400 | Per stump |
| Grinding additional stumps | $30–$60 | Per stump |
| Extra-large stump grinding | $300–$800 | Per stump |
| Stump grinding by diameter | $2–$6 | Per inch |
| Stump grinding service | $100–$200 | Per hour |
| Excavating a stump with backhoe | $80–$190 | Per stump, before minimum charges |
| Backhoe removal minimum | $150–$350 | Minimum service charge |
| Stump grinder rental | $100–$400 | Per day |
Sources: HomeGuide stump removal and stump grinding. Rates cover different scopes. Per-stump figures and minimum service charges should not be added or compared without checking the estimate.
What Is the Average Price to Remove a Tree Stump?
HomeGuide reports approximately $100–$400 for stump removal.
However, the total can increase when the stump is very large, access is restricted or the job requires complete excavation and site restoration.
The most useful comparison is between contractors quoting the same removal depth and cleanup requirements.
Stump Grinding Cost by Size
Stump grinding prices generally increase with stump diameter because larger stumps require more cutting time and equipment capacity.
HomeGuide publishes the following estimates.
| Stump Diameter | Published Grinding Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 inches | $30–$70 |
| 24 inches | $50–$150 |
| 36 inches | $70–$220 |
| 48 inches | $100–$290 |
| 60 inches | $120–$360 |
| 72 inches | $150–$430 |
Source: HomeGuide’s stump grinding guide. Minimum service fees of approximately $80–$160 may apply.
How Do You Measure a Stump?
Measure the stump’s widest diameter at ground level, including the broad base where it flares into the roots.
Do not rely only on the diameter of the saw-cut surface when the base is wider.
Photographs showing a tape measure across the stump can help a contractor prepare an initial estimate.
How Much Does a 24-Inch Stump Cost to Grind?
HomeGuide publishes approximately $50–$150 for grinding a 24-inch stump.
However, a contractor’s minimum service charge may raise the total for a single-stump visit.
How Much Does a 36-Inch Stump Cost to Grind?
HomeGuide estimates approximately $70–$220 for a 36-inch stump, before considering any applicable minimum charge or additional work.
How Much Does a Large Stump Cost to Remove?
Very large stumps can cost $300–$800 to grind, according to HomeGuide.
Actual pricing depends on stump species, diameter, height, root flare, access and required depth.
Stump Removal Cost for Multiple Stumps
Removing several stumps during the same visit can reduce the average cost per stump because equipment transportation and setup are shared.
HomeGuide publishes $120–$400 for the first stump and $30–$60 for each additional stump.
The table below shows arithmetic examples using those rates.
| Number of Stumps | Calculated Total |
|---|---|
| 1 | $120–$400 |
| 2 | $150–$460 |
| 3 | $180–$520 |
| 5 | $240–$640 |
| 10 | $390–$940 |
Calculated examples based on HomeGuide’s first-stump and additional-stump rates. They assume the extra stumps qualify for the quoted discount; these aren’t published contractor quotes.
Larger stumps, substantial access restrictions and root extraction can change the estimate.
For extensive wooded properties, ask about a bundled stump-removal price rather than assuming a fixed per-stump rate.
Stump Grinding vs Excavation Cost
The removal method changes the work performed and the condition of the property afterward.
| Method | Published Pricing | Main Result |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding | $120–$400 for first stump | Visible stump reduced below grade |
| Backhoe stump excavation | $80–$190 per stump, with minimum charges | Stump and main root mass extracted |
| Additional root-removal work | Often priced by labor and equipment time | More underground roots removed |
| Natural decomposition | No immediate contractor charge | Stump remains until it decays |
Source: HomeGuide stump removal cost guide. Excavation estimates can exclude backfilling, cleanup and restoration, so the lower unit price doesn’t necessarily mean a cheaper completed project.
Is Stump Grinding Cheaper Than Full Removal?
Grinding may be less expensive for landscaping because it generally requires less excavation and site restoration.
However, published excavation unit rates sometimes appear lower than grinding rates.
Those figures often exclude minimum machine charges and follow-up work such as backfilling the hole.
Compare the total cost of the finished result, not the removal-unit rate alone.
What Affects Stump Removal Prices?
Stump Diameter
Larger stumps require more cutting or excavation.
The broad base of a stump may be wider than the remaining trunk.
Tree Species
Dense hardwoods and difficult root structures can require additional work.
Decayed or softer wood may be easier to process.
Number of Stumps
Multiple-stump jobs may qualify for discounts because machinery is already on-site.
Removal Depth
Grinding several inches below the surface is a different scope from removing extensive underground wood.
Deeper grinding usually costs more.
Accessibility
Stumps located between buildings, behind narrow gates or on steep terrain can be harder to access.
Ground Conditions
Rocky soil, wet ground and buried debris can slow work or limit machinery.
Nearby Structures and Utilities
Stumps close to foundations, sidewalks, pipes or electrical services require additional precautions.
Debris Removal
Wood chips, roots and displaced soil may be left on-site unless cleanup is included.
Site Restoration
Backfilling, topsoil, grading and reseeding can increase the total.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Stump Grinder?
HomeGuide reports stump grinder rental costs of approximately $100–$400 per day.
The final rental cost depends on the machine, rental period and supplier.
Additional expenses may include:
- Delivery and collection.
- Fuel.
- Protective equipment.
- Insurance or damage coverage.
- Trailer rental.
- Cleanup.
- Additional rental days.
Is It Cheaper to Rent or Hire?
Renting may make sense if you have suitable equipment experience and several accessible stumps.
For one or two stumps, a professional service may be competitive once transportation, setup and cleanup are considered.
Stump grinders are hazardous machines that require appropriate training and protective equipment.
How to Get an Accurate Stump Removal Quote
Provide contractors with:
- Stump count.
- Approximate diameter of each stump.
- Stump height.
- Tree species, if known.
- Photographs.
- Property access information.
- Distance to nearby structures.
- Whether underground roots must be removed.
- Required grinding depth.
- Cleanup and restoration requirements.
Ask whether the quote includes mobilization, wood-chip removal and filling the resulting hole.
Find Stump Removal Contractors Near You
Browse our national directory to locate land-clearing companies serving your area.
Check individual service listings and confirm stump grinding or removal availability before hiring.
Find Land Clearing Contractors →
Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Removal Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Remove One Stump?
HomeGuide reports average stump removal costs of $100–$400. Grinding the first stump typically costs $120–$400, while very large stumps may cost more.
How Much Does It Cost to Grind a Stump Per Inch?
HomeGuide lists approximately $2–$6 per inch of stump diameter. Minimum service charges can apply, so multiplying the diameter by the unit rate may underestimate the total for one small stump.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Five Stumps?
Using HomeGuide’s published first-stump and additional-stump rates, five qualifying stumps produce a calculated range of approximately $240–$640. Actual prices depend on their sizes, access and the method used.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Roots?
Root-removal costs vary by scope. Small accessible roots may require limited labor, while extensive extraction near foundations or utilities can involve excavation and additional restoration. Request a separate quote defining which roots will be removed.
Is Stump Removal Included in Tree Removal?
Not always. Many tree-removal quotes cover cutting down the tree and handling the trunk and branches while leaving the stump. Ask whether stump grinding or excavation is separately priced.
How Much Does Deep Stump Grinding Cost?
Deeper grinding generally costs more than standard surface treatment because it requires additional cutting time. Ask contractors to quote the required depth rather than relying on a generic stump-removal price.
Does Stump Removal Include Filling the Hole?
Not automatically. Some contractors leave chips or an open excavation, while others include backfilling, topsoil and grading. Confirm the finished condition in writing.
Sources and Pricing References
- HomeGuide — Tree Stump Removal Cost
- HomeGuide — Stump Grinding Cost
- HomeGuide — Stump Grinder Rental Cost
Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Published prices are third-party estimates and are not quotes collected by LandClearingGuide.