Cost guide · Updated July 2026 How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Stump grinding cost by stump size
| Stump diameter | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | $100 – $130 (minimum charge) |
| 12 – 24 inches | $120 – $250 |
| 24 – 36 inches | $200 – $360 |
| Over 36 inches | $300 – $450+ |
Measure diameter at ground level, across the widest point — including flared roots, which is where a lot of "surprise" charges come from. Hardwood stumps (oak, hickory, elm) sit at the top of each range; pine and other softwoods at the bottom.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
| Stump grinding | Full removal | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per stump | $100 – $450 | $175 – $525 |
| What's left | Wood chips, roots decay in place | Open hole, roots gone |
| Replant on the spot? | Grass yes; a new tree needs offset | Yes, anything |
| Yard impact | Minimal | Heavy equipment, turf damage |
For 90% of homeowners, grinding is the right call. Full removal only makes sense when you're building over the spot or replanting a tree in the exact same location.
DIY: renting a stump grinder
- Small handlebar grinder: $60 – $150/day — fine for stumps under ~15 inches.
- Mid-size 13 HP grinder: $150 – $250/day — the common big-box rental.
- Large self-propelled grinder: $300 – $400/day — handles most residential stumps, needs a trailer hitch (add $50–$60 plus deposit).
The math favors DIY at three or more small stumps. For a single large hardwood stump, a pro with a commercial machine finishes in 30 minutes what a rental grinds at for hours.
Stump grinding FAQ
How much does stump grinding cost?
Stump grinding costs $100–$450 per stump for most homeowners in 2026 (average ≈ $270), or roughly $2–$5 per inch of stump diameter. Most companies have a minimum service charge of about $100, and additional stumps often run just $40–$75 each — so grinding several in one visit is much cheaper per stump.
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
Grinding is usually cheaper. Full stump removal — digging out the root ball — costs $175–$525 per stump (average ≈ $330) and leaves a large hole. Grinding chews the stump 4–16 inches below grade for $100–$450 and lets you replant grass immediately.
Can I rent a stump grinder and do it myself?
Yes — rental runs $60–$150 per day for a small handlebar machine and $300–$400 per day for a large self-propelled grinder (which also needs a trailer hitch). DIY makes sense for several small stumps, but consumer-grade rentals struggle with hardwood stumps over about 20 inches, and the machines are genuinely dangerous. For one big stump, hiring out usually wins.
Will a ground stump grow back?
Most species won't, but aggressive rooters like willow, poplar, and elm can send up shoots from surviving roots. Grinding deeper (10–16 inches) and treating shoots as they appear solves it.