National cost surveys put a typical stump grinding job at about $130 to $440, with an average in the high $200s. Most crews price by the stump's diameter, with a minimum charge per visit and a lower rate for each extra stump.
Typical prices by stump size
These ranges come from national cost surveys and are a starting point. Your price depends on the factors below.
| Stump diameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 12 inches) | About $100 to $175 (often the minimum charge) |
| Medium (12 to 24 inches) | About $150 to $300 |
| Large (24 to 36 inches) | About $250 to $450 |
| Very large (over 36 inches) | $450 and up |
| Each extra stump, same visit | Usually much less than the first |
What adds to the price
- Hardwood. Oak and hickory take longer to grind than pine.
- Surface roots you want ground out too.
- Hard access: narrow gates, steps, steep slopes, or stumps against a fence, wall or foundation.
- Extra depth for replanting or construction.
- Chip removal and topsoil backfill, if you want the spot ready for grass.
- Rocky ground. It wears out grinder teeth, and some crews charge more for it.
Ways to save
- Grind all your stumps at once, including old ones you've been mowing around.
- Add the stump to your tree removal quote instead of booking it later.
- Keep the chips and spread them as mulch yourself.
- Send a photo and a measurement with your request so you get an accurate price up front.
More on the work itself: stump grinding in Chattanooga.
Common questions
Is there a minimum charge?
Most crews have one, because hauling a grinder to your house costs the same whether it grinds one small stump or five. That's why a single small stump can cost about as much as a medium one.
How do I measure my stump?
Measure straight across the widest part of the top, at ground level, in inches. Include any big root flares that stick up. Send that number and a photo with your quote request.
Is digging out a stump cheaper than grinding?
Almost never. Digging a stump out takes an excavator and leaves a big hole. Grinding is usually the cheaper and cleaner choice unless you're building on the spot.
Can I rent a grinder and do it myself?
You can, but rental grinders are heavy and dangerous, and they're slow on large hardwood stumps. Once you add the rental, the trailer and a lost Saturday, hiring it out often costs about the same for one or two stumps.