Tree stumps left in the yard become tripping hazards, pest habitat, and lawn mowing obstacles. Professional stump grinding is faster and cheaper than most homeowners expect.
Professional stump grinding cost
Most companies charge $100-$200 for the first stump and $50-$150 for each additional stump. Large stumps (over 24 inches diameter) cost $200-$400. Flat-rate pricing for multiple stumps is common -- removing 5-10 stumps often runs $400-$800 total.
What affects the price
Stump diameter is the primary factor. Stump age (fresh stumps are harder to grind), root spread, access difficulty, and proximity to structures all affect cost. Stump grinding leaves wood chips in the hole -- some companies charge extra to haul away the debris.
Grinding vs. chemical removal vs. manual removal
Grinding is the fastest and most effective method -- the stump is ground to 6-12 inches below grade, allowing lawn regrowth. Chemical rotting (Stump-Out) is cheap but takes 4-12 months. Manual removal with a mattock is physically demanding and impractical for large stumps. For most homeowners, professional grinding is the best value.
DIY stump grinder rental
You can rent a stump grinder for $200-$350/day from equipment rental companies. However: they're physically demanding to operate, require safety gear, and can damage underground utilities. For one or two stumps, professional service is often competitive with rental cost once you factor in time and effort.
Bottom line
For most homeowners, professional stump grinding at $100-$200 per stump beats renting equipment. Bundle multiple stumps in one visit for the best per-stump pricing.
Need tree service work done?
Novum sends its own licensed crew. Flat upfront quote before we touch anything.