If you’ve got a leftover stump rotting in your yard, don’t ignore it. Stump grinding isn’t optional if you actually want your yard back. And yes, it costs money.
What Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Here’s the real deal: most stump grinding jobs cost anywhere from $100 to $500. But it’s not one-size-fits-all.
- Small stump (under 12 inches): $100–$150
- Medium stump (13–24 inches): $200–$300
- Large stump (25+ inches): $350–$500+
- Per inch pricing: Some pros charge $2–$5 per inch in diameter
You also might get charged by the hour ($100–$150/hr) if there are multiple stumps. Or for minimum service fees if it’s a small job out in the middle of nowhere.
Every yard, stump, and setup is different. Roots running through rock? That’s gonna cost more. Tight access? More again. You see the pattern.
Why Stump Grinding Actually Matters
Some folks think, “It’s just a stump. It’s not hurting anything.” Wrong. That ugly chunk of dead wood is a problem.
- Tripping hazard. For kids, guests, and lawn mowers.
- Pest magnet. Termites, ants, and even fungi love old stumps.
- It keeps growing. Yeah. Some stumps try to regrow into trees. Zombie trees. You don’t want that.
- It gets in the way. Try planting new stuff or mowing around a stump for five years. Not fun.
Grinding it out means you can use your yard again. That’s the bottom line.
When to Grind a Stump
Best time? Sooner than later. Right after tree removal is ideal. Why? Because:
- The stump is easier to grind when it’s fresh (not dried out and rock solid).
- It’s not in the way of future landscaping or hardscaping.
- You avoid letting pests and rot set in.
If you’ve had a stump sitting for months or years, you can still grind it. But it might cost more if it’s hardened or the roots have spread deeper.
How Stump Grinding Is Done
Not complicated, but not DIY-friendly either unless you like throwing your back out.
- A stump grinder is a heavy-duty machine with a spinning cutting wheel.
- It chews the stump into wood chips, down to 4–12 inches below ground, depending on your preference.
- Roots close to the surface are usually hit, too, but deep roots stay unless you pay extra for removal.
- Afterward, you’re left with a pile of mulch and a hole.
Some pros clean up. Some don’t. Ask ahead, or you’ll be staring at a mess.
Common Mistakes People Make
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Homeowners mess this up all the time:
- Hiring the cheapest guy with a rented grinder. You’ll get what you pay for: half a stump and a mess.
- Waiting too long. Old stumps are tougher and costlier to remove.
- Assuming it includes cleanup. Nope. Ask what’s included in the quote.
- Not checking for underground stuff. Water lines. Gas. Sprinklers. Always call 811 before grinding.
- Skipping the grind altogether. Thinking, “nature will take care of it.” Sure, in about 10–15 years.
What Happens If You Don’t Grind It Right
You leave it? You get:
- Regrowth. Especially with certain trees, such as poplar or willow.
- Pests. Bugs, fungus, and mould, which can spread to your lawn or even your house.
- Soil issues. The ground settles weirdly. It’ll mess with your landscaping.
- Lost resale value. Buyers don’t want a yard with old stumps. Period.
And if you try to grind it yourself with a rented machine and no clue? You can injure yourself, break a utility line, or plain do a bad job. Then you’ll call a pro anyway and spend more.
Final Word
Stump grinding isn’t sexy, but it’s necessary. It costs a bit, but not grinding it can cost more in the long run. If you’re hiring someone, know what you’re paying for, what’s included, and what your yard looks like when they’re done.
Jose Maldonado
Owner, Omar Tree Service LLC
Located: 3020 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO
Phone: +1 (816) 694-6352
