Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Cost Comparison

After a tree comes down, you're left with a stump. You have three options: leave it, grind it, or remove it completely. Each has different costs, implications, and trade-offs.

Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: What's the Difference?

Stump Grinding

A machine with a rotating cutting wheel chips away the stump to below ground level—typically 6-12 inches deep. The root system stays in the ground. You're left with a hole filled with wood chips and mulch.

Pros:

• Less expensive than removal
• Faster—most stumps take 30-60 minutes
• Less disruptive to surrounding landscape
• Wood chips can be used as mulch

Cons:

• Roots remain and may sprout (especially maples, willows, elms)
• Can't plant a new tree in the exact same spot
• Ground will settle over time as roots decay
• Underground roots may interfere with future construction

Stump Removal (Extraction)

The entire stump and major root ball are dug out and removed. This leaves a large hole that needs to be filled with soil.

Pros:

• Complete removal—no roots left to sprout
• Can plant a new tree in the same location
• No settling or decay issues
• Better if you're planning construction or hardscaping

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive
• More time-consuming
• Major disruption to surrounding area
• Requires heavy equipment or extensive digging
• Large hole needs substantial fill dirt

Typical Costs

Stump Grinding

• Small stumps (under 12" diameter): $75 – $150
• Medium stumps (12-24" diameter): $150 – $300
• Large stumps (24-36" diameter): $250 – $450
• Very large stumps (36"+): $400 – $700+

Most companies have a minimum charge ($100-150) regardless of stump size. Multiple stumps on the same visit often get a per-stump discount.

Some companies price by diameter inch ($2-5 per inch), which can work in your favor for smaller stumps or against you for larger ones.

Stump Removal

Full extraction typically costs 2-3 times more than grinding:

• Small stumps: $150 – $350
• Medium stumps: $300 – $600
• Large stumps: $500 – $1,000+

Costs vary significantly based on root spread, soil conditions, and access for equipment.

Factors That Affect Cost

Stump Size

Diameter is the main factor. Larger stumps require more grinding time and blade wear. A 36-inch oak stump takes considerably longer than a 12-inch pine stump.

Root Flare

Some trees have extensive surface roots spreading from the base. Grinding these adds time and cost. You'll need to decide how far out you want roots ground versus left in place.

Stump Condition

Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) take longer to grind than softwoods (pine, spruce). Old, partially decayed stumps are easier than fresh, solid ones.

Access

Stump grinders range from small walk-behind units to large self-propelled machines. If only a small grinder can access your stump, it will take longer. Backyard stumps with no gate access may require smaller equipment or more manual work.

Grinding Depth

Standard grinding goes 6-12 inches below grade. If you want deeper grinding (for planting or construction), expect to pay more. Ask about depth when getting quotes.

Cleanup

Grinding produces a lot of wood chips—roughly 4-6 times the volume of the original stump. Some companies include cleanup and haul-away; others leave the chips for you to use or dispose of. Clarify this in your quote.

What Happens After Grinding?

The Immediate Aftermath

You'll have a depression filled with wood chips and mulch. The hole is typically larger than the original stump due to grinding the root flare.

Settling

Over the next 1-3 years, the underground roots will decay. As they do, the soil above them settles. You'll likely need to add fill dirt a few times to keep the area level.

Potential Sprouts

Some species aggressively sprout from remaining roots:

• Likely to sprout: Maple, willow, elm, poplar, tree of heaven
• Less likely: Oak, pine, spruce, most fruit trees

Persistent sprouting may require herbicide treatment. A stump grind alone won't necessarily prevent regrowth.

Planting in the Area

You can plant grass, flowers, or shrubs over a ground stump. For a new tree, plant at least 3-4 feet away from the original location, or wait several years for the old root system to decay.

When to Choose Each Option

Choose Grinding When:

• You just want the stump gone visually
• You'll be planting grass or garden over the area
• Budget is a primary concern
• The stump isn't from a species that sprouts aggressively

Choose Full Removal When:

• You want to plant a new tree in the exact same spot
• You're planning construction, a patio, or hardscaping in the area
• The tree species is known for aggressive sprouting
• You need the root system gone for other landscaping reasons

Consider Leaving It When:

• The stump is in a natural area or woods
• Budget is very tight
• The stump is low-cut and can serve as a plant stand or garden feature
• You're okay waiting 5-10+ years for natural decay

Before the Grinder Arrives

Call 811 to mark utilities. Stump grinding goes below ground level, and hitting a buried line is dangerous and expensive. Utility marking is free and typically required by law before excavation.

Also consider:

• Remove rocks from around the stump base
• Clear a path for equipment access
• Decide what you want done with the chips
• Know how deep you want it ground

The Bottom Line

For most homeowners, stump grinding is the practical choice—it's affordable, effective, and handles the main problem (an ugly stump in your yard). Full removal makes sense for specific situations where you need the root system completely gone.

Whatever you choose, get the scope in writing: diameter, grinding depth, root flare treatment, and chip disposal. A clear quote prevents surprises.