Stump removal costs $120 to $500 per stump in 2026
Stump removal costs $120 to $500 per stump in 2026, says HomeAdvisor, with an average of $250. GoTreeQuotes lists an average of $240 and a range of $140 to $450. Most pros price by the inch of stump width, at $2 to $5 per inch. Many also set a minimum fee of $100 to $150. Size, roots, and how easy it is to reach the stump move the final price.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeAdvisor | HomeAdvisor lists an average stump grinding cost of $250, a normal range of $120 to $500, and $2 to $5 per inch of diameter. |
| LawnLove | LawnLove lists a national average of $120 to $210 per stump, a range of $15 to $395, and $2 to $5 per inch of diameter. |
| GoTreeQuotes | GoTreeQuotes lists a national average of $240 per stump, an average range of $140 to $450, and $2 to $6 per inch of diameter. |
Stump grinding cost by stump size
| Stump width | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $118 to $130 | HomeAdvisor |
| 12 inches | $124 to $160 | HomeAdvisor |
| 18 inches | $136 to $190 | HomeAdvisor |
| 24 inches | $148 to $220 | HomeAdvisor |
| 6 inches | $95 to $275 | GoTreeQuotes |
| 12 inches | $275 to $350 | GoTreeQuotes |
| 25 inches | $380 to $430 | GoTreeQuotes |
| Each added stump | $40 to $75 | HomeAdvisor |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Stump size | Pros price by width. HomeAdvisor and LawnLove both list $2 to $5 per inch of diameter, so a wide stump costs much more. |
| Minimum fee | HomeAdvisor lists a minimum contractor fee of $100 to $150, and LawnLove lists a $100 minimum. A tiny stump may still cost that much. |
| Roots and wood type | GoTreeQuotes lists $1,020 or more for large hardwood stumps in hard conditions. HomeAdvisor lists root removal at $100 to $200 per hour. |
| Access | HomeAdvisor lists a hard terrain fee of up to $200 flat or $50 per hour. Slopes, fences, and tight yards make the work slower. |
| Number of stumps | HomeAdvisor lists $40 to $75 for each added stump, and LawnLove lists $40 to $70. Doing several in one visit costs less each. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers grinding the stump down below ground level. Hauling off the wood chips, filling the hole, and removing roots often cost extra. HomeAdvisor lists debris removal at $50 to $200 and root removal at $100 to $200 per hour. Permits can add $100 to $500. Ask what the quote includes before work starts. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Tree care firms, lawn crews, and one person grinding businesses all do this work. Most bill per stump or per inch of width, with a minimum fee. GoTreeQuotes lists $2 to $6 per inch. Some add extra for roots, chips, and hard to reach spots. Bigger firms may send a quote first, while small crews may name a price on the phone once you share the stump width. Ask for the total price in writing, with cleanup, so the bill matches the quote.
When you need this
Remove a stump if it blocks a new lawn, a patio, or a build site. Stumps can also trip people and send up new shoots. Grinding is the common choice when you want the spot flat and ready to plant. HomeAdvisor lists tree removal at $200 to $2,000 if the tree is still standing.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price is per stump or per inch of width.
- Ask if chips, root removal, and cleanup are in the quote.
- Compare the quote to $120 to $500, the usual range.
- Ask about the minimum fee and the price for added stumps.
- Compare the total with the range above: $120 to $500 per stump for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Grind several stumps in one visit. HomeAdvisor lists $40 to $75 for each added stump after the first.
- Keep the wood chips as mulch instead of paying for debris removal, which HomeAdvisor lists at $50 to $200.
- Get three quotes. GoTreeQuotes shows a $140 to $450 range, so prices can differ a lot between shops.
- Rent a grinder only for a small stump. LawnLove lists rental at $180 to $360 per day, and HomeAdvisor lists $100 to $300 per day.
- Ask for a flat price in writing. Per inch pricing can add up on a wide stump, and a flat quote avoids a surprise.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeAdvisor, LawnLove and GoTreeQuotes. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does stump removal cost?
Most jobs cost $120 to $500 per stump, says HomeAdvisor. The average is $250 on HomeAdvisor and $240 on GoTreeQuotes.
How is stump grinding priced?
Most pros charge $2 to $5 per inch of stump width, say HomeAdvisor and LawnLove. GoTreeQuotes lists $2 to $6 per inch.
What is the minimum fee for stump grinding?
HomeAdvisor lists a minimum of $100 to $150 for the first stump. LawnLove lists a $100 minimum.
Can I rent a stump grinder?
Yes. LawnLove lists rental at $180 to $360 per day, and HomeAdvisor lists $100 to $300 per day. Compare that to a pro quote before you rent.
Does the price include root removal?
Often it does not. HomeAdvisor lists root removal at $100 to $200 per hour, and LawnLove lists $150 per hour. Ask before you book.