Generally the cost of stump grinding can be determined in a three minute phone call. Simply accurately count the number of stumps and measure their sizes (see Measure Your Stump). Once those measurements have been recorded, give us a call and we’ll quote you a price right over the phone.
Generally when grinding just one stump prices are as follows:
- 1 small stump: $175 (minimum for any job)
- 1 medium stump: $180 – 250
- 1 large stump: $260 – 500
- Extraordinarily large stump: $500 – 2,000
Quantity discounts are considerable. So for example, the price to grind 4 stumps may only be two times the cost of grinding one stump of the same size. Often times when there is one large stump and several small stumps, we will just charge the cost of grinding the large stump and grind the small stumps at no charge.
Other factors that may impact the price of stump grinding:
- Size – How big is your stump(s): Small stumps are ground quickly and easily. There is going to be a minimum price just to handle the administrative and transportation cost for even the smallest stump. Removing big stumps is much more time consuming. Though tree stumps are commonly sized with a linear measurement, according to their diameter, the work required to properly grind a stump is determined by a three dimensional space. So a 4 foot stump may require 40-80 times the work needed to remove a 1 foot stump. Big stumps also require higher horsepower stump grinders and highly skilled grinder operators. Stump Munchers excels in both areas. We are able to grind big stumps quickly and easily, and are therefore able to provide value for our clients, especially on big jobs. We are often called to grind stumps that no other company would be able to handle (see article below).
- Quantity: How many stumps accurate counts are important, note there are significant quantity discounts.
- Depth: generally 4-6″ depth is good for growing grass, small stumps are not much deeper. Larger stumps may need to be ground deeper for replanting, grading or paving.
- Species of tree: may also effect the cost, as hardwoods take much more grinding than soft woods. And in certain species, the below ground root systems are extensive, with big “shoulders” just under the surface, all around the stump.
- Ease of access: small gates in your fence may require us to take our outer wheels off the stump grinder or plywood may need to be layed for protection (ex: Flagstone walks ).
- Proximity to buildings, etc…: Its going to be easier to grind a stump in the woods or a bed on the edge of a wild area than if that stump were by a house, deck or pool etc. In a wild area the spray and flying debris will not be a concern, whereas we may have to spend time setting up protective tarps, and barriers to protect the property or clean up the lawn after grinding
- Presence of rocks in the soil: some areas are far rockier than others. Hitting just one large rock can do hundreds of dollars in damage to our machine, and even small rocks will dull the stump grinders teeth, which are very costly. We need top charge a little more when the soil is full of rocks.
None of these factors (except access) are going to matter much on small stumps.