2023 Tree Stump Removal Cost

How much does stump removal cost?

How much does stump removal cost?

$100 – $400 average cost to remove a stump

$2 – $6 stump removal cost per inch

$75 – $200 stump removal service hourly rate

Tree stump removal cost

Tree stump removal costs $100 to $400 on average, depending on the size, diameter, and removal method. The cost of stump removal is $2 to $6 per inch for stump grinding with minimum fees of $80 to $160. Tree root and trunk removal costs $75 to $200 per hour.

Stump diameter	Average cost to remove
Up to 12”	$30 – $70
24”	$50 – $150
36”	$70 – $220
48”	$100 – $290
60”	$120 – $360
72”	$150 – $430

*Prices based on stump grinding. Minimum fees of $80 to $160 typically apply. Discounts are common for multiple stumps.

Average cost of stump removal by method

The average cost of stump removal is $100 to $400, depending on the method and whether the roots need removing. Total root system removal costs $75 to $200 hourly. Stump grinding is the most common removal type. Other methods include digging up the stump or rotting it with chemicals.

Method	Average cost per stump
Stump grinding (first stump)	$120 – $400
Stump grinding (each additional stump)	$30 – $60
Stump grinding (per inch of diameter)	$2 – $6
Digging up ($150 to $350 minimum)	$80 – $190
Chemical rotting	$100 – $200
DIY Burning	$50 – $200

*Removing mulch after stump grinding costs $2 to $4 per inch of stump width.

Tree stump grinding

Stump grinding costs $120 to $400 per stump for the first one and $30 to $60 for each additional stump. Some contractors charge per inch or per hour, depending on the location and land conditions.

• Small tree stump removal costs $2 to $6 per inch of the stump, with minimum services fees of $80 to $160.

• The cost to grind a huge tree stump is $300 to $800.

Cost to dig up a tree stump

The average cost to dig up a tree stump is $80 to $190 each with a backhoe. Backhoe work has minimum service fees of $150 to $350. Manual stump removal costs $50 to $100 per hour for hard-to-reach areas with hand tools. Excavation leaves a large hole, so extra costs apply for backfilling with new dirt.

Tree diameter	Cost per stump
6” – 10”	$80 – $90
11” – 14”	$100 – $120
15” – 18”	$130 – $150
19” – 24”	$160 – $180
25” – 30”	$170 – $190

*Backhoe work has minimum service fees of $150 to $350.

Chemical rotting stump removal cost

Chemical stump removal costs $100 to $200 per stump on average for an onsite consultation and materials. DIY applications cost $15 to $60 for stump-killer herbicides alone. This process involves drilling holes in the stump and pouring chemicals inside.

• Kills the stump in 4 to 6 weeks

• Takes months for the stump to decompose afterward

• Hazardous to pets and children

• Not permissible by all county laws

• Doesn’t kill all the roots on larger tree stumps

Burning out a tree stump cost

Burning out a tree stump costs $50 to $200 per stump on average depending on if a drill rental is necessary. This DIY process involves drilling holes in the stump and filling them with oil or other chemicals like potassium nitrate before burning.

• Environmentally friendly to use vegetable oil

• Takes 6 to 12 hours to burn, or up to 7 days for stumps larger than 12”

• Illegal in many states and cities due to fire hazards

• Requires burning permits from the fire department or forestry service

Tree and stump removal cost calculator

Tree and stump removal costs $380 to $2,300 on average. Most companies offer these as separate services. $300 to $2,000 when leaving the stump in the ground.

Service	Average cost
Stump removal only	$80 – $250
Tree and stump removal	$380 – $2,300
Tree, stump, and roots removal	$530 – $2,600

Tree root removal cost

The average cost of tree root removal is $150 to $300, depending on the tree type, size, and accessibility. Removing roots under foundations, driveways, sidewalks, or near utility lines increases the labor costs. Total tree root removal is mandatory before site construction begins.

Tree trunk removal cost

Tree trunk removal costs $75 to $150 for cutting down a partial tree trunk from a previously topped, dead, or fallen tree. Tree removal companies typically cut the trunk in pieces within 1 hour or less.

Tree stump removal price factors

The total cost of stump grinding depends on the following factors:

• Stump size – Larger diameter stumps need bigger equipment and take longer to remove.

• Grinding depth – Contractors charge extra for grinding deeper than the standard 4” to 6” below grade.

• Tree type – Old hardwood stump take longer to remove and need bigger equipment than softwood, young, or rotted stumps.

• Number of stumps – Reduced rates per tree typically apply for removing multiple stumps.

• Removal method – Prices vary between manual digging, grinding, or excavating stumps according to the equipment used and the labor time.

• Labor – Arborists minimum charges are $80 to $160 and typically include the first hour of work. Most companies charge more for travel time outside standard service areas.

• Accessibility – Stumps in hard-to-access areas, between buildings, and near power lines need extra safety precautions and have higher labor costs.

• Root complexity – Stump roots intertwined with other tree roots and near utility lines have higher labor costs to remove.

• Soil condition – Removing stumps in rocky or clay soil takes longer.

• Cleanup – Debris removal costs $2 to $4 per inch of the stump’s diameter. Some companies charge a flat fee or include it in the project estimate.

• Extra services – Discounts typically apply when combining stump grinding with other lawn services.

• Permits – Tree stump removal permits cost $75 to $450 on average, depending on the location, state laws on land use, and the extraction method.

Measuring a stump

When measuring a stump, include the base of the stump anywhere it comes out of the ground, and not just the cut surface.

Bush stump removal cost

Bush stump removal costs $12 to $24 for grinding a stump 3” to 6” wide, and minimum service fees of $80 to $160 apply. Removing bush stumps is cheaper when combining it with other landscaping services in one visit.

Palm tree stump removal

Palm tree stump removal costs $80 to $250 on average, depending on the size and removal method. In comparison, a complete palm tree removal costs $150 to $900 per tree, excluding the stump.

DIY cost to remove a stump yourself

Removing a stump yourself is labor intensive and costs more than hiring a professional if it’s only a few stumps. Equipment-delivery fees and refundable deposit fees typically apply depending on the rental company. Common equipment rentals include:

Tool type	Rental cost per day
Stump grinder rental costs	$100 – $400
Mini excavator rental costs	$250 – $500
Tractor loader backhoe rental cost	$225 – $700
Chainsaw rental costs	$45 – $70

*Safety training sessions from the equipment dealer may cost extra.

Stump removal FAQs

Is tree stump removal necessary?

Stump removal is necessary for these important reasons:

• Stopping any old tree diseases from spreading to other plants

• Clearing land for pavement or building construction

• Preparing for swimming pool installation

• Reducing tripping and fire hazards

• Making lawnmowing easier and safer

• Stopping pest and fungi infestations

• Preventing hardy tree roots from sprouting again

• Increasing curb appeal when reselling a home

Who removes tree stumps?

Remove tree stumps by hiring, landscapers, arborists, tree removal services, tree trimming companies, excavators, or land-clearing specialists.

What is the fastest way to remove a tree stump?

The fastest way to remove a tree stump is with a stump grinder. All other stump removal methods take longer for manual or machine digging, applying root-killing chemicals, or burning stumps.

How long does it take to remove a tree stump?

Removing a tree stump takes 15 minutes to 1 hour for grinding one 10” to 15” stump. Digging up a stump takes 1 to 3 hours on average. Chemical rotting or burning stumps takes days to weeks depending on the size. Extra-large hardwood stumps take more time to remove.

What to do after a tree stump is removed?

Common lawn repair projects after removing a tree stump include:

• A $10 to $40 on average to determine which fertilizers to use.

• The cost to fertilize a lawn is $65 to $100 per visit.

• Topsoil prices are $10 to $50 per yard for filling in holes from large trees.

• The cost to seed a lawn is $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot.

• Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot to quickly add new grass on top.

• Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for most other small projects to turn the hole into a new yard feature.

Getting estimates from tree stump removal services

Before hiring a stump removal service near you, be sure to:

• Compare multiple bids.

• Request detailed estimates of all labor, material, and equipment fees.

• Check their HomeGuide and Google reviews and references.

• Pick a licensed, bonded, and insured company with years of experience.

• See if your state requires contractors to have an arborist license.

• Beware of the cheapest quotes that can signal low-quality work.

• Don’t make full payments upfront.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been removing stumps?

• Which tree types do you typically work on?

• How big is your equipment, and how much space should I make space for it?

• Which stump-removal method is best to use on my property?

• Will you wear protective gear while working?

• Do you call the utility company to locate underground lines first?

• What will you do to protect my yard?

• How far down will you need to dig, and can you plant grass over it?

• Do cleanup and debris disposal cost extra?

• How long will it take to remove the stump?

• What incidental fees typically apply that aren’t in my estimate?

• How much extra is it for you to plant grass seeds or sod over the leftover hole?