Stump Removal Cost | Measure, Calculate and Estimate Cost
Stump removal typically costs between $125 to $350 per stump for professional removal. Pricing is mainly determined by stump diameter, how many stumps you plan to remove, the removal method (grinding or full removal), and local labor rates in your area. The stump removal cost calculator below uses your location and stump size to generate a more accurate estimate based on real pricing data from tree service professionals.
Using the price estimator below, tell us the size of your stump(s) and calculate the removal cost to get a quick and accurate estimate based on your specific needs and having a company come in and do the work. Whether you need a single stump or several stumps removed, our cost calculator can help you estimate the cost grinding or digging up the stump, disposal of the stump and/or repairing the area where it was removed. If you need trees removed as well, use this tree cutting calculator to estimate the cost for both the trees and stumps.
Estimated pricing is based on:
- Where You Live
- The Size of the Stump(s)
- Method of removal (stump grinding, chemicals, or digging it up)
- Whether or not you want the area re-graded and replanted with grass.
Estimated Cost Calculator
Minimum Charges by Local Companies
Almost all stump grinding and removal companies have a minimum fee they charge to come to your home to do this work. For stump grinding, you can expect a minimum charge of $75 to $125. If you want to have the stump dug up and removed, expect a minimum charge between $250 to $300. Both of these fee’s are in place to cover the cost of bringing the commercial equipment to your location.
Project Overview
People choose to remove tree stumps for many reasons. For safety to prevent tripping hazards, to improve aesthetics and avoid unsightly obstructions in their landscape. Removing stumps also helps prevent unwanted tree regrowth and reduces the risk of pest infestations. The main reason however, is that it clears the space for new landscaping or other projects.
Grinding, the most popular method for stump removal, involves several steps to make sure of complete removal and a level surface that is ready to be resurfaced. First, the stump and surrounding area are assessed to identify any obstacles such as rocks or debris, that may need to be cleared. Next, the stump will be cut as close to the ground as possible with a chainsaw, then a stump grinder is used, which is a powerful purpose-built machine (above) with a rotating cutting disc that chips away at the wood one layer at a time. After the sufficient depth has been reached the chips can used elsewhere for decorative purposes or removed and disposed of. If you selected replanting of the area, soil will be added, leveled and reseeded for grass.
Included in this Estimate
Based on your selections when using the cost calculator, the options below may or may not be included.
- Stump Grinding: Using a machine to grind the stump down to 3-6 inches below the level of the surrounding area. This is the most common way to remove stumps.
- Digging up a Stump: Using a backhoe to other machine to dig up the stump and remove all roots.
- Clean up of Debris: For grinding, this involves removing all the chips and disposal. If you have the stump dug up completely, it can be hauled away and disposed of at the local landfill.
- Cleanup, Level and Reseed: Including the cleanup mentioned above, when you choose to have the area leveled and reseeded, topsoil will be used to fill and cover the affected area, grass seed planted and some form of soil erosion control added to help avoid runoff and allow the grass seed to grow.
- Site Cleanup: Cleaning up the area to leave it tidy and ready for any new projects or plantings.
References and Data Sources
We make use of several resources to compile data used in our cost calculators. It assures you the most accurate cost estimates based on real scientific data from trusted resources. For this tree stump removal cost estimator, we used the following sources:
- Cost of living data: US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
- Arborist and tree service labor costs are calculated from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and based on your zip code and state.
- Estimated costs are compiled by a averaging the cumulative costs submitted by our tree service business partners who have used this as a estimating tool for their own purposes and made their estimates public.
- We’ve removed all personal identifying data and used aggregate values only.
2026 Costs by Location and Removal Method
The table below shows typical stump removal costs across major U.S. cities, adjusted for local cost-of-living differences and recent increases in labor and equipment expenses since 2020 to 2026. Prices are shown as per-stump ranges for both stump grinding and full dig-up removal, which includes root extraction and hauling. Use this chart as a reference point to compare pricing in your area, then enter your zip code and stump details into the calculator above for a more accurate, location-specific estimates near you.
| Location | Avg Increase Since 2020 | Grinding Cost | Dig Up and Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | 28% | $220 to $420 | $450 to $800 |
| New York, NY | 26% | $210 to $400 | $425 to $775 |
| San Diego, CA | 27% | $200 to $380 | $400 to $750 |
| Seattle, WA | 25% | $190 to $360 | $380 to $700 |
| Boston, MA | 24% | $195 to $370 | $390 to $720 |
| Austin, TX | 30% | $160 to $320 | $300 to $575 |
| Denver, CO | 26% | $165 to $330 | $310 to $590 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 29% | $150 to $310 | $290 to $560 |
| Chicago, IL | 22% | $145 to $300 | $275 to $540 |
| Atlanta, GA | 24% | $140 to $295 | $270 to $530 |
| Charlotte, NC | 23% | $135 to $290 | $260 to $520 |
| Orlando, FL | 25% | $130 to $285 | $255 to $515 |
| Nashville, TN | 27% | $125 to $275 | $245 to $500 |
| Columbus, OH | 21% | $115 to $260 | $230 to $480 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 20% | $110 to $255 | $225 to $470 |
| Omaha, NE | 19% | $105 to $250 | $215 to $460 |
| Birmingham, AL | 18% | $100 to $245 | $210 to $450 |
| Tulsa, OK | 17% | $95 to $235 | $200 to $440 |
How Stump Removal Works
A lot of homeowners are interested in how stumps are ground down or dug up. Stump removal typically begins with an on-site visit or you sharing a picture, to determine stump size, root spread, ease of access to the area, and the safest (or cheapest, for price conscious homeowners) removal method. For stump grinding, the stump is cut close to ground level and ground down several inches below the surface using a specialized machine with huge teeth, leaving wood chips behind. These chips can be hauled away or reused as mulch. For full stump removal, the soil around the stump is dug up, major roots are cut, and the entire stump and root ball are lifted out of the ground and removed. Once removal is complete, the area can be leveled, backfilled with soil, and prepared for grass, landscaping, or future construction.
The process is designed to help eliminate tripping hazards, prevent regrowth, and restore the usability of your yard while minimizing damage to surrounding areas. As bonus, you won’t have to do as much leaf cleanup in the fall also.
DIY vs. Professional Stump Removal
Some homeowners try removing a stump themselves to save money, but DIY stump removal requires more time, labor, and equipment than expected. Manual removal involves digging, cutting roots, and prying out the stump, which can take a long time and still leave large roots behind. Renting a stump grinder typically costs $220 to $360 per day, and operating the equipment safely requires experience. Chemical stump removers are inexpensive but can take weeks or months to fully break down a stump and may pose safety concerns for children, pets, and nearby plants.
Hiring a professional stump removal service is usually faster, safer, and more predictable in cost. Professionals have the equipment needed to handle large or deep-rooted stumps, avoid underground utilities, and complete cleanup efficiently. For most homeowners, especially when dealing with large stumps or limited access, professional removal provides better results with less risk and effort.