Whether you are getting tree removal or have a stump on your property that you want to remove, you’re probably asking yourself, “how much does it cost for tree stump removal?”
In this article, we will answer the most commonly asked questions about tree stump removal costs so you can decide whether or not it’s worth removing them.
Related Article: How to Negotiate Tree Removal Costs (5 Proven Tactics)
Table of Contents
Factors in Calculating Tree Stump Removal Cost
A few factors go into calculating the cost of tree stump removal.
- The size of the stump. The larger the stump, the more it will cost to remove.
- How difficult it is to remove the stump. If the stump is in a hard-to-reach spot or particularly large, the removal process will be more difficult and, therefore, more expensive.
- Stump removal method – stump grind or stump removal? If you’re looking to have the stump ground, it’s less expensive than complete removal.
- Do you want the tree stump removal service company to remove the wood chips? Many times, the company leaves the wood chips for you to dispose of. If you want them to remove it, it will cost you more.
Tree Stump Size


The stump’s size is the first factor in determining how much it will cost to remove. The larger the stump, the more it will cost.
For example, a small stump less than a foot in diameter may only cost $60 to remove.
Removing a medium-sized stump between two and three feet in diameter may cost around $150.
A large stump over four feet in diameter may cost $300 or more to remove.
Tree Stump Location
The stump’s location is the second factor in determining how much it will cost to remove.
If the stump is in a hard-to-reach spot, the removal process will be more difficult and, therefore, more expensive.
For example, a stump located in the middle of your yard will be easier to remove than a stump located next to your house.
Tree Stump Removal Method
The third factor in answering the question, “how much does it cost for tree stump removal?” is whether or not you want the stump removed completely.
If you want the stump ground down, that will be less expensive than complete removal.
Complete removal typically costs between $100 and $400, depending on the size and location of the stump, and grinding down a stump typically costs between $75 and $150.
Tree Stump Removal vs. Tree Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is the method of using a powerful machine (a stump grinder) that uses rotating blades that rips the stump into small woodchips. The stump grinder brings the tree trunk below the grade of the land by a few inches so you won’t see them.
Tree stump removal is digging out the tree stump and root system.
In most cases, stump removal can be overkill if you want to remove any visible parts of the tree stump.
Tree Stump Preparation and Cleanup
The fourth factor in determining how much it will cost to remove a tree stump is how much preparation and cleanup are required.
If the area around the tree stump needs to be cleared of debris before or after the removal or grinding, that will add to the cost.
Average Cost of Tree Stump Removal
So how much does tree stump removal cost on average? The answer depends on the factors mentioned above.
For a small stump that is easy to remove, you can expect to pay around $100. The cost can go up to $1000 or more for a large stump or a difficult-to-reach stump.
If you want the stump ground down, the average cost is around $200.


Is Tree Stump Removal Worth the Cost?
The answer to this question is ultimately up to you. If you want your yard to look its best, tree stump removal is a good investment.
Grinding it down may be better if you’re not concerned about looks and want the stump gone (you can always add topsoil and plant grass where the tree used to be!).
Whatever you decide, it’s best to get multiple quotes from different tree stump removal companies before making a decision.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re ready and understand the details for answering the question, “how much does it cost for tree stump removal?”
If you have any additional questions or want to share your tree stump removal stories, leave a comment below!