How Much to Charge for Stump Grinding
Stump grinding typically runs $3–$5 per inch of stump diameter, with a job minimum of around $100–$150 so small stumps still cover your setup and travel. Diameter pricing is the fairest base since a big stump is far more work than a small one, and cleanup or chip haul-away, difficult access, and large surface roots are priced as separate factors on top.
Base pricing by diameter
$3–$5 per inch of stump diameter is the standard, paired with a job minimum of about $100–$150. Measure diameter at ground level for a consistent number.
Why diameter beats per-stump
A 30-inch stump is not two 15-inch stumps’ worth of work — it’s more. Per-inch pricing scales with the actual grinding, and it’s easy to defend when a customer asks why the big one cost more.
Set a minimum
A single small stump still means loading, unloading, and travel. A job minimum keeps a tiny stump from being quoted at per-inch math that doesn’t cover showing up.
Factors that add to the base
- Cleanup / haul-away — extra labor and disposal for the chip pile.
- Access — slopes, fences, tight gates, or a long haul from parking.
- Surface roots — grinding out large roots beyond the stump itself.
Frequently asked questions
Per stump or per inch?
Per inch of diameter is fairer across a mixed job — a 30-inch stump is many times the work of a 6-inch one. A per-inch rate with a job minimum keeps big and small stumps priced consistently.
Should cleanup be extra?
Yes. Grinding leaves a pile of chips; hauling them away is extra labor and disposal. Price it as an add-on so a customer who wants to keep the mulch can skip it.
What about hard-to-reach stumps?
Charge for access. A stump behind a fence, on a slope, or far from where you can park the grinder takes more time and effort, so add an access factor rather than absorbing it.