Priced by the stump, not the hour.
One stump starts at $200. Most residential jobs are $200–$450, while the broader range is commonly $200–$950.
- Minimum
- $200
- Most jobs
- $200–$450
- Standard depth
- 6–8″
- Machine access
- 36″ gate
What the starting number includes.
Standard stump grinding, setup, and an 811 utility locate before work begins. Chips remain on site unless haul-away is added.
| Job | Typical starting range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| One small stump | From $200 | The minimum covers mobilization and setup. |
| Typical residential job | $200–$450 | Final price depends on size and access. |
| Larger or complex work | Up to about $950 | Broad roots, difficult access, depth, and cleanup can add work. |
Useful answers before you schedule.
How do I measure a stump?
Run a tape across the widest point at ground level, bark to bark. Round up if the stump is lumpy. Sound Stump Grinding confirms the number from your photo before anything is scheduled.
Why do stump-grinding quotes differ so much?
Most companies price by diameter, so the same stump can be quoted differently depending on the per-inch rate and job minimum. Sound Stump Grinding starts at $200, and the estimator shows a starting number before you make contact.
How deep do you grind?
Standard grinding is 6–8 inches below grade, which is enough to seed grass, lay sod, or landscape over the spot. Deeper grinding is available for paving or planting a tree in the same location.
How long does stump grinding take?
A small ornamental stump can take about 30 minutes. A medium stump is often closer to an hour. Large shade trees with broad root flares can take two or three hours, including setup and grinding the flare.
What happens to the wood chips?
A medium stump leaves roughly a wheelbarrow of chips. They can remain to settle and break down, or be raked into beds as mulch. Haul-away is available as an add-on when you want the spot cleared.
Can I plant grass or another tree there?
Yes. For grass, rake out the fresh chips, add topsoil, and wait a few weeks before seeding. If you plan to plant another tree in the same hole, request a deeper grind when you send photos.
Do I need a permit?
Usually not, because the tree is already down and grinding is not a tree removal. For a stump in a public right-of-way or near a utility easement, check with your city before scheduling.
Do the roots have to come out?
No. The underground root system breaks down naturally. Surface roots crossing the lawn can also be ground and may move the job into a higher price band.
Will the machine fit through my gate?
The tracked grinder fits through a 36-inch gate, with no truck driven onto the lawn. A narrower gate or steep ground may require an access adjustment.
Do you call 811?
Yes. An 811 utility locate is included before every job. The locate is why scheduling begins at least a couple of business days after you approve the firm quote.
See your starting price now.
Measure the widest point, adjust the stump count, and continue only when the number makes sense.