How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
Stump grinding with Grind It costs about $5–$8 per inch of stump diameter, with a $200 minimum for jobs close to us. Every job gets one fixed price up front — no hourly billing — based on the stumps, the wood, and how easy they are to reach.
How we price a job
We don't charge by the hour or tack on surprises at the end. We look at your stumps — from photos or a quick visit — estimate the job ourselves, and give you one price for the whole thing.
The per-inch figure is a starting point, not a meter. Two 24-inch stumps can be very different jobs: one soft pine in an open yard, one old oak behind a fence with roots running under the lawn. That's why we quote every job individually instead of publishing a single price.
Because we run commercial-size grinders, most jobs go faster than they would with a rental machine, and that's reflected in what you pay.
Price examples
Ballpark figures at $5–$8 per inch with the $200 minimum applied. Your quote may land higher or lower depending on the factors below.
| Job | Per-inch math | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| One 12-inch stumpSmall single stumps fall under the minimum. | $60–$96 | $200 |
| One 24-inch stumpStill under the minimum on its own. | $120–$192 | $200 |
| One 36-inch oakBig hardwood stumps land toward the top of the range. | $180–$288 | $200–$288 |
| Five 18-inch stumps (90 inches total)Several stumps on one visit is where the per-inch price pays off. | $450–$720 | $450–$720 |
Grouping several stumps into one visit is usually the best value — the minimum covers travel and setup once instead of per stump.
What changes the price
Stump diameter
The biggest factor. Measured across the widest point at ground level.
Type of wood
Dense hardwoods like oak take longer than pine, poplar or cypress.
Surface roots
Large roots running across the lawn add grinding time.
Access
Slopes, narrow gates, fenced yards and stumps against walls or driveways.
Rocks and debris
Rocky ground and buried debris slow the job and wear the teeth.
Distance
The $200 minimum covers jobs close to us and goes up for locations farther out.
Grinding only, or grinding plus cleanup — you choose
Grinding includes raking the chips back into the hole and cleaning up around the work area. Hauling the chips away and backfilling with topsoil cost extra, so we usually give you two quotes:
1. Grinding only
Stump ground 6–12 inches below grade, chips raked back into the hole. Lowest price — the chips settle and break down over time.
2. Grinding + haul-away and topsoil
Chips removed and the hole backfilled with topsoil, ready for seed or sod right away.
Get an accurate quote in a few minutes
- Take a photo of each stump, with a tape measure across the widest point if you can.
- Text the photos and your address or town to 301-908-3990, or request an estimate online.
- Mention anything that affects access: gates, slopes, fences, or irrigation lines near the stump.
- We'll send a fixed price — or both quotes, if you want the chips hauled away.
Stump grinding cost FAQ
How much does stump grinding cost in Maryland?
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Most stump grinding with Grind It works out to about $5–$8 per inch of stump diameter, with a $200 minimum for jobs close to us. We give you one fixed price for the whole job before we start. Text photos of your stumps to 301-908-3990 for a free quote.
Do you charge by the hour?
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No. We look at the job, estimate it ourselves, and give you a fixed price up front. You know the full cost before we start, with no meter running while we work.
Why is there a minimum charge?
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Every job takes travel time, setup, Miss Utility (811) marking and cleanup, no matter how small the stump is. Our minimum is $200 for jobs close to us and goes up for locations farther away. That's why grouping several stumps into one visit is usually the better deal.
How do I measure my stump?
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Measure straight across the widest part of the stump at ground level, including the flare where the roots start, not just the cut top. If you're not sure, send a photo with a tape measure across the stump and we'll take it from there.
What makes one stump cost more than another of the same size?
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Hard, dense wood like oak, large surface roots, rocks around the stump, slopes, tight gates or fenced yards, and stumps right against a foundation, wall or driveway all take longer. Softer wood and open access bring the price toward the low end of the range.
Is chip haul-away or topsoil included?
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Grinding includes raking the chips back into the hole and cleaning up. Hauling the chips away and backfilling with topsoil cost extra. We usually give you two quotes, one for grinding only and one with haul-away and topsoil, so you can choose.
Is it cheaper to rent a stump grinder?
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For one small stump, sometimes. Rental machines are much smaller than ours, so a larger stump or several stumps can take a full day, plus pickup, return, and the risk of hitting a buried line. A fixed quote lets you compare that against the rental fee before you decide.
Ready to Remove That Stubborn Stump?
Don't let unsightly stumps devalue your property or risk your mower. Get a free, no-obligation estimate today.