How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Stump?
If you have a problematic tree stump, removal may be an important step in achieving beauty, safety, landscape planning, and improving access to your home or yard. Unlike stump grinding, stump removal involves a heavy machine coming in to pull up the entire stump and some of the root structure.
The national average cost to remove a stump is $200 to $700, with most homeowners paying $380 to remove a tree stump with a 24” diameter, including partial removal of the accessible root structure. Depending on the difficulty level and geographic region, prices can be as low as $50 for a small stump with no root removal and up to $1,100 for a large stump in a difficult location with an extensive root structure.
Stump Removal Prices
| Stump Removal Costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $380 |
| Average range | $200-$700 |
| Minimum cost | $50 |
| Maximum cost | $1,100 |
Stump Removal Cost by Project Range
Stump Removal Prices
A flat rate is often used for an average stump removal, ranging from $100 to $400 for a simple removal. Some stump removal professionals charge by the hour, with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $150, including clearing a piece of land. The cost estimate is based on the accessibility, extent of the root structure, soil condition, tree type, utility lines, and cleanup requirements.
Arborist, landscaping, stump grinding, tree care, tree maintenance, tree removal, tree services, tree surgeon, and tree trimmer professionals can remove your tree stump. Ask for stump removal specifically because while stump grinding is a popular option, it is not the same as removing a tree stump and roots completely.
Tree Stump Removal Cost by Size
Most stump removal professionals base their price on the stump’s diameter, and they consider around 24” to be average, which costs $200-$700 to remove. A large tree stump of 72” in diameter can cost up to $1,100. Many tree stump removal professionals add extra charges for location, level of difficulty, root structure, and other factors.
| Size | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 6” | $40 - $70 |
| 8” | $55 - $100 |
| 12” | $85 - $200 |
| 24” | $200 - $700 |
| 36” | $250 - $750 |
| 48” | $540 - $800 |
| 72” | $500 - $1,100 |
Tree Stump Removal Cost per Stump
Many professionals assess a $100 minimum charge and add to the price as needed to accommodate the stump size and other factors. If you have more than one stump to remove, most professionals charge the full price for removing the first stump and less for each additional one. Removing an additional stump ranges from $50 to $150.
Stump Removal Process
Professionals dig to remove the stump, which involves large tools or heavy equipment. Removing an average 24” stump takes about 3-4 hours from start to finish. Chainsaws or cutting tools can cut the stump into several pieces for easier removal as well.
The process could include removing a larger root system, especially if it was a mature tree. Identify future plans for the area where the stump is located so that the professional can determine the right amount to remove. For example, when installing a sprinkler system or pouring a concrete foundation for a sidewalk, you need clear paths for the water lines or concrete forms. Rebar for a planned retaining wall could require a more extensive cleanup of the tree stump and root system. A new lawn area with an automated sprinkler system 1 could require a 15-28” deep area to be root-free. Ensure that any remaining root system will not disturb the concrete poured for a sidewalk, driveway, or handicap ramp.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Stump Removal
Several factors increase the cost of stump removal. The stump type, size, location, and accessibility are most notable. Oak, aspen, elm, birch, and hickory trees are more difficult due to the density of their wood and root systems. The wood’s age is another factor because rotted stumps are easier to remove. Suckers can sprout from viable stumps and roots, producing new trees from their roots.
Do not overlook the soil condition because the presence of clay or rocks makes stump removal more challenging. Soil conditions beneath the grass are often overlooked, adding unexpected charges.
Root structure and location affect the cost most. For example, a stump from a large tree with many large roots growing between two closely spaced homes requires a professional. Tree roots share a subterranean environment with utility lines, rocks, and sprinkler lines. Utility lines, such as electric and gas, introduce safety hazards that factor into the cost. Roots frequently grow under foundations, streets, driveways, retaining walls, storage sheds, and flower beds. This requires coordination, specialized techniques, and additional time to remove, and costs are billed to the customer.
Bush Stump Removal Cost
Bushes are like small trees, with a woody growth habit and a single trunk. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies these as shrubs, but professionals use the terms bush and shrub interchangeably. Bushes less than 16 feet in height leave a small stump when cut down that does not require heavy machinery to remove. Many homeowners remove bush stumps with a shovel and gardening tools. Hire a professional to ensure that all roots are removed, preventing new growth from still-living root material. Regardless of the size, most professionals charge at least $50 for removing a bush stump. Most professionals charge a $100 minimum to perform stump removal services of any kind.
Stump Grinding vs Removal
Clearing your land of one or more tree stumps can be completed by grinding or removal. Stump grinding uses machinery to break a tree stump into mulch 2 without removing the roots. Removal requires heavy equipment to pull the stump and root structure out of the ground. Stump grinding is usually preferred because it is less expensive, labor-intensive, and destructive. Grinding a stump does not leave a gaping hole in the ground or disturb the surrounding soil. However, fertile plant material is not left behind if you remove it.
Grinding an average-sized stump costs about $100 to $400. You can customize the stump’s depth by opting to grind it anywhere from 1” to 12” below the surface. The resulting mulch, a byproduct of stump grinding, can enhance your existing landscape. However, stump grinding is not a good choice if the wood of the tree stump is diseased because grinding the wood with the wood chips and splinters flying about only serves to spread the pathogens.
Removing an average tree stump and roots costs $200 to $700. Although a more expensive option, it has many benefits. Eliminating the heavy and extensive plant material allows you to start fresh with your landscape. Remediation fills the holes with compost 2 to encourage a smooth lawn to grow over it or a starting point for other landscaping projects. Without a buried stump and roots, you can build a solid and durable foundation for other outdoor structures like a deck, concrete patio, or asphalt 3 driveway. Some property owners upcycle the removed stump for gardening and woodcraft projects.
However, do not plant a new tree in the hole due to the lack of nutrients. Planting a new tree or plants at least five feet away gives them a better chance of survival. Rocks and dirt are poured into the hole with grass over it, preferably the same as the surrounding lawn. If you pour concrete over the removal site, the dirt and rocks below need compaction and leveling 4. Ask a professional to include this remediation and follow-up activities as part of the removal service, but the cost will increase.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Contact several companies and review the contract or proposal carefully before signing. Get proof of insurance for liability and workers' compensation and ask what local licenses and permits are required.
- Yard maintenance may be simpler if the ground is level or slightly sloped. Removing the stumps makes it easier for mowing, maintenance, and yard care. Regular yard maintenance can include plans to improve the areas outside of a home with beautification, ground leveling, safety checks, and seasonal cleanup. Landscape planning can improve home value.
- Stump removal can be a DIY project but may require rental equipment or professional advice. One method of DIY removal uses a chemical solution like potassium nitrate to decompose the stump and roots. After that, create a teepee of scrap wood around your stump, and with the correct safety precautions, light it on fire. If you have the tools, you can wrap a chain or strap around the stump while the come-along is attached to a sturdy, stable object like a vehicle tow hitch or another tree. Then raise and lower the arm on the come-along to steadily ratchet the stump out of the ground.
- Sprout growth on or around a tree stump could be replanted. Consider this before you decide to use chemicals or treatments for stump removal.
- Cleanup may include additional costs for disposal of the stump and root system. The average cost is $25, or it could be part of a flat rate for the cleanup.
- A tree’s root structure may extend underneath your home. Regular checks are suggested to ensure a slight downward slope of grading around the home’s exterior. A professional can also check the type of trees close to the exterior and examine the root structure. Any recommendations for tree or stump removal could include an understanding of how a root structure is growing.
- Ground compaction can be done in many ways with basic tools, equipment, or natural rainfall. Ground leveling and monitoring are recommended for safety and planning reasons. Regular checks with rainfall and seasonal changes can be part of property maintenance plans.
- Resources and possibly local providers use stumps for art decor. Using the stump for furniture assembly, table supplies, or painting or artistic presentations are good environmentally friendly solutions. Additional costs may apply.
- Any needs for large equipment may require land access with reviews of accessibility through fencing, ease of maneuverability, neighborhood entry, safety checks, and protection of other landscaping areas. Before they arrive, give your stump removal pro as much information as possible about the stump and any access concerns.
FAQs
- Is it better to grind a stump or to remove it?
The landscape or other future plans will determine the best method of removal when deciding to either grind a stump or to remove it. Keep in mind that grinding may leave more of the root structure behind than excavation-style removal.
- Is it necessary to remove tree stump?
Considerations for tree stump removal include unimpeded access to walkways, safety, aesthetics, and planning for the area. It is not always necessary to remove a tree stump, but a review of some considerations should include safety checks, plans for access, and beautification planning.
- How much does it cost to rent a stump grinder?
The average cost to rent a stump grinder is $85.
- How do you remove a stump without a grinder?
The pieces of a stump can be chopped or sawed. The root structure that is seen may be able to be removed with this method if it is visible or accessible. Stump removal pros usually use a backhoe or similar heavy equipment to dig the stump out of the ground.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Sprinkler system: Set of equipment used to irrigate lawns
3 Asphalt: A viscous, black mixture of hydrocarbons often used for roofing and waterproofing. It is also used in asphalt for paving roads
How much does it cost to remove a stump in my city?
Cost to remove a stump varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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