(8” diameter, easy access, no root removal)
(48” diameter, removal of more than 15’ length root structure)
Cost to remove a stump varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from tree experts in your city.
The average cost of removing a stump is $320.
If you have a problematic tree stump, removal may be an important step in achieving beautification, safety, landscape planning, and/or improving access to and from your home or yard. Unlike stump grinding, where a machine basically churns the stump into mulch 1, stump removal involves a heavy machine coming in to pull the entire stump, and at least some of the root structure, up out of the ground.
The cost of the average stump removal project is $320, including partial removal of the visible and accessible root structure.
Reasons to consider tree stump removal include improvements to aesthetics and accessibility. Any walkways, sidewalks, or driveway areas around a property should provide a clear and safe path. Good care and maintenance of the exterior of the home include ground checks for drainage and clearings for tree root structures. A stump may have new growth or rot. The stump would be removed if it begins to rot or takes up too much space in the yard. Root structures from a stump may have continued growth and it’s important to consider removal when the growth may threaten the exterior perimeter of a home or building.
There are several factors that could affect the cost of stump removal:
Professionals will remove the stump with a digging process, which may involve using large tools or heavy equipment. To remove an average-size stump of 12” in diameter takes about 3 hours from start to finish. Chainsaws or cutting tools could also be used to cut the stump into several pieces for easier removal.
Plans for the specific removal process can be determined by the owner of the property, with suggestions from a professional. Landscape services may provide tree or stump removal as part of a cleanup or during yard maintenance. Professional landscaping companies usually fill in the gap that they leave in the ground.
The process could include removal of a larger root system, especially if it was a more mature tree. Knowing the future plans for the area where the stump is located helps the professional know how much of the root system needs to be removed. For example, if you’re going to be installing a sprinkler system 2 or pouring a concrete foundation for a sidewalk you will need to have clear paths for the water lines or concrete forms. Rebar 3 for a planned retaining wall 4 could require a more extensive cleanup of the tree stump and root system. A new lawn area with an automated sprinkler system could require the area to be root-free to a depth of 15-28”. You would of course want to make sure that any remaining root system would not disturb concrete that is poured for a sidewalk, driveway, or handicap ramp.
There are many benefits to working with professionals for stump removal. Professional-grade equipment, such as a backhoe, costs between $20,000 and $90,000. Understanding the root structure is also better when working with a professional. Prep work and proper grading 5 after the stump is gone can all be completed by a professional landscaping company.
The cost of hiring a landscaping company for a four-hour stump removal project could range from $50 to $350. The cost of hiring a handyman ranges from $100 to $300. The cost estimate may be based off of accessibility of the tree stump, expansiveness of the root structure, condition of the soil, type of tree, and cleanup requirements. A flat rate is often used for an average stump removal and can range from $50 to $300 for a simple removal.
Clearing your land of one or more tree stumps can be completed by either grinding or excavation. When comparing both options, there are various considerations specific to each method of cleanup. After the removal, ground compaction and leveling 5 are recommended for best future land use, valuation, resale purposes, and landscape planning. The following table compares grinding versus removing a stump and the prices refer to the cleanup of 1 stump of 20” in diameter:
Methods of stump cleanup | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Grinding ($100-$400) | Simpler cleanup Levels the ground Quicker Stump may be used for mulch Best method to remove numerous stumps Grinding can be done to the desired height | Requires access for large equipment Depending on water saturation, the root structure may rot Not a good choice if your tree stump has a disease |
Removal ($290-$690) | More elimination of stump and roots Better foundation for other landscaping plans Stumps removed may be used for recyclable projects Planning may be easier for a wood deck area, concrete, or asphalt 6 that needs to maintain its durability | May require access for large equipment More labor-intensive A professional needs to evaluate the type of tree, growth rates, or stump growth with sprouts Uneven surface following stump removal Filled dirt or soil may require compaction before any concrete pouring Leveling the ground after removal may cost more |
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.
There are several methods for do-it-yourself stump removal. Drilling holes into the center of the stump and pouring potassium nitrate into each hole with hot water is one sure-fire, if slow, method.
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.
The average cost to rent a stump grinder is $85.
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.
Cost to remove a stump varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.