ISA Certified Arborists | Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Written By: Eric Ledford
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ISA Certified Arborist – PN-9290A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor (TRAQ)
Updated January 18, 2026
Stump removal costs in 2026 can vary widely depending on stump size, removal method, and site conditions. On average, homeowners can expect to pay $100 to $600+ for stump grinding, and $200 to $1,000+ for full stump removal when roots are excavated. The chart below breaks down typical price ranges by stump size to help you budget more accurately — whether you're dealing with a small backyard stump or a large tree base from a recent removal.
On average in 2026, stump grinding costs between $100 and $600 per stump, depending on size, access, and site conditions.
When roots need to come out, full stump removal typically ranges from $200 to over $1,000+ per stump. Excavation, root chasing, and backfilling add labor and equipment time, which is why full removal costs more than simple grinding.
π‘ Understanding the Chart
Stump grinding prices increase exponentially as stump diameter grows — not linearly.
This is because grinding difficulty scales with surface area, root flare width, and cutting time,not just stump diameter.
For example, a 30-inch stump does not cost twice as much to grind as a 15-inch stump.
Because surface area increases by the square of the radius, large stumps require significantly more
grinding passes, fuel, and wear on equipment — which drives costs sharply higher.
In Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area, stump grinding costs can run higher than national
averages due to access limitations, slope, underground utilities, and wet soil conditions that
increase grinding difficulty.
Several variables influence the total cost of removing a tree stump. Understanding these can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises:
π Stump Size
Larger stumps require more time, labor, and machine power to remove. Grinding or removing a 6-inch stump is quick work, while a 30-inch stump with a deep root system can take hours and specialized equipment — raising the cost significantly.
π‘ Stump Location
Accessibility plays a major role. Stumps near structures, fences, utility vaults, or within landscaped areas often require handwork or compact machines, increasing labor costs. Tight access also means more setup time.
π± Root System Complexity
Shallow or small roots may grind out easily, but larger trees like maples or cottonwoods often have extensive, invasive roots that require deeper grinding or full excavation — adding time and cost.
π§Ή Add-On Services
Services such as grinding roots beyond the stump, hauling away grindings, or backfilling with topsoil are not always included in the base price. Be sure to ask for a full breakdown to avoid unexpected charges.
When it comes to getting rid of tree stumps, there are two main options: grinding and full removal. Stump grinding cost and stump removal cost are often used interchangeably, but both typically refer to pricing based on stump diameter, grinding depth, root structure, and site access (not tree height).
Stump grinding uses a high-powered machine to shred the stump into wood chips below ground level (typically about 6"–18" deep). It’s fast, affordable, and leaves roots to decay naturally underground.
Full removal involves digging or pulling the entire stump and root system out of the ground. This usually requires heavy equipment, especially for large or deeply rooted stumps.
We typically charge a $400 minimum call-out(about 1 hour of stump grinding). If your stumps are small and access is easy, you can often remove multiple stumps within that first hour. Larger stumps usually require additional time.
| Stump size | Diameter | Typical price | What that usually covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 12" | $400 minimum | Often fits within the first hour (and may include more than one small stump) |
| Medium | 12–24" | $400–$750 | May fit within 1 hour depending on access and root flare; sometimes needs extra time |
| Large | 24–36" | $750–$1,250 | Often requires more time due to root mass and chip volume |
| XL / Giant | 36"+ | $1,250–$2,500+ | Typically multiple hours; access and grind depth matter a lot |
Why the minimum? Mobilization, machine setup, utility awareness, and cleanup are part of safe stump grinding. The $400 call-out covers about one hour of work once we’re on site.
When budgeting for stump grinding, you’ll usually see two pricing models. Here’s what each one means—and when it makes sense.
Pricing is based on the stump’s diameter at ground level. This is the most common model for accurate estimates.
A single price per stump regardless of size. Common for small, simple stumps or bundled jobs.
Pro tip: Ask if grinding depth, root removal, and debris haul-away are included before comparing quotes.
Wondering if DIY is worth it? It depends on stump size, location, and your comfort level with heavy equipment.
DIY can be cheaper upfront, but it’s time-consuming and comes with real safety risks.
Pros handle tough access, large stumps, and hidden utilities with better speed and safer outcomes.
If the stump is near utilities, fences, concrete, or tight access, professional grinding is usually the safest value.
Yes — in most cases, removing tree roots beyond grinding the stump is an additional service. Stump grinding only tackles the visible portion of the stump and the immediate root flare. However, roots can:
Root removal is typically quoted separately, starting around $50 to $300+, depending on depth and spread. If you plan to replant, install sod, or pour concrete, it’s smart to request full root removal in advance.
Looking to cut costs on stump grinding or removal? Here are a few smart strategies to keep your budget in check:
Still wondering what impacts the price of tree stump removal? Whether you're dealing with one small stump or a yard full of them, understanding the key cost factors—like stump size, access, and method—can help you make the smartest choice for your property and budget.
In this section, we’ll answer the most common questions homeowners have about stump grinding prices, DIY vs. professional removal, and whether root removal or multiple stumps will cost you extra. By the end, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to confidently move forward with your stump removal project.
The average cost of stump removal in 2025 ranges from $150 to $500 per stump, depending on factors like size, location, and method. Large stumps, difficult access, or root removal can increase the price.
Stump grinding is generally more affordable than full stump extraction. Grinding costs around $5–$12 per inch, while full removal with root excavation can cost $300–$700+ due to labor and equipment needs.
Some companies charge per inch of diameter, typically between $3 and $12, while others offer a flat rate per stump or bundle pricing for multiple stumps. Always ask which pricing model is being used.
Yes, tree root removal is often an additional service. Extensive or deep root systems can add $50–$150 per stump to your total cost due to the extra labor and equipment involved.
DIY stump removal can save money for small stumps, but it's often time-consuming and physically demanding. Renting a grinder costs $100–$250 per day, and there's risk of injury or property damage without proper training.
Homeowners often ask how much to remove a stump or how much to remove stumps when clearing a yard. Removing multiple stumps during the same visit usually lowers the per-stump removal cost, since mobilization and setup are shared.
Yes — local pricing matters. In areas like Seattle, Kent, and the greater Puget Sound, costs may be higher due to terrain, permitting, and labor rates. Always get a location-based quote.
Not always. Some stump grinding services include grinding debris left onsite, while others charge extra for hauling grindings away. Make sure to confirm what's included in your estimate.
Yes, most professional stump removal companies charge a minimum service fee, often called a call-out fee, which typically ranges from $125 to $250. This covers equipment mobilization, fuel, labor, and travel time — even if you're only grinding one small stump.Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
While stump grinding is often the final step after tree removal, many homeowners want to understand the full cost picture. The resources below explain how tree removal and tree trimming prices are calculated in Seattle, including factors like tree size, access, hazards, and permitting requirements. Reviewing these can help you compare options and plan your project more accurately.
Wondering how much stump removal costs in your area? We provide transparent stump grinding estimates based on stump size, access, and site conditions—no hidden fees, no guesswork. Get a fast, no-obligation estimate from experienced, ISA Certified Arborist–led crews.
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Free, No-Obligation Estimates
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stump grinding prices (no surprise add-ons)
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Fast, professional crews serving
Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, and Bellevue
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NUCA DigSafe Certified – utilities marked before we grind or dig
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ISA Certified Arborist oversight on every stump removal plan
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3057 S 146th St SeaTac, WA 98168
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Licensed • Insured • SOUNDTL769C807NG
Registered Tree Service SDCI: TSP-18505
ISA-Certified Arborists providing tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and permit-ready arborist reports across Greater Seattle.
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