How Much Does Stump Removal Cost? [2024 Data]

Stump Removal Cost Factors

Your total stump removal cost will depend on several factors, including the type of tree, size and condition of the stump, removal method, prep, location, accessibility, the number of stumps, cleanup, and permits. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about stump removal costs:

Type of Tree

Depending on the type of tree, your stump removal costs can vary. Typically, most trees are receptive to the usual stump removal methods, making the cost fall in the average range. However, certain Oak, Willow, Walnut, Cherry, Aspen, Hickory, Ash, Elm, Pine, Birch, and Maple trees have harder wood with wide, deep root systems—making them more challenging (and thus more costly) to remove.  

Size

Stump size is measured in diameter, and the cost to remove a stump ranges from $2 to $5 per diameter inch. Here are the average costs for stump removal per diameter:

Removal Method

Depending on the condition of your tree stump, you can choose manual removal, stump grinding, chemical rotting, or stump burning. Here are the costs for each stump removal method:

Manual Removal

You can expect to pay between $200 and $700 for manual stump removal. Manual stump removal is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming method, requiring full removal of the stump and roots. Stump removal pros need to dig and physically pull the stump out of the ground—which requires heavy machinery and special tools. Although manual removal is the most expensive method, it’s also the cleanest, leaving you with a smooth patch of soil or grass. 

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding costs between $150 and $500. Stump grinding takes a few hours for the grinder’s cylindrical blade to chop up the stump into small chips. Although stump grinding goes four to six inches below ground, this method leaves the roots intact, making it more unsightly than manual stump removal. When finished, you can fill the hole with stump chips or soil. 

Chemical Rotting

You can expect to pay between $60 and $200 for chemical rotting. Chemical rotting speeds up the stump’s natural rotting process. You’ll start by cutting the stump low, drilling holes, and adding chemicals like potassium nitrate, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid. The stump then rots away over several weeks or months. 

Stump Burning

Stump burning costs $100 to $200 and uses a similar method to chemical rotting. This process involves drilling holes in the stump, adding nitrogen, and igniting the nitrogen. A stump takes a few hours to burn thoroughly, but a pro should keep a close watch to ensure that loose embers don’t start a fire. 

Stump Condition

While it may be an eyesore, older, decaying tree stumps ridden with mold and pests are much easier to remove than brand-new tree stumps. Older, diseased stumps are softer, making them quicker to break down and remove. Newer stumps will take longer to break down, increasing your overall stump removal cost. 

Prep

Photo: Eri Morita / Photodisc / Getty Images

Sometimes, pros will need to perform prep work before they can safely remove the stump. This extra prep work will ultimately lead to a higher stump removal cost. For example, you may incur additional charges if:

• The tree’s roots are deep or difficult to access.

• The tree’s roots have damaged nearby water lines, garden beds, or your home’s foundation.

• There’s rocky, dense soil surrounding the stump, making it hard to remove.  

Location

Your geographic location plays a role in your total stump removal cost, with metropolitan areas charging more than rural areas due to higher-priced insurance and permits. In addition, many metropolitan areas don’t allow chemical rotting or burning due to pollution and health concerns, leaving only the more costly options of manual removal or stump grinding. 

Accessibility

If the stump is challenging to access—it’s located right next to a barn or between two large structures, for example—your cost will increase. Also, pros will have more trouble getting their equipment to the stump if your home is situated on a steep hill or rugged terrain.

Number of Stumps

If you remove more than one stump, the cost per stump usually decreases slightly. Most stump removal pros charge a minimum of $100 to $150 per stump for a flat-rate callout. But, if you have more than one stump to remove, you can expect to pay between $40 to $75 per stump. 

Cleanup

You can expect to pay an extra $1 to $4 per diameter inch for a pro to clean up and haul away stump debris, sawdust, and loose roots. 

Permits

You’ll likely need to obtain a permit before removing a stump, as power or utility lines could run underneath. In addition, some municipalities require supervision and permitting for burning a stump. Depending on your township's rules and regulations, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a permit. 

Cost to Remove a Stump Yourself

If you have the proper tools and energy, you can remove a stump yourself—but have a friend or trusted neighbor nearby, because this work is very labor-intensive. You can expect to pay between $190 to $270 per day to rent a stump grinder. Or, you’ll pay around $10 to $20 to purchase a chemical rotting agent at a large box retailer. However, for deeply rooted stumps, we always recommend hiring a pro.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can tackle stump removal yourself, but it will be very labor-intensive if you go the manual route. If you go the chemical route, it will take much longer for the stump to rot. Yet, if you have the tools and patience, doing it yourself will save you around $150 per hour in labor costs. 

We recommend hiring a professional stump removal company near you. You’ll pay between $60 and $350 on average. Pros come prepared with the equipment and knowledge to properly and safely remove a tree stump—and they’ll be able to do it much quicker than if you go the DIY route.

Cost of Common Stump Removal Add-Ons

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If you hire a pro, you might want to take advantage of other services they offer besides stump removal. These add-ons include:

• Tree removal: $200–$2,000

• Tree trimming: $75–$1,800

• Tree pruning: $460 on average

• Tree transplanting: $300–$10,000

• Tree healthcare: $860 on average

• Root removal: $100–$200 per hour

• Landscaping: $1,270–$6,005

• Shrub removal: $900 on average

Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing a Tree Stump

Stump removal costs can add up if you have several stumps, deep roots, and uneven terrain. Yet, there are ways to reduce costs while removing a tree stump, including:

• Get at least 3 quotes from local stump removal companies.

• Book during the winter off-season for better rates.

• Negotiate to remove multiple stumps or your neighbor’s stumps at the same time.

• Take care of the prep and cleanup yourself.

• Reuse the stump debris as firewood or mulch chips.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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