- Grinding
- About $150 to $500 per stump
- Full removal
- Often $400 to $1,500 or more
- Best for lawns
- Grinding, in most cases
Stump Grinding
The grinder chews the stump and the top roots down below the surface, usually four to eight inches. The rest of the root system stays in the ground and rots over years. It is quick, cheaper and leaves little mess. For lawns, garden beds and a replacement tree planted nearby, it is the usual choice.
Full Stump Removal
Full removal pulls the stump and the main roots out of the ground, often with a small excavator or backhoe. It leaves a large hole to fill and haul away material from. It costs more and can tear up turf and nearby plants. The roots may also be tangled with pipes or wires, so utility marking matters.
Which Should You Choose?
- Lawn or garden: grinding
- Planting a tree in the same spot: grind deep or move the new tree a few feet over
- Building a shed, patio, pool or foundation on the spot: full removal, or deeper grinding with an engineer's advice
- Roots heading toward a drain or slab: ask a pro to look first
What About Chemicals and Burning?
Stump killers do not remove the stump, they only slow regrowth, and rot takes years. Burning a stump is risky near houses and often restricted. Both are weak substitutes for grinding.
Next, see the stump grinding page and the cost guide.