How Much Does Tree Stump Removal Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Tree stump removal costs an average of $368, with a range of $100 to $1,400. If you have multiple stumps, the cost drops to $40 to $75 per stump. Factors such as stump size, removal method, accessibility, and location all influence the total price. Hiring a professional for stump removal ensures safe and efficient removal, avoiding risks associated with buried utilities and protecting your property from potential damage.

Stump Removal Cost Factors

Several factors determine the cost of stump removal, including the size and number of stumps, the chosen removal method, the property's location and accessibility, and the soil condition.

Stump Removal Permit Costs

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

Size

Professionals charge between $2 and $5 per inch in diameter for stump removal, with a minimum call-out fee of $100 to $150 to cover equipment and travel costs.

Number of Stumps

While removing more stumps costs more overall, you'll pay less per stump the more stumps you remove in one project. With just a single stump removal, you're covering the contractor's travel expenses, equipment use, and hourly rate.

When you opt to remove more stumps at once, however, you only pay for the increased time and labor, because the equipment and contractor are already on site.

Root System

Stump removal costs vary as much as the tree's root systems do. Expect to pay $100 to $200 per hour for root removal. Older trees with extensive root systems are more difficult to remove. Commercial grinders require attachments specifically designed to target the roots, which can add time and effort to the project.

Removal Method

The method you choose for stump removal affects the cost, each offering benefits and drawbacks.

Grinding

Stump grinding costs range from $150 to $500. Professionals use commercial grinders, charging $3 per inch. If you have multiple stumps or a large area, expect to pay $150 per hour. The grinding process is quick, taking one to two hours depending on the stump size and the pro's expertise.

Manual Removal

Manual removal is the most expensive option, ranging from $200 to $700, but it completely removes both the stump and its root system. This method involves digging out the stump by cutting through the taproot and surrounding roots until it's loose. It's also the most environmentally friendly choice.

Chemical Rotting

Chemical rotting is the least expensive option, costing $60 to $200. This method involves applying chemicals, such as potassium nitrate, to the stump to accelerate decay, a process that can take several weeks to complete.

While requiring minimal labor, it must be applied safely to prevent harm to people, pets, and wildlife. Keep in mind that chemical rotting may not be effective for larger trees with deep root systems.

Burning

Stump burning costs between $100 and $200 and should only be performed when it's safe and legal. It's usually permissible in rural areas with low fire risk. Always check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits before commencing any work. This method should be carried out with caution by experienced professionals.

Accessibility

Accessibility can increase the cost of stump removal. If the distance between the driveway and the tree is excessively long, you'll incur extra labor costs. Other accessibility issues that can drive up prices include the terrain, the width of passageways, gates, or walkways between where the contractor parks and the tree stump, the proximity of buildings and utility lines, and other logistical issues.

Location

Where you live affects pricing for tree stump removal. Expect to pay more in large urban centers where accessibility, permitting, insurance, and overhead drive up professional fees. Rural areas tend to be less expensive.

Hiring a local tree stump removal company ensures you only pay their standard travel fee within their service area. Using a business outside of their standard service area incurs additional travel expenses.

Soil Condition

Rocky soil can damage some machine blades, forcing contractors to take more time. This increases costs by 50% or more. Pricing reflects the dominant soil type in any given region. Therefore, if you live in an area with predominantly rocky terrain, local professionals have already factored this into their pricing.

Preparation and Cleanup

Hiring a professional to remove a tree stump does not always include many of the steps that come before and after the actual grinding. A professional will need to cut any remaining trunk above ground to ground level before grinding. This is often free but can incur additional charges. Professional sawdust removal costs $1 to $4 per inch of diameter.

Tree or Shrub Removal

If you need to remove the entire tree or bush, along with the stump, you'll need to hire a local arborist. Tree removal costs range from $200 to $2,000, with an average price of $750. Tree removal costs don't include removing the stump. The cost of shrub removal averages $900.

Landscaping

Hiring a landscaper costs between $50 and $100 per hour. How much you'll spend depends on what you want to do with the area from which the stump was taken. You could turf the area, install a flower bed, or build a deck or patio.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Stump Removal

While tackling stump removal yourself might save money, it's often a job best left to professionals. DIY chemical application can be extremely hazardous if done incorrectly, and burning poses severe fire risks. Grinding requires expensive equipment and can be dangerous without proper training. Manual removal is labor-intensive and time-consuming. 

Professionals ensure comprehensive removal, proper root extraction, and efficient cleanup using specialized machinery. They offer reliability and safety, reducing the risk of injury or property damage. To prevent damage, it's wise to hire a professional for stump removal. A local tree stump removal service has the expertise and equipment to handle the job safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind and a clear landscape.

How to Save on Stump Removal Costs

While professional stump removal ensures safety and efficiency, there are several strategies to reduce your overall costs:

• Remove multiple stumps at once to benefit from the reduced per-stump rate of $40 to $75 instead of paying the full call-out fee for each project.

• Consider grinding instead of complete removal if you don't need the entire root system gone, potentially saving $100 to $200 in labor costs.

• Ask about off-season discounts, as many tree service companies offer reduced rates during their slower months in late fall and winter.

• Compare quotes from at least three local professionals to ensure competitive pricing while still maintaining quality service.

• Handle the cleanup yourself rather than paying the professional for sawdust removal, which can save $1 to $4 per inch of diameter.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real 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.