How Much Does Tree Stump Removal Cost in 2025?

Tree stump removal costs an average of $368, ranging between $177 and $558. You'll pay $2 to $5 per diameter inch, with a minimum call-out fee of $100 to $150. If you have multiple stumps, the cost drops to $40 to $75 per stump. Factors like stump size, removal method, accessibility, and location influence the total price. Hiring a professional ensures safe and efficient removal, avoiding risks due to buried utilities and protecting your property from potential damage.

Stump Removal Cost Factors

Several factors determine your stump removal cost, such as the size and number of stumps, the removal method you choose, the location and accessibility of your property, and the soil condition.

Size

Professionals charge between $2 and $5 per diameter inch 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 get rid of more stumps at once, however, you only pay for the increase in time and labor, because the equipment and the 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 sprawling root systems are harder to remove. Commercial grinders need to have attachments specifically designed to eat away at 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 between $120 and $500. Professionals use commercial grinders, charging $3 per diameter 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 at $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 like potassium nitrate to the stump to accelerate decay, which can take several weeks. 

While requiring minimal labor, it must be applied safely to prevent harm to people, pets, and wildlife. Professionals charge $10 to $50 for materials and $50 to $150 for labor. 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 permit requirements before proceeding. This method should be carried out with caution by experienced professionals.

Accessibility

Accessibility can drive up prices. 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 of $0.55 per mile.

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. So, if you live in an area with mostly rocky terrain, local professionals have already taken this into account with 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 runs $2 per diameter inch.

Tree or Shrub Removal

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

Landscaping

Hiring a landscaper costs $50 to $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.

Hiring a professional ensures comprehensive removal, proper root extraction, and efficient cleanup using specialized machinery. They offer reliability and safety, reducing the risk of injury or property damage. Consider hiring a local tree stump removal service to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.

To avoid injury or property 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 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.