How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?

Tree stump removal typically costs between $250 and $400, but your total could range from as little as $35 to over $500, depending on stump size, removal method, and site conditions.

Removing a stump might seem like a minor task, but it can cause real headaches if left in place. Old stumps attract termites, carpenter ants, and other pests — and if they’re near structures or underground utilities, the roots can cause damage long after the tree is gone. Whether you’re dealing with one small stump or clearing out several after tree removal, it’s worth hiring a pro to get the job done safely and completely.

In this guide, we’ll break down what affects stump removal costs, compare DIY vs. professional options, and help you figure out the best approach for your yard.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Stump?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to over $500 to remove a stump, depending mostly on the stump’s size and location. Most homeowners pay around $250 to $400 for a single stump.

Here’s a quick look at typical costs by stump size:

The larger the stump, the higher the cost — especially if it has a deep root system or is hard to reach with machinery. Expect to pay $3 to $5 per inch of diameter in most cases.

We retrieved cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The average costs listed in this article include materials and labor fees. 

How Do Stump Removal Costs Differ by Species of Tree?

Most stump removal methods are universally effective for all species of trees. Because of this, most stump removal and tree service companies don’t charge different rates for specific tree species. However, some trees, like maples, oaks, and elms, have wide, dense, and deep root systems. That does make stump removal of these tree stumps more expensive.  

🛠️ Stump Removal Methods and What They Cost

Different methods come with different price tags — and not every approach is right for every yard. Below we outline the costs of each stump removal method and add-on service. 

Manual Removal

Manual removal costs $150 to $500 and involves digging the stump out entirely, roots and all. It’s labor-intensive and usually reserved for large stumps or ones with complex root systems that can’t be ground out. It’s the most expensive method because it takes the most time and manpower — especially if heavy equipment can’t access the area.

Stump Grinding Services

Stump grinding costs $140–$400 and is the most common and cost-effective method. A stump grinder chews the stump into mulch below the soil line. It’s fast — usually done in an hour or two — and affordable. The catch? It leaves most of the roots behind, and you’ll need to fill the hole.

If you’re interested in how stump grinding works, check out this helpful video from Home Depot. 

Chemical Rotting

If you’re not in a rush, chemicals can rot a stump over a few weeks. This process costs $144–$240 for professional help (or ~$50 for DIY kits). It involves drilling holes, applying a stump remover (usually potassium nitrate), and waiting. This is the cheapest professional option, and many homeowners go the DIY route.

Burning

This method burns the stump from the inside out using accelerants or chemical boosters. It costs around $250–$425 and is usually paired with drilling and filling the stump like chemical rotting. It works well on large stumps, but it’s not allowed everywhere due to fire laws.

Tree Root Removal 

Leaving large, deep root structures in your yard can lead to mold, pests, and uneven turf. Unfortunately, many removal methods outlined above tend to leave large sections of the root mass behind. Thankfully, most tree service companies and arborists offer root removal services. 

If your stump’s roots have gotten into your driveway or have grown around sheds, power lines, utility lines, or foundations, removing them can be complex and difficult. Large equipment or machinery may be needed to remove the deepest roots, especially for older or larger trees. That’s why root removal can get expensive in a hurry.

Tree Removal

Many stump removal companies also offer tree removal services. On average, you can expect to pay between $250 to over $3,000 to remove a tree, but the national average sits at $750 to $1,200. Even if one company offers both services, tree and stump removal projects are rarely bundled together, meaning you’ll have to purchase each separately. 

Which Other Factors Impact the Cost of Removing a Stump?

Besides stump size and removal method, several other factors can raise the price:

• Hard-to-reach locations: If equipment can’t access the stump, crews may need to dig by hand — which costs more.
• Soil conditions: Rocky or compacted soil makes the job harder and more time-consuming.
• Tree type: Trees like pine or ash have deep taproots that are tougher to remove.
• Stump age: Old, rotted stumps are easier (and cheaper) to grind or dig out.
• Multiple stumps: Most companies offer volume discounts, so removing several at once can cut your per-stump cost.
• Cleanup: Expect to pay $1–$4 per inch of stump diameter for cleanup unless you haul the debris yourself.

Where Your Home Is Located

If your home sits on a steep slope or has other difficult-to-manage landscaping, it raises the price of stump removal. Tree servicing companies often need to use large equipment to remove a stump, dig out the surrounding area, or grind down to the stump’s core. Difficult-to-access areas make navigating machinery on such terrain difficult, increasing the complexity and hourly rates. 

The worst scenario is when the home sits in an area where it’s impossible to get machinery to the site. When this happens, the stump may need to be excavated by hand, drastically increasing costs. 

Root Depth and Complexity

A tree with deep or complex roots can make removing its stump difficult and more time-consuming. This problem is compounded if the stump’s roots are damaging turf, surrounding structures, or nearby flower beds. When this happens, removing the roots needs to be done carefully to not create more damage to surrounding structures. 

When dealing with a complex root system, tree servicing companies may need to remove the core of the stump via grinding and then remove the surrounding roots by hand. Of course, this system is much slower, more complex, and very expensive. 

Tree Type

Most tree servicing and stump removal companies don’t change rates based on tree type. However, some specific species can present more difficult removals than others. For example, pines, willows, and ash trees have a taproot — large central roots that can grow deep. Trees with taproots are more difficult and expensive to remove.

Soil Condition and Makeup 

The makeup of your yard’s soil will affect how well the tree grows and how expensive it’s to remove that tree. Thick, dense, and rocky soil can provide several challenges for a tree servicing company. As such, estimators will always consider soil when generating a quote. 

Number of Stumps

When removing multiple stumps, tree servicing companies will typically offer discounts. The weight of the discount will depend on the company and the amount of additional stumps being removed, but for less than a dozen stumps, most companies will reduce the removal cost by half or more. For anything that can be considered bulk work, companies often charge a fraction of the cost of the first stump or have a separate pricing structure altogether. 

Stump Condition

Newer stumps, or “green stumps,” are physically harder and more difficult to remove than old, dead stumps. If the stump has had insects, mold, and other elements wearing it down, removal will be less expensive. While these unpleasant elements may not be good for your yard, they make removing the stump much easier. 

Also, stumps from softwood trees will cost much less to remove. Compared to hardwood trees like oak, hickory, and mahogany, softwood stumps break down quickly and are much easier to handle.

Cleanup

Stump removal companies charge extra for removing sawdust, loose tree matter, and other debris from the stump removal process. The upcharge isn’t expensive, costing $1 to $4 per diameter inch. However, if you had a tree removed atop the stump, there would be more debris, and this price could become much higher.

Professional Vs. DIY Stump Removal

Compared to some landscaping jobs, tree stump removal can be a DIY project. While the job’s difficulty will largely depend on the size of the stump, how long it has been dead, and the type of tree it was, most stump removal can technically be managed at home. However, stump removal, while doable by yourself, is very labor-intensive and time-consuming, and many homeowners opt for professional help. 

Remember that professionals should handle large, deeply rooted stumps or those next to major structures. These stumps can be difficult to manage alone, and their root systems must be removed, or they may continue to cause damage. 

Should You Remove Your Stump Yourself?

While hiring a professional will be faster and easier than DIYing a stump removal, there are plenty of methods for hands-on homeowners. 

If you have the time and the physical aptitude, you can always manually dig out a stump. Alternatively, you can rent a stump grinder for about $200 to $400 per day. However, this is about what you can expect to pay for a professional anyway, and using a grinder is difficult and dangerous. 

One of the most reliable, albeit slowest, ways to remove a stump is with a chemical rotting agent. You can purchase chemical stump removers from most big-box or home improvement stores. When using a chemical remover, you must drill the appropriate holes in the trunk, add the solution, and wait two to four weeks for the stump to rot away. 

Should You Hire a Stump Removal Professional?

Finding a good stump removal company can be difficult, especially for those new to hiring home service professionals. But by following these simple steps, you can find the right company to remove your problematic stump:

1. Find local experts near you: Search for local stump removal companies in your area and look for those with excellent customer reviews.
2. Get a quote from a few options: To find the best price for your stump removal, obtain multiple free quotes from several companies and compare them. 
3. Consult them about their recommendations: Ask each company about the project, how long its team expects it to take, and if they foresee any complications.
4. Research the company’s credentials: Besides reading each company’s customer reviews, check its Better Business Bureau Score and history of complaints. 

Is It Always Legal to Remove a Stump?

Most states and municipalities don’t restrict or limit the removal of stumps. The exception is stump burning, which is often restricted. The laws governing stump burning vary from state to state, but in general, dryer Midwestern regions tend to have more harsh burning laws. 

Here are some examples of state laws that might restrict the burning of stumps. 

How Can You Save Money on Professional Stump Removal?

Homeowners can save money on stump removal with some basic preparatory steps: 

• Removing the stump themselves: While it may take longer and require some elbow grease on the homeowner’s part, DIY removal is always cheaper than hiring a professional. The exception to this is renting a stump grinder, which can cost about the same as a stump removal company. 
• Undertake debris removal: Stump removal companies will charge an additional fee to haul away and dispose of the stump. Homeowners can save on their final bill by handling the disposal of the stump and cleanup on their own. 
• Comparing multiple quotes: Shopping for quotes from multiple tree servicing and stump removal companies will allow you to find the best deal.  

So, Is Stump Removal Worth the Cost?

Yes — especially if you care about protecting your home and yard. While stump removal can cost anywhere from $35 to over $500, most homeowners spend around $325 for professional service. That may seem steep, but it’s a smart investment in keeping your yard safe, clean, and usable.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Old stumps attract pests — especially termites, which cause billions in home damage each year.
• Roots can damage concrete, driveways, and foundations.
• Stumps get in the way of landscaping, mowing, and new planting.

If the stump is small or in a remote area, DIY removal might save you some money. But for anything large, deeply rooted, or near structures, it’s safer and faster to bring in a pro.