It's the first question almost everyone asks: what's this going to cost me? The honest answer is that stump grinding is priced per job, because no two stumps are the same. But you don't have to fly blind — below is how pricing actually works in 2026, the things that move the number up or down, and the fastest way to get an exact price for your stump.
How stump grinding is usually priced
Most stump grinding is priced one of two ways: by the diameter of the stump (measured across the widest point at ground level), or as a flat per-stump rate. As a general industry guideline in 2026, per-inch rates commonly fall somewhere around $3 to $5 per diameter inch, and many single residential stumps land in the $120 to $400 range. Most companies also have a minimum charge — often around $100 — because it costs the same to load up and drive out whether your stump is small or large.
Those are ballpark national figures, not a quote. Local demand, access, and the specifics of your stump can push the real price above or below them. The only number that matters is the one you get for your stump.
What changes the price
Stump diameter
Bigger around means more wood to grind, so diameter is the single biggest cost driver. A slender ornamental stump is quick; a wide old oak or maple takes real time.
Number of stumps
This is where you save. Once we're on site, each additional stump is much cheaper than the first — often a small fraction of the price — because the travel and setup are already covered. If you've got several, grinding them in one visit is by far the best value.
Wood hardness and age
Hardwoods like oak grind slower than softer species, and a freshly cut stump can behave differently than one that's been sitting and drying for years.
Access and location
A stump in an open front yard is straightforward. One behind a narrow gate, on a slope, tight against a fence or foundation, or surrounded by landscaping takes more care and time — which can affect price.
Root flare and surface roots
Some stumps have large surface roots radiating out that you may also want ground down. If roots are lifting a driveway or walkway, that's a separate consideration — see our root removal service.
Cleanup and haul-away
Grinding a stump produces a surprising volume of wood chips. Leaving them in place as mulch is typically included; having everything hauled off and the hole backfilled is an add-on. We cover this in our cleanup & haul away service, and it's worth it if you plan to plant.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Bundle your stumps. Get all of them done in one visit for the best per-stump price.
- Clear the area first. Moving rocks, planters, and yard clutter away from the stump saves setup time.
- Be flexible on cleanup. Keeping the grindings as mulch instead of hauling them away costs less.
- Send a clear photo. A good photo (with a coin or shoe for scale) gets you an accurate quote without a wasted trip.
The fastest way to a real price
Skip the estimates and guesswork: text a photo of your stump to 301-355-3769, ideally with something next to it for scale. We'll send you a clear, no-obligation price — often the same day. We serve homeowners across Montgomery County, from Bethesda and Rockville to Germantown and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to grind one stump?
Most single residential stumps fall somewhere in the $120–$400 range in 2026, with a typical minimum charge around $100. Your exact price depends on the stump's diameter, the wood, and how accessible it is. Text a photo to 301-355-3769 for a precise quote.
Is it cheaper to grind multiple stumps at once?
Yes, significantly. The first stump covers the travel and setup; each additional stump in the same visit costs much less. If you have several, doing them together is the best value by far.
Does the price include cleanup?
Leaving the wood grindings in place as mulch is typically included. Hauling all the chips away and backfilling the hole with topsoil is an add-on — that's our cleanup & haul away service.
Why do you charge a minimum fee?
It costs the same to load equipment and drive to your property whether the stump is small or large. The minimum makes small single-stump jobs worthwhile to schedule.
Get a free quote in Montgomery County
The fastest way to a real number is to call or text a photo of your stump to 301-355-3769. We serve all of Montgomery County, Maryland — see our service areas or learn more about stump grinding.