How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in Georgia?
I’m Rudy Perez, owner of All In Tree Services and Pro. After nearly every tree removal we do, the homeowner looks at the stump and asks, “So what does it cost to get rid of that?” Here is a straight breakdown based on what we charge and what I see across Metro Atlanta.
Most homeowners pay $100 to $400 per stump for professional grinding. The main thing driving the price is stump diameter, and most companies (us included) charge by the inch.
Stump Grinding Prices by Size
Stump Diameter | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
Small (6 to 12 inches) | $75 to $150 |
Medium (12 to 24 inches) | $150 to $300 |
Large (24 to 36 inches) | $250 to $450 |
Extra large (36+ inches) | $400 to $700+ |
Most stump grinding services charge a minimum of $100 to $150, even for a small stump. That covers the cost of getting the grinder to your property. If you have a single average stump (12 to 18 inches), plan on $150 to $250.
How Per-Inch Pricing Works
The standard model in our area is $2 to $5 per inch, measured across the widest point of the stump.
Example: A 20-inch oak stump at $3 per inch comes out to $60. But with a $150 minimum, you pay $150.
Example: A 36-inch sweetgum stump at $4 per inch comes out to $144. Above most minimums, so you pay $144.
Multiple stumps: If you have three or more, we drop the per-inch rate. Instead of $3 to $5, you might pay $2 to $3 per inch. Always ask about bulk pricing. We would rather give you a deal and knock them all out in one visit than make three separate trips.
What Makes the Price Go Up?
Wood hardness. Hardwood stumps like oak, hickory, and maple are dense. They wear down the grinder teeth faster and take longer to chew through. Softwood stumps like pine, sweetgum, and tulip poplar grind quicker and cost less.
Root system. Some trees have large surface roots that spread several feet out from the stump. If you want those ground down too, it adds time and cost. Our standard pricing covers the stump and roots within about 6 to 12 inches below the surface.
Access. If the stump is in a backyard behind a gate, we may need to use a smaller walk-behind grinder instead of a full-size machine. Smaller grinders take longer. Stumps next to foundations, retaining walls, or underground utilities also require us to slow down and work more carefully.
Depth of grind. We typically grind 4 to 6 inches below the soil surface. If you plan to plant a new tree or lay sod in that spot, you may want 8 to 12 inches below grade. A deeper grind costs more, but it gives you a cleaner result for whatever you want to do with the area afterward.
Cleanup and fill. Grinding produces a pile of wood chips and dirt, usually three to four times the volume of the original stump. We include basic cleanup and backfilling in our price, but some companies charge extra for hauling away chips or filling the hole with topsoil. Ask what is included before you agree to anything.
Stump Grinding vs. Full Stump Removal
These are two different services, and the cost difference is significant.
Stump grinding uses a machine with a rotating carbide-tipped wheel to shred the stump below the soil surface. The roots stay in the ground and decompose naturally over several years. This is faster, less expensive, and causes less damage to the surrounding yard.
Full stump removal means pulling the entire stump and root ball out of the ground with an excavator. It leaves a much bigger hole, tears up more of the yard, and costs $300 to $800 or more depending on size.
For most residential situations, grinding is the right call. I recommend full removal only if you are clearing land for construction or if the stump is actively causing structural problems with a foundation or retaining wall.
Should You Rent a Stump Grinder?
Rental grinders run about $200 to $400 per day from most equipment yards in the Atlanta area. Sounds like a deal if you have a few stumps, but here is what you should know before you back one down a trailer ramp:
They are heavy. Even a small walk-behind grinder weighs over 1,000 pounds. You need a vehicle and trailer rated to haul it, plus a way to load and unload it safely.
They throw debris hard. The cutting wheel flings rocks, dirt, and wood chips at high speed. You need eye protection, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and a clear work area. I have seen rental customers surprised by how violent these machines are up close.
They are slow if you have never used one. Our guys can finish a 20-inch stump in 15 to 30 minutes. If you are running a grinder for the first time, that same stump could take an hour or longer.
Underground utilities are a real risk. Hitting a gas line, irrigation pipe, or buried cable turns a weekend project into an emergency. We call 811 before every job to get utilities marked. If you are renting, you need to do the same and wait for the markings before you start.
When DIY makes sense: You have several small stumps (under 12 inches), wide open access, no underground utilities nearby, and some experience running heavy equipment.
When to call us: One or two larger stumps, limited access, stumps near structures or underground lines, or you just want it handled safely without the hassle.
What Happens After We Grind the Stump?
Here is what to expect once the grinder shuts off:
- Cleanup. We rake the chips level with the surrounding ground or haul them away, depending on what we agreed to in the estimate.
- Settling. The hole settles over the next few weeks as the chips compress and start to break down. You may need to add a round of topsoil to keep things level.
- Replanting. If you want a new tree in the same spot, wait at least 6 to 12 months. The old root system changes the soil chemistry as it decomposes, and that can stress a new planting.
- Sod or seed. Want grass over the area? Fill the hole with topsoil, pack it firm, and seed or sod it. Most Georgia grasses fill in within one growing season.
Common Stump Grinding Situations Across Metro Atlanta
Here is what we see most often across Acworth, Dallas, Kennesaw, and the rest of our service area:
Post-removal stumps. After a tree removal job, most homeowners want the stump gone so the yard looks clean. If you are scheduling a removal, ask about adding stump grinding to the same visit. Bundling saves money because the crew and equipment are already on site.
Old stumps from previous owners. Buying a house in Metro Atlanta and finding three or four old stumps in the backyard is very common. These stumps are often partially rotted, which actually makes them faster and cheaper to grind. I walk a lot of yards where the homeowner says, “Those have been there since we moved in five years ago.” No problem. They grind out just fine.
Storm damage stumps. After severe weather takes down a tree, the stump stays behind. If the tree was removed on an emergency call, our crew may not have had time to grind the stump on that visit. We come back and take care of it once things settle down.
Clearing projects. If you are clearing a section of your property for a new build, a pool, or landscaping, you may have a dozen stumps to deal with. Bulk pricing and a larger machine make this much more affordable than grinding them one at a time. See our tree removal cost guide for more on clearing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does stump grinding take?
Most single stumps take 15 to 45 minutes once the grinder is in position. A small stump under 12 inches might take 15 minutes. A large hardwood stump over 30 inches can take 45 minutes to an hour. Setup and cleanup add another 15 to 30 minutes to the total visit.
Will stump grinding damage my yard?
The grinder creates a pile of wood chips and disturbed soil in the immediate area around the stump. We contain the debris as much as possible and rake everything clean after grinding. The surrounding lawn stays intact. If the grinder needs to cross your yard to reach the stump, we use plywood or mats on soft ground to prevent ruts.
Can I plant a new tree where the stump was ground?
Yes, but wait 6 to 12 months. The old root system decomposes and changes the soil chemistry, which can stress a new planting if you put it in too soon. When you are ready, fill the hole with fresh topsoil and plant the new tree at least a few inches away from the center of the old stump location.
Does stump grinding remove all the roots?
No. Grinding removes the stump and the major roots within 6 to 12 inches below the surface. The remaining roots underground will decompose naturally over several years. They will not regrow or send up new shoots once the stump is gone. If you need roots removed for construction or foundation work, full stump extraction with an excavator is the better option.
Is stump grinding cheaper than full stump removal?
Yes. Stump grinding typically costs $100 to $400 per stump. Full stump removal (pulling the entire root ball out with an excavator) runs $300 to $800 or more and tears up a much larger area of your yard. For most residential situations, grinding is the better value. We recommend full removal only when you are clearing land for construction or dealing with a stump causing structural problems.
Get a Free Stump Grinding Estimate
If you have a stump sitting in your yard and you are tired of mowing around it, give us a call. We will measure it, give you a price, and get it done. All In Tree Services and Pro grinds stumps of any size, in any location, and we clean up when we are finished. Licensed, insured, and family-owned.
Call (470) 608-2545 or contact us to schedule your free estimate.