How Much Does Stump Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost of stump removal is $369, based on 16,293 verified projects completed by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $195 and $609, with pricing typically calculated at $2 to $5 per diameter inch. Your final cost will vary based on stump size, removal method, and tree species.

Stump Removal Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Your total stump removal cost depends on several factors, including the type of tree, the size and condition of the stump, the removal method, prep work, and more. Understanding how each factor affects pricing helps you anticipate where costs can rise and where you might save.

Size

Stump size is measured in diameter, and removal costs range from $2 to $5 per inch of diameter, making the width of your stump the primary cost factor. Larger stumps require more labor and machine time, which pushes costs toward the higher end of that range. Here are the average costs for stump removal based on diameter:

Removal Method

The condition of your tree stump determines which removal method is practical, with options including manual removal, stump grinding, chemical rotting, and stump burning. Each method varies in cost, labor intensity, and the degree to which it eliminates the stump and its roots. The table below outlines the average cost of various stump removal methods:

Manual Removal

You can expect to pay between $200 and $700 for manual stump removal. Manual stump removal is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming method, requiring full removal of the stump and roots. Stump removal pros need to dig and physically pull the stump out of the ground—which requires heavy machinery and special tools. Although manual removal is the most expensive method, it’s also the cleanest, leaving you with a smooth patch of soil or grass. 

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding costs between $150 and $500. Stump grinding takes a few hours for the grinder’s cylindrical blade to chop up the stump into small chips. Although stump grinding goes four to six inches below ground, this method leaves the roots intact, making it more unsightly than manual stump removal. When finished, you can fill the hole with stump chips or soil. 

Chemical Rotting

You can expect to pay between $60 and $200 for chemical rotting. Chemical rotting speeds up the stump’s natural rotting process. You’ll start by cutting the stump low, drilling holes, and adding chemicals like potassium nitrate, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid. The stump then rots away over several weeks or months. 

Stump Burning 

Stump burning costs $100 to $200 and uses a similar method to chemical rotting. This process involves drilling holes in the stump, adding nitrogen, and igniting the nitrogen. A stump takes a few hours to burn thoroughly, but a pro should keep a close watch to ensure that loose embers don’t start a fire. 

Number of Stumps

Removing multiple stumps at once lowers the per-stump price, with most pros charging a flat-rate minimum of $100 to $150 per stump for a single callout. If you have more than one stump to remove, that rate often drops to $40 to $75 per stump. Bundling multiple stumps into one job is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce your overall removal cost.

Type of Tree

The type of tree on your property can affect stump removal costs, although most species fall within the average price range. Dense hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and walnut, may take longer to grind or remove, resulting in higher labor costs. If you know the tree species, share that information with your pro to help them provide an accurate estimate.

Stump Condition and Complexity

Older, decaying stumps are actually easier and faster to remove than newer ones because the wood is softer and breaks down more quickly. Newer stumps take longer to break down, which increases your overall stump removal cost. More complex situations—such as a stump with extensively damaged or widely distributed roots—require additional time and labor, thereby pushing total costs higher.

Prep

Prep work required before a safe stump removal will increase your total cost, so it’s worth knowing what conditions trigger additional charges. Situations that commonly lead to extra prep fees include:

• The tree's roots are deep or difficult to access.

• The tree's roots have damaged nearby water lines, garden beds, or your home's foundation.

• There's rocky, dense soil surrounding the stump, making it hard to remove.

Location

Your geographic location affects your total stump removal cost, with metropolitan areas typically charging more than rural areas due to higher insurance and permit costs. Many cities also prohibit chemical rotting and stump burning because of pollution and health concerns, which limits your options to the more expensive methods of manual removal or stump grinding. If you live in an urban area, plan your budget around those higher-cost methods from the start.

Accessibility

A stump that’s difficult to reach—such as one located next to a barn or wedged between two large structures—will increase your removal cost. Steep hills and rugged terrain also make it harder for pros to get their equipment to the site, adding time and labor to the job. Walk your property with your pro before work begins so they can assess access challenges and price the job accurately.

Soil Conditions

Hard or compacted soil requires specialized equipment and more labor, which drives up the price. Soft, loose soil speeds up the process and keeps costs closer to the lower end of the range.

Cleanup

Cleanup and debris hauling adds $1 to $4 per diameter inch to your total stump removal cost. This covers the removal of stump debris, sawdust, and loose roots left behind after the job. If you want to reduce costs, handling the cleanup yourself is one of the easiest ways to save.

Permits

Permits for stump removal cost between $100 to $500, depending on your township's rules and regulations. Most municipalities require a permit because power or utility lines may run beneath the stump, and some areas also require supervision and permitting specifically for stump burning. Check with your local municipality before scheduling work to factor permit fees into your budget.

Stump Removal Additional Costs: What Should You Budget For?

When you hire a stump removal pro, bundling additional yard services into the same visit can save you time and money. Many pros offer related services that are worth considering while they’re already on-site. The table below breaks down the average costs of services related to stump removal: 

Tree Stump Removal Pro Costs: What to Expect

Hiring a professional stump removal company near you accounts for 30% to 60% of your total stump removal cost, but that investment brings expertise, proper equipment, and a safer outcome. Pros can handle everything from permit acquisition to debris cleanup, which reduces the risk of costly mistakes. For stumps near utility lines, on difficult terrain, or with complex root systems, professional removal is strongly recommended over DIY.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a tree stump removal pro

Below are some of the biggest reasons why you should consider hiring a stump removal company:

• Pros offer multiple methods of removing tree stumps from your yard, giving you the best variety of options based on your budget and the type of tree.

• If you have several tree stumps that need removing, DIYing can get extremely time-consuming and exhausting.

• Professionals have effective machinery that speeds up the removal process and lets you enjoy your stump-free yard sooner.

• Attempting to use heavy-duty equipment when you've never used it before can be dangerous.

• Older tree stumps may contain mold and pests, but a professional can spot signs of an infestation before they start working, allowing them to take preventative steps to control the infestation and keep it from spreading to other wooded areas on your property.

• Depending on where you live, some terrains are more difficult to dig into manually than others, making it nearly impossible to use DIY-friendly manual equipment like shovels.

• If there are underground power lines in your area, then you may need to acquire a permit before attempting to remove a tree stump. Your pro will know the ins and outs of your city's rules and ensure you have the necessary permits.

If you want to DIY a tree stump removal

Small tree stumps can be removed by the simple push of a shovel, but if you have mature tree stumps that need removing, then you'll want to leave the removal process to the pros and consider other ways you can help, like:

• Cleaning up the debris yourself

• Pruning and trimming surrounding trees

• Conducting a soil test to help your pro know what to expect before arriving

• Removing obstacles that could make it harder to access the stump

Tips to Reduce Cost While Removing a Tree Stump

Stump removal costs can add up if you have several stumps, deep roots, and uneven terrain. Yet, there are ways to reduce costs while removing a tree stump, including:

• Get at least 3 quotes from local stump removal companies.

• Book during the winter off-season for better rates.

• Negotiate to remove multiple stumps or your neighbor’s stumps at the same time.

• Take care of the prep and cleanup yourself.

• Reuse the stump debris as firewood or mulch chips.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi 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. 

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