Reviewed by Jose Roman, Owner of Avalon Tree Services · Updated November 2026
The tree is gone, but the stump is still sitting in the yard, getting in the way of the mower and slowly turning into a home for ants and termites. Grinding it out is the fastest fix. Here’s what stump grinding costs around Atlanta, what drives the price and what to ask before you hire someone.
Average Stump Grinding Cost
According to LawnStarter’s 2026 pricing data, the national average for stump grinding is about $272 per job, and most homeowners pay between $131 and $438. In Atlanta, grinding a medium-sized stump typically runs $109 to $192.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Price per inch of stump diameter | $2 – $5 |
| Minimum charge | About $100 |
| Each additional stump | $37 – $70 |
| Hardwood surcharge (oak, hickory, etc.) | $50 – $150 per stump |
| Root grinding | $103 – $198 per hour |
| Hauling away the chips | $2 – $3 per diameter inch |
| Full stump removal (not grinding) | $175 – $516 |
Source: LawnStarter, 2026 stump grinding cost data. These are general ranges. Your price is set by looking at the stump.
How Stump Grinding Is Priced
Most tree companies price stump grinding by the stump’s diameter, measured across the widest part of the cut surface at ground level. A 24-inch stump at $3 an inch is about $72, but minimum charges often kick in on small jobs, so a single small stump will usually cost the minimum. Some companies charge a flat rate per stump or by the hour for big jobs.
What Affects the Cost of Stump Grinding?
1. Stump size
Bigger stumps take longer to grind and put more wear on the machine. A 40-inch oak stump is a very different job than a 10-inch crape myrtle.
2. Wood type
Hardwoods like oak and hickory are dense and slow to grind. Pine is softer and goes faster. That’s why some companies add a hardwood surcharge.
3. Number of stumps
The first stump carries the cost of getting the grinder to your property. Each additional stump in the same visit usually costs a lot less.
4. Access
A stump in the front yard is easy. A stump behind a fence, on a hillside or between a house and a retaining wall may need a smaller machine and more time. Measure your gate: many backyard grinders need about 30 to 36 inches to fit through.
5. Surface roots
Big trees often leave thick roots running across the lawn. Grinding those out takes extra time beyond the stump itself.
6. Cleanup
Grinding leaves a pile of wood chips and soil. Some homeowners keep the chips for mulch. Others want them hauled away and the hole filled with topsoil, which adds to the cost.
7. Underground utilities
Before grinding, Georgia law requires a call to Georgia 811 to have underground utility lines marked. A stump sitting on top of a gas, water or cable line takes more care.
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal
Grinding chews the stump down below ground level, usually 6 to 12 inches. The roots stay in the ground and slowly decay. It’s faster, cheaper and leaves less of a mess.
Removal pulls the entire stump and its main roots out of the ground. It costs more and leaves a big hole, but it’s the better choice if you’re building or pouring concrete right where the tree stood. Our post on choosing between stump grinding and removal covers the tradeoffs in more detail.
Is DIY Stump Grinding Worth It?
Rental grinders cost about $178 to $364 a day, and depending on the stump, the job can take one to three days. They’re heavy, hard to move and throw debris hard enough to break windows. If you only have one or two stumps, hiring a pro usually costs about the same and you skip the risk.
Ways to Save on Stump Grinding
- Grind when the tree comes down. Adding stump grinding to a tree removal is almost always cheaper than scheduling it separately.
- Do all the stumps at once. Additional stumps cost much less than the first one.
- Keep the chips. Use them as mulch or let them settle in the hole instead of paying to haul them away.
- Clear the area. Move rocks, decorations and anything else around the stump before the crew arrives.
Stump Grinding Across Metro Atlanta and Gwinnett
Avalon Tree Services grinds stumps throughout Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta, including Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Loganville, Dacula, Duluth and Suwanee. If the tree is still standing, see our tree removal cost guide or our tree removal services.
Stump Grinding Cost FAQs
How much does stump grinding cost?
LawnStarter’s 2026 data puts the national average at about $272 per job, with most homeowners paying $131 to $438. Many companies price by diameter, at roughly $2 to $5 per inch, with a minimum charge around $100.
How much does stump grinding cost in Atlanta?
For a medium-sized stump, LawnStarter lists Atlanta at about $109 to $192. Large hardwood stumps, multiple stumps and hard-to-reach stumps cost more.
Is stump grinding cheaper than stump removal?
Usually, yes. Grinding takes the stump down below ground level and leaves the roots to decay naturally. Full removal pulls out the stump and major roots, which is more work and costs more.
Is it cheaper to grind stumps at the same time as the tree removal?
Usually. The crew and equipment are already on site, so most companies charge less to add stump grinding to a removal than to come back for it later.
What happens to the hole after the stump is ground?
The grinder turns the stump into wood chips. You can leave the chips in the hole to settle, or have them hauled away and the hole filled with topsoil so you can plant grass.
Should I rent a stump grinder and do it myself?
You can, but rental grinders run about $178 to $364 a day, and they’re heavy and dangerous to run. For one or two stumps, hiring a pro often costs about the same and is much safer.
Get a Free Stump Grinding Estimate
Send us a photo of the stump with something for scale, like a shoe or tape measure, and we can usually give you a ballpark right away. Contact us or call 770-415-8581 for a free estimate.
