How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?
By the crew at Framingham Tree Service. Updated October 2026.
Stump grinding is one of the cheaper jobs we do, and one of the easiest to price. Most of the cost comes down to how wide the stump is and how hard it is to get our grinder next to it. Below is what typical jobs run in Framingham and the towns around it.
Typical stump grinding prices
These are typical ranges for MetroWest work. They are not quotes. We measure the stump and look at access before we give you a price in writing.
| Stump size (measured across the cut, at ground level) | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | $150 to $225 |
| 12 to 24 inches | $200 to $325 |
| 24 to 36 inches | $300 to $450 |
| Over 36 inches, or a large oak or multi-trunk stump | $450 and up, priced on site |
| Each extra stump on the same visit | Often $75 to $200, depending on size |
| Grinding out surface roots | About $75 to $250 added |
| Hauling away the grindings | About $75 to $200 added |
Most single stumps in Framingham yards land between $150 and $450. The low end is a small stump in an open front lawn. The high end is a big hardwood stump in a backyard.
What changes the price
- Diameter. We measure across the widest part of the cut. Wider stumps take longer to chew through, and oak takes longer than pine.
- More than one stump. Getting the grinder to your yard is a big part of the cost. Once it is there, each extra stump costs much less than the first one.
- Access and gates. Our smaller grinders fit through a gate about 36 inches wide. If the only way in is narrower, or up steps or a steep slope, the job takes longer. Let us know about gates, fences and septic covers when you call.
- Roots. Standard grinding goes 6 to 10 inches below the surface. If big surface roots run across the lawn and you want them gone too, that is extra time.
- Grindings. A stump turns into a pile of wood chips and soil, often much bigger than you expect. We can rake it back into the hole for free, or haul it off for a fee. Many people keep it as mulch for beds.
- Rocks and buried junk. Stumps that grew around rocks, old fencing or wire wear down grinder teeth. We price that in when we can see it.
Grind it the same day as the removal
The cheapest way to handle a stump is to grind it the day we take the tree down. The crew and grinder are already on site, so there is no second trip. When we remove a tree, we list stump grinding as its own line on the estimate so you can choose. Most customers add it. See what removal runs in our tree removal cost guide.
Before we grind
We call Dig Safe before any grinding, since the grinder goes below the surface. Dig Safe only marks utility lines. It does not mark private lines like sprinkler pipes, invisible dog fences or wiring to a lamp post. Point those out to us if you have them.
Not sure grinding is right for you? Our guide on stump grinding vs. stump removal compares grinding, digging the stump out, chemical removers and leaving it alone.
After grinding
You will have a shallow hole filled with grindings. Wood chips break down over a year or two and the spot sinks a bit. If you want grass there, ask us to haul the grindings and fill with topsoil, then seed. If you plan to plant a new tree, set it a few feet off the old spot.
Want a price on your stumps? Read more about our stump grinding service, or request a free estimate. Send a photo with something for scale and we can often give you a ballpark the same day.
Common Questions
- How deep do you grind a stump?
- Usually 6 to 10 inches below the soil, which is deep enough for grass or a garden bed. We can go deeper if you plan to build or pave over the spot.
- Do you charge less for several stumps?
- Yes. The first stump carries most of the trip cost. Extra stumps on the same visit cost much less each.
- Is stump grinding the same as stump removal?
- Not quite. Grinding chips the stump below ground and leaves the deep roots to rot. Full removal digs out the whole root ball, costs more and leaves a big hole.