The tree came down, but the stump stayed. We grind stumps below ground level so you can mow over the spot, plant grass, or build a patio there.
Plenty of homeowners find out too late that their tree company never included the stump. Ask about stump grinding when you get a tree removal quote. Doing both in one visit saves you a second trip charge.
What Stump Grinding Costs in the Triangle
Most local companies price by the inch, measuring the stump at its widest point near the soil. Current Triangle rates run about $2 to $3.50 per inch. Most single residential stumps cost between $100 and $400.
Most companies also set a minimum charge, so a small pine stump often costs the minimum.
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Oak, hickory, or other hardwood | Higher. Hardwood grinds slower than pine or sweetgum. |
| Exposed surface roots | Higher. We chase each lateral root separately. |
| Narrow gate or fenced yard | Higher. We need a smaller machine and more time. |
| Several stumps on one property | Lower per stump. One trip charge covers all of them. |
How the Job Works
- We contact NC 811 so utility companies mark buried lines. State law requires at least three full working days of notice before digging.
- We grind the stump 6 to 12 inches below grade. Tell us if you plan to plant there, and we will go deeper.
- We rake the chips into the hole or haul them away, whichever you prefer.
Most stumps take 30 to 90 minutes. Stumps wider than 30 inches can take two to three hours.
The Machines
Vermeer, Rayco, Carlton, and Bandit build most of the professional grinders you see on Triangle job sites. The big tow behind units handle old oaks quickly. For backyards behind a fence, a compact machine like the Toro STX-38 rolls through a standard 36 inch gate without anyone removing a fence panel.
After the Grind
Wood chips pull nitrogen out of the soil as they break down, and grass struggles to grow in them. For a lawn, clear most of the chips, add three to four inches of topsoil, and seed.
Our red clay settles as the buried roots rot. Expect a shallow dip after a few months and plan to top it off.
Planting a replacement tree? Move it a few feet away from the old stump. The old root mass stays underground for years.
Send us a photo of your stump and a rough measurement across the top, and we will give you a price before we ever load the trailer.