Hourly stump grinding usually costs $100 to $200 per hour, with about $160 typical. Hourly pricing is most common for large stumps, many stumps close together and land clearing, and some companies add up to $50 an hour for difficult access.
Most homeowners are quoted per stump instead. See stump grinding prices by state.
When hourly pricing makes sense
Hourly rates suit land clearing, rows of windbreak trees, cedar thickets and very large stumps. For one or two typical stumps, per-inch or per-stump pricing is usually lower. Compare with the cost per inch guide.
What affects how many hours a job takes
- Diameter and wood: a 36-inch oak can take an hour or more on its own; a 12-inch pine takes minutes.
- Machine size: professional grinders with 25 to 100+ horsepower cut several times faster than small rental units.
- Roots: chasing surface roots across a lawn can double the time spent on a stump.
- Rocks and debris: crews slow down near rocks, buried concrete or metal to protect the teeth.
- Access and setup: narrow gates, slopes, fences and protecting nearby siding all add time.
Travel and trip fees
Hourly quotes often add a separate trip or mobilization fee to cover driving the machine to you. Industry cost guides commonly put this at about $50 to $200, with rural properties at the higher end. Ask whether travel time is billed by the hour or charged as a flat fee before you book.
Example hourly jobs
| Job | Likely time | Estimated labor |
|---|---|---|
| Row of 15 small cedar or shrub stumps | 1.5–2.5 hours | $240–$400 |
| One 48-inch oak stump with surface roots | 1.5–3 hours | $240–$480 |
| Clearing 25 mixed stumps on an acreage lot | 4–6 hours | $640–$960 |
Times are planning estimates and vary with equipment and site conditions. For one or two stumps, compare against per-stump pricing with the stump grinding cost calculator.
Typical hourly rates
| Rate | Per hour |
|---|---|
| Low | $100 |
| Typical | $160 |
| High | $200 |
| Difficult access surcharge | Up to +$50 |
Keep reading
-
Cost guide Cost to Grind Multiple Stumps Grinding multiple stumps costs far less per stump. The first stump includes the trip charge; each extra usually costs $30 to $75. See 2 to 10 stump examples. -
Cost guide Large Stump Grinding Cost Grinding a large stump costs about $250 to $450 or more in 2026. See prices for 36, 48, 60 and 72 inch stumps and why big stumps cost more per inch. -
DIY Stump Grinder Rental Cost Renting a stump grinder costs about $106 to $135 for four hours or $150 to $400 per day in 2026. Compare rental vs. hiring a pro and what fees to expect.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How much do stump grinders charge per hour?
Most charge $100 to $200 per hour, with about $160 typical. Rates are higher in expensive metro areas.
Is hourly or per-stump pricing cheaper?
For a few stumps, per-stump pricing is usually cheaper. For many stumps close together, hourly pricing can save money.
Is there a minimum charge for hourly stump grinding?
Yes. Most companies charge a minimum of one to two hours or a flat job minimum.
How many stumps can be ground in an hour?
A pro can grind several small stumps or one or two medium stumps in an hour, depending on wood and access.
Does travel time count toward hourly rates?
Some companies bill travel time or a trip fee. Ask before booking.
What raises an hourly stump grinding rate?
Difficult access, hardwood, rocky soil and large machines can all raise hourly rates.
Is renting a grinder cheaper than paying by the hour?
Renting costs about $106 to $135 for four hours, but a pro works much faster. For more than a few stumps, hiring is often better value.
How do I get an accurate hourly estimate?
Share the number, size and wood type of each stump, plus photos of access, so the company can estimate hours.
Sources and methodology
Last updated . Prices are estimates built from published contractor rates, national cost guides and federal labor data. Read how we calculate prices.