Stump grinding in Alaska usually costs $145 to $310 for one average 24-inch stump, about $220 typical and about 5% above the U.S. average. The short summer season and travel distances push prices above average.
How much does stump grinding cost in Alaska?
Grinding one average stump in Alaska costs about $220, with most quotes between $145 and $310 for a 24-inch stump. That is 5% above the national average. Small stumps usually cost the job minimum of around $160, and each extra stump on the same visit costs far less than the first.
| Stump diameter | Low | Typical | High | Each extra stump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $105 | $160 | $215 | $40 |
| 12 inches | $120 | $175 | $245 | $45 |
| 18 inches | $130 | $195 | $280 | $65 |
| 24 inches | $145 | $220 | $310 | $90 |
| 30 inches | $160 | $240 | $340 | $110 |
| 36 inches | $170 | $265 | $375 | $130 |
| 48 inches | $210 | $335 | $475 | $200 |
| 60 inches | $245 | $400 | $575 | $270 |
Common trees and stumps in Alaska
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| White spruce | softwood | Common in Southcentral and Interior yards; grinds easily. |
| Paper birch | hardwood | Moderately hard; often removed when it declines. |
| Black cottonwood | hardwood | Huge trunks and aggressive suckers; grind deep. |
| Sitka spruce | softwood | Large coastal stumps in Southeast Alaska. |
What drives stump grinding prices in Alaska
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Alaska quotes up or down:
- Short season. Frozen ground and snow limit grinding for much of the year, so summer demand is high.
- Travel costs. Long distances and remote lots raise trip charges outside Anchorage and Fairbanks.
- Spruce beetle. Beetle-killed spruce removals create clusters of stumps that are cheaper to grind together.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Alaska
Paper birch, Black cottonwood stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a white spruce stump of the same size. Softwood and palm stumps grind faster and usually sit at the low end of the range.
Example stump grinding quotes in Alaska
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Alaska once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $175 | $120–$245 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $330 | $210–$465 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $315 | $230–$420 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $485 | $370–$625 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $335 | $240–$490 |
Estimates use local labor costs and typical published rates. Real quotes also depend on access, soil and how busy local crews are. For ways to bring these numbers down, see grinding multiple stumps and the cheapest time of year to book.
Why Alaska prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Alaska earn a mean of $30.09 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 102.4 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Alaska prices 5% above the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in Alaska
Grinders cut 6 to 12 inches below ground, deep enough to hit shallow gas, power or irrigation lines. Most professionals request a utility locate first. You can file a free request through Alaska Digline (811) or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in Alaska
Most stump grinding in Alaska happens between May and September. Book early in spring, because summer schedules fill quickly and crews are limited.
Stump grinding prices in Alaska cities
- Anchorage
- Fairbanks
- Juneau
- Wasilla
- Sitka
Estimate your own Alaska project
Keep reading
-
Cost guide Is Stump Grinding Worth It? Is stump grinding worth the cost? Weigh the price against hazards, pests, regrowth, lawn space and property value, plus when leaving a stump is fine. -
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. -
DIY How to Get Rid of a Tree Stump How to get rid of a tree stump: grinding, digging, chemical removal, natural rotting and full removal compared by cost, time and effort, with the best pick.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grind stumps in winter in Alaska?
Rarely. Deep frost and snow make grinding slow or impossible in most areas, so nearly all work happens in summer.
Why does stump grinding cost more in Alaska?
Higher wages, a short season and long travel distances all add to prices, especially outside the main cities.
Will a cottonwood stump grow back after grinding?
It can. Cottonwood sends up suckers from roots, so grind deeper and cut new shoots promptly.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Alaska?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $120 to $245 in Alaska. Most companies charge their job minimum for a single small stump, so grinding several at once is far better value.
How much does it cost to grind a large stump in Alaska?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $265 in Alaska, and a 48-inch stump about $335. Very large stumps need bigger machines and more time, so many companies charge a higher per-inch rate above 36 inches.
What is the stump grinding cost per inch in Alaska?
Most companies charge $2.10 to $5.25 per inch of diameter in Alaska, plus a minimum charge. See our stump grinding cost per inch guide for worked examples.
How much does it cost to grind multiple stumps in Alaska?
The first stump carries the travel and setup charge. Each additional stump on the same visit usually costs much less, around $65 for an 18-inch stump in Alaska. Bundling every stump into one visit is the easiest way to save.
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.