Stump grinding in San Francisco costs about $240 for one average 24-inch stump, with most quotes between $160 and $340. That is about 16% above the national average. Small stumps usually cost the local job minimum of around $175.
How much does stump grinding cost in San Francisco?
Grinding one average stump in San Francisco costs about $240. Prices here are about 16% above the national average because local tree crews earn a mean of about $35.66 an hour. Bigger stumps, hardwood and extras such as root grinding push the price up, while grinding several stumps in one visit brings the cost per stump down.
| Stump diameter | Low | Typical | High | Each extra stump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $120 | $175 | $240 | $45 |
| 12 inches | $130 | $195 | $275 | $50 |
| 18 inches | $145 | $220 | $305 | $75 |
| 24 inches | $160 | $240 | $340 | $95 |
| 30 inches | $175 | $265 | $375 | $120 |
| 36 inches | $190 | $290 | $410 | $145 |
| 48 inches | $230 | $370 | $525 | $225 |
| 60 inches | $270 | $445 | $635 | $300 |
What affects stump grinding prices in San Francisco
The Bay Area has the highest stump grinding prices of any metro we track because tree crew wages are far above average. Steep lots, stairs and narrow side yards add access charges.
Common stumps in San Francisco yards
Local tip for San Francisco homeowners
Get at least three quotes. Price differences between Bay Area companies are often larger than in other cities.
Example stump grinding quotes in San Francisco
These worked examples use San Francisco-area labor costs to show what typical jobs cost once extra stumps, hardwood and cleanup are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $195 | $130–$275 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $365 | $230–$515 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $350 | $255–$465 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $540 | $405–$690 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $370 | $265–$540 |
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.
Areas we cover near San Francisco
These prices also apply to nearby communities, including Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, San Mateo and Fremont. For statewide prices, see stump grinding cost in California.
Estimate your San Francisco stump grinding cost
Keep reading
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Cost guide Best Time of Year for Stump Grinding The best and cheapest time of year for stump grinding, by season and region: winter discounts, storm-season timing and planning lawn repair. - Hiring How to Hire a Stump Grinding Company How to hire a stump grinding company: questions to ask, insurance to check, red flags, how many quotes to get and what a fair stump grinding price looks like.
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Hiring Stump Grinding Quote Checklist Use this stump grinding quote checklist to compare prices fairly: stump sizes, grind depth, roots, cleanup, access, 811, insurance and payment terms.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
Why is stump grinding so expensive in San Francisco?
Bay Area tree workers earn some of the highest wages in the country, and steep, narrow lots slow the work. Expect prices well above the national average.
Are eucalyptus stumps hard to grind?
Eucalyptus is hard, oily and often large, and it can resprout from the stump. Expect hardwood pricing and ask for a deeper grind.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in San Francisco?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $130 to $275 in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $290 in San Francisco, and a 48-inch stump about $370. 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 San Francisco?
Most companies charge $2.32 to $5.80 per inch of diameter in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?
The first stump carries the travel and setup charge. Each additional stump on the same visit usually costs much less, around $75 for an 18-inch stump in San Francisco. 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.