Stump grinding in Colorado usually costs $140 to $295 for one average 24-inch stump, about $210 typical and about the same as the U.S. average. Rocky soil and suckering elms and cottonwoods shape Colorado quotes.
How much does stump grinding cost in Colorado?
Grinding one average stump in Colorado costs about $210, with most quotes between $140 and $295 for a 24-inch stump. That is about the same as the national average. Small stumps usually cost the job minimum of around $150, and each extra stump on the same visit costs far less than the first.
| Stump diameter | Low | Typical | High | Each extra stump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $100 | $150 | $205 | $40 |
| 12 inches | $115 | $165 | $235 | $40 |
| 18 inches | $125 | $190 | $265 | $65 |
| 24 inches | $140 | $210 | $295 | $85 |
| 30 inches | $150 | $230 | $325 | $105 |
| 36 inches | $160 | $250 | $355 | $125 |
| 48 inches | $200 | $315 | $450 | $190 |
| 60 inches | $235 | $385 | $545 | $260 |
Common trees and stumps in Colorado
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| Siberian elm | hardwood | Resprouts aggressively; grind deep. |
| Cottonwood | hardwood | Huge stumps and suckering roots. |
| Green ash | hardwood | Emerald ash borer is spreading on the Front Range. |
| Blue spruce | softwood | Common ornamental; grinds easily. |
| Ponderosa pine | softwood | Mountain properties; softwood pricing. |
What drives stump grinding prices in Colorado
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Colorado quotes up or down:
- Rocky soil. Rocky and clay soils slow grinding and wear teeth.
- Emerald ash borer. Ash removals along the Front Range are creating more stumps.
- Mountain access. Slopes and long drives raise prices for foothill and mountain homes.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Colorado
Siberian elm, Cottonwood, Green ash stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a blue 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 Colorado
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Colorado once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $165 | $115–$235 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $315 | $200–$445 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $300 | $220–$400 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $465 | $350–$595 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $320 | $230–$465 |
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 Colorado prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Colorado earn a mean of $25.97 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 103.1 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Colorado prices about the same as the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in Colorado
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 Colorado 811 or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in Colorado
Front Range grinders work most of the year, though early and late snowstorms can pause jobs. Spring and fall are busiest after storm damage.
Stump grinding prices in Colorado cities
- Stump grinding cost in Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Aurora
- Fort Collins
- Boulder
- Lakewood
Estimate your own Colorado 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
Will a Siberian elm stump grow back after grinding?
Often, yes. Grind deep, remove surface roots and cut any shoots as they appear.
How much does stump grinding cost in Denver?
Denver prices are close to or slightly above the national average. See our Denver page for local figures.
Does emerald ash borer affect stump grinding in Colorado?
Indirectly. As ash trees are removed, more homeowners need stumps ground, and batching several stumps saves money.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Colorado?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $115 to $235 in Colorado. 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 Colorado?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $250 in Colorado, and a 48-inch stump about $315. 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 Colorado?
Most companies charge $2.00 to $5.00 per inch of diameter in Colorado, 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 Colorado?
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 Colorado. 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.