Stump grinding in Illinois usually costs $150 to $315 for one average 24-inch stump, about $225 typical and about 7% above the U.S. average. Ash tree removals and above-average wages shape Illinois prices.
How much does stump grinding cost in Illinois?
Grinding one average stump in Illinois costs about $225, with most quotes between $150 and $315 for a 24-inch stump. That is 7% 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 | $110 | $160 | $220 | $45 |
| 12 inches | $120 | $180 | $250 | $45 |
| 18 inches | $135 | $200 | $285 | $65 |
| 24 inches | $150 | $225 | $315 | $90 |
| 30 inches | $160 | $245 | $350 | $110 |
| 36 inches | $175 | $270 | $380 | $135 |
| 48 inches | $210 | $340 | $485 | $205 |
| 60 inches | $250 | $410 | $585 | $275 |
Common trees and stumps in Illinois
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| Green ash | hardwood | Emerald ash borer has killed millions; many stumps remain. |
| Silver maple | hardwood | Large, fast-growing, shallow-rooted. |
| Honey locust | hardwood | Hard wood with thorny varieties in older yards. |
| Bur oak | hardwood | Very dense; expect a hardwood surcharge. |
What drives stump grinding prices in Illinois
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Illinois quotes up or down:
- Emerald ash borer. Ash removals keep stump grinders busy across the state.
- Higher labor costs. Illinois tree crews earn above the national average, especially in Chicagoland.
- Frozen ground. Winter frost slows some jobs.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Illinois
Most stumps in Illinois are hardwood, such as green ash, silver maple, honey locust, so expect quotes in the middle to upper part of the range. Dense wood takes longer to grind.
Example stump grinding quotes in Illinois
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Illinois once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $180 | $120–$250 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $335 | $210–$475 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $320 | $235–$425 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $495 | $375–$635 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $340 | $245–$500 |
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 Illinois prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Illinois earn a mean of $32.14 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 100.0 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Illinois prices 7% above the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in Illinois
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 JULIE (811) or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in Illinois
Fall is the best time to book before the ground freezes. Spring is busy after winter storm damage.
Stump grinding prices in Illinois cities
- Stump grinding cost in Chicago
- Aurora
- Naperville
- Rockford
- Joliet
- Springfield
Estimate your own Illinois 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
How much does it cost to grind ash stumps in Illinois?
Ash is medium-hard and usually priced at the typical per-inch rate. Grinding several at once saves the most.
Who do I call before stump grinding in Illinois?
Call JULIE at 811. Chicago residents use Chicago 811 within city limits.
Is stump grinding more expensive in Chicago than downstate?
Usually, yes. Chicago-area labor costs are higher than in central and southern Illinois.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Illinois?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $120 to $250 in Illinois. 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 Illinois?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $270 in Illinois, and a 48-inch stump about $340. 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 Illinois?
Most companies charge $2.14 to $5.35 per inch of diameter in Illinois, 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 Illinois?
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 Illinois. 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.