Stump Grinding Cost in Massachusetts (2026)

Stump grinding in Massachusetts usually costs $150 to $320 for one average 24-inch stump, about $230 typical and about 9% above the U.S. average. High labor costs and rocky soil push Massachusetts prices above average.

Stump grinder operator with a tracked stump grinder in a cleared yard in Massachusetts
$230
Typical price, one 24" stump
$150–$320
Common range, 24" stump
$2.18–$5.45
Per inch of diameter
+9%
Versus the U.S. average

How much does stump grinding cost in Massachusetts?

Grinding one average stump in Massachusetts costs about $230, with most quotes between $150 and $320 for a 24-inch stump. That is 9% above the national average. Small stumps usually cost the job minimum of around $165, and each extra stump on the same visit costs far less than the first.

Stump grinding cost by diameter (Massachusetts, one stump)
Stump diameterLowTypicalHighEach extra stump
6 inches$110$165$225$45
12 inches$125$180$255$45
18 inches$135$205$290$70
24 inches$150$230$320$90
30 inches$165$250$355$115
36 inches$175$275$385$135
48 inches$215$345$490$210
60 inches$255$415$595$280
Typical cost for one 24-inch stump: Massachusetts vs. similar states
Typical cost for one 24-inch stump: Massachusetts vs. similar states
Massachusetts$230
California$230
Washington$230
New York$225
Illinois$225
U.S. average$210

Estimates at typical rates, softwood or average wood, chips left on site.

Tree stump with large exposed surface roots spreading across the lawn
Wide surface roots, common on mature red maple trees, add root-grinding time to a quote.

Common trees and stumps in Massachusetts

Trees homeowners most often grind out in Massachusetts
TreeWoodWhat it means for price
Red maplehardwoodVery common hardwood.
Red oakhardwoodDense; expect a surcharge.
Eastern white pinesoftwoodLarge but quick to grind.
Norway maplehardwoodInvasive yard tree with shallow roots.

What drives stump grinding prices in Massachusetts

Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Massachusetts quotes up or down:

  • Rocky soil and stone walls. Rock slows grinding and wears teeth.
  • High labor costs. Massachusetts prices are well above average, especially near Boston.
  • Hardwoods. Oak and maple add $50 to $150 per stump with many contractors.

Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Massachusetts

Red maple, Red oak, Norway maple stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a eastern white pine 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 Massachusetts

Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Massachusetts once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.

Example stump grinding jobs in Massachusetts
JobTypical priceLikely range
One small 12" softwood stump$180$125–$255
Three 18" stumps, same visit$340$215–$485
One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away$325$240–$435
One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots$505$380–$650
Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup$350$250–$505

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 Massachusetts prices differ from the national average

Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Massachusetts earn a mean of $31.78 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 105.8 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Massachusetts prices 9% above the national level.

Tree stump wedged between a house foundation and fence, a hard-access stump grinding job
Stumps close to a house, fence or buried utilities need extra care and often cost more.

Call 811 before stump grinding in Massachusetts

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 Dig Safe or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.

Best time of year to grind stumps in Massachusetts

Spring and fall are busiest. Some crews work through winter when the ground is not deeply frozen.

Stump grinding prices in Massachusetts cities

Estimate your own Massachusetts project

Stump grinding cost calculator

Instant stump grinding price range that updates as you type.

Largest stump, measured across the widest point at ground level.
Wood type
Add extras (optional)
Extras
Estimated total $209 Typical range $140 to $295 One 24-inch stump, U.S. average, chips left on site. Compare free quotes from local pros

Keep reading

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Frequently asked questions

Why is stump grinding expensive in Massachusetts?

High labor costs, rocky soil and dense hardwoods all add time and cost.

Who do I call before stump grinding in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts uses Dig Safe. Call 811 at least 72 business hours before digging.

Is it worth grinding stumps in winter in Massachusetts?

Sometimes. Winter can be quieter and cheaper, but frozen ground and snow can slow the work.

How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Massachusetts?

A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $125 to $255 in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts?

A 36-inch stump typically costs $275 in Massachusetts, and a 48-inch stump about $345. 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 Massachusetts?

Most companies charge $2.18 to $5.45 per inch of diameter in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts?

The first stump carries the travel and setup charge. Each additional stump on the same visit usually costs much less, around $70 for an 18-inch stump in Massachusetts. 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.