Stump grinding in Boston costs about $230 for one average 24-inch stump, with most quotes between $155 and $325. That is about 11% above the national average. Small stumps usually cost the local job minimum of around $165.
How much does stump grinding cost in Boston?
Grinding one average stump in Boston costs about $230. Prices here are about 11% above the national average because local tree crews earn a mean of about $33.10 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 | $115 | $165 | $230 | $45 |
| 12 inches | $125 | $185 | $260 | $45 |
| 18 inches | $140 | $210 | $295 | $70 |
| 24 inches | $155 | $230 | $325 | $95 |
| 30 inches | $165 | $255 | $360 | $115 |
| 36 inches | $180 | $280 | $395 | $140 |
| 48 inches | $220 | $350 | $500 | $215 |
| 60 inches | $260 | $425 | $605 | $285 |
What affects stump grinding prices in Boston
Rocky New England soil and stone walls make grinding slower, and hardwoods such as oak and maple often add $50 to $150 per stump. Labor costs in Greater Boston are among the highest in the country.
Common stumps in Boston yards
Local tip for Boston homeowners
Mark any buried stones or old foundations near the stump. Hitting rock damages teeth and can add to the bill.
Example stump grinding quotes in Boston
These worked examples use Boston-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 | $185 | $125–$260 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $350 | $220–$495 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $335 | $245–$445 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $515 | $390–$660 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $355 | $255–$515 |
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 Boston
These prices also apply to nearby communities, including Cambridge, Newton, Quincy, Brookline and the North Shore. For statewide prices, see stump grinding cost in Massachusetts.
Estimate your Boston 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 expensive in Boston?
High labor costs, rocky soil and dense hardwoods all add time. Greater Boston prices are typically more than 10% above the national average.
Does rocky soil cost more for stump grinding in Massachusetts?
It can. Rocks wear and break grinder teeth, so some contractors add a surcharge for very rocky ground.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Boston?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $125 to $260 in Boston. 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 Boston?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $280 in Boston, and a 48-inch stump about $350. 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 Boston?
Most companies charge $2.22 to $5.55 per inch of diameter in Boston, 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 Boston?
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 Boston. 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.