Stump grinding in Montana usually costs $140 to $295 for one average 24-inch stump, about $210 typical and about the same as the U.S. average. Long distances and a short season shape Montana prices.
How much does stump grinding cost in Montana?
Grinding one average stump in Montana 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 Montana
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| Ponderosa pine | softwood | Montana’s state tree; grinds quickly. |
| Douglas fir | softwood | Large western stumps. |
| Cottonwood | hardwood | Large with suckering roots. |
| Green ash | hardwood | Common urban tree. |
What drives stump grinding prices in Montana
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Montana quotes up or down:
- Short season. Frozen ground limits winter work.
- Rural distances. Travel adds to trip charges.
- Rocky soil. Rock slows grinding in many areas.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Montana
Cottonwood, Green ash stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a ponderosa 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 Montana
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Montana 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 Montana prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Montana earn a mean of $28.14 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 94.6 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Montana prices about the same as the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in Montana
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 Montana 811 or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in Montana
Late spring through fall is the main season. Book early, as crews are limited.
Stump grinding prices in Montana cities
- Billings
- Missoula
- Great Falls
- Bozeman
- Helena
Estimate your own Montana project
Keep reading
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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
Can you grind stumps in winter in Montana?
Rarely. Most work happens from late spring to fall.
Why are trip charges higher in Montana?
Long drives between towns add travel time, which contractors pass on.
Do I need to call Montana 811 before stump grinding?
Yes. File a locate before the job so lines are marked.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Montana?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $115 to $235 in Montana. 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 Montana?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $250 in Montana, 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 Montana?
Most companies charge $2.00 to $5.00 per inch of diameter in Montana, 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 Montana?
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 Montana. 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.