Stump grinding in North Carolina usually costs $130 to $280 for one average 24-inch stump, about $200 typical and about 5% below the U.S. average. Pine stumps are common and quick to grind, with prices a little below average.
How much does stump grinding cost in North Carolina?
Grinding one average stump in North Carolina costs about $200, with most quotes between $130 and $280 for a 24-inch stump. That is 5% below the national average. Small stumps usually cost the job minimum of around $145, and each extra stump on the same visit costs far less than the first.
| Stump diameter | Low | Typical | High | Each extra stump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $95 | $145 | $195 | $40 |
| 12 inches | $110 | $160 | $225 | $40 |
| 18 inches | $120 | $180 | $250 | $60 |
| 24 inches | $130 | $200 | $280 | $80 |
| 30 inches | $145 | $220 | $310 | $100 |
| 36 inches | $155 | $240 | $335 | $120 |
| 48 inches | $190 | $300 | $430 | $180 |
| 60 inches | $220 | $365 | $520 | $245 |
Common trees and stumps in North Carolina
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| Loblolly pine | softwood | The most common stump; grinds fast. |
| Willow oak | hardwood | Large, aging street and yard trees. |
| Tulip poplar | hardwood | Tall with big stumps. |
| Red maple | hardwood | Very common. |
What drives stump grinding prices in North Carolina
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move North Carolina quotes up or down:
- Red clay. Hard clay slows grinding.
- Hurricanes. Coastal storms create demand spikes.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in North Carolina
Willow oak, Tulip poplar, Red maple stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a loblolly 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 North Carolina
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in North Carolina once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $160 | $110–$225 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $300 | $190–$425 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $285 | $210–$380 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $440 | $335–$565 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $305 | $220–$440 |
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 North Carolina prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in North Carolina earn a mean of $25.01 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 94.3 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set North Carolina prices 5% below the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in North Carolina
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 NC 811 or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in North Carolina
Hurricane season and spring storms are busiest. Winter is usually the easiest time to book.
Stump grinding prices in North Carolina cities
- Stump grinding cost in Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
- Wilmington
Estimate your own North Carolina 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 stump grinding cost in Raleigh?
Raleigh-area minimums are often around $100, with prices a little below the national average.
Are pine stumps cheap to grind in North Carolina?
Yes. Pine grinds quickly and usually costs less than oak.
Who do I call before stump grinding in North Carolina?
Call NC 811 before the job.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in North Carolina?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $110 to $225 in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $240 in North Carolina, and a 48-inch stump about $300. 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 North Carolina?
Most companies charge $1.90 to $4.75 per inch of diameter in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
The first stump carries the travel and setup charge. Each additional stump on the same visit usually costs much less, around $60 for an 18-inch stump in North Carolina. 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.