Stump grinding in Washington usually costs $150 to $325 for one average 24-inch stump, about $230 typical and about 10% above the U.S. average. Big conifer stumps and high Seattle-area minimums push prices up.
How much does stump grinding cost in Washington?
Grinding one average stump in Washington costs about $230, with most quotes between $150 and $325 for a 24-inch stump. That is 10% 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 diameter | Low | Typical | High | Each extra stump |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inches | $110 | $165 | $225 | $45 |
| 12 inches | $125 | $185 | $260 | $45 |
| 18 inches | $140 | $205 | $290 | $70 |
| 24 inches | $150 | $230 | $325 | $90 |
| 30 inches | $165 | $255 | $360 | $115 |
| 36 inches | $180 | $275 | $390 | $140 |
| 48 inches | $220 | $350 | $495 | $210 |
| 60 inches | $255 | $420 | $600 | $285 |
Common trees and stumps in Washington
| Tree | Wood | What it means for price |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir | softwood | Large stumps. |
| Western red cedar | softwood | Large but soft. |
| Bigleaf maple | hardwood | Resprouts. |
| Red alder | hardwood | Fast-growing and short-lived. |
What drives stump grinding prices in Washington
Stump diameter sets the base price everywhere, but these local factors move Washington quotes up or down:
- High minimums. Some Seattle companies charge minimums of $400 or more.
- Big conifers. Fir and cedar stumps are often over 36 inches.
- Wet ground. Soft winter lawns limit access.
Hardwood vs. softwood stumps in Washington
Bigleaf maple, Red alder stumps are dense hardwood, so expect about 10% to 25% more than a douglas fir 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 Washington
Single-stump prices only tell part of the story. These worked examples show what common jobs typically cost in Washington once multiple stumps, hardwood and extras are included.
| Job | Typical price | Likely range |
|---|---|---|
| One small 12" softwood stump | $185 | $125–$260 |
| Three 18" stumps, same visit | $345 | $220–$490 |
| One 24" oak stump, chips hauled away | $330 | $240–$440 |
| One 40" hardwood stump with surface roots | $510 | $385–$655 |
| Five 10" stumps after a storm cleanup | $350 | $255–$510 |
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 Washington prices differ from the national average
Labor is the biggest part of a stump grinding bill. Tree trimmers in Washington earn a mean of $32.20 an hour, against $26.91 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state's overall price level is 107.0 on the Bureau of Economic Analysis scale, where 100 is the U.S. average. We blend both figures to set Washington prices 10% above the national level.
Call 811 before stump grinding in Washington
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 Washington 811 or by dialing 811 at least a few business days before the job.
Best time of year to grind stumps in Washington
Summer is easiest west of the Cascades. Eastern Washington crews work spring through fall.
Stump grinding prices in Washington cities
- Stump grinding cost in Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Bellevue
- Everett
Estimate your own Washington 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
Why are stump grinding minimums high in Seattle?
Traffic, travel time and high wages lead some companies to set high minimums.
How much does it cost to grind a large cedar stump?
Cedar is soft, but large stumps still cost several hundred dollars because of size.
Who do I call before stump grinding in Washington?
Call Washington 811 before the job.
How much does it cost to grind a small stump in Washington?
A small stump up to 12 inches across usually costs $125 to $260 in Washington. 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 Washington?
A 36-inch stump typically costs $275 in Washington, 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 Washington?
Most companies charge $2.20 to $5.50 per inch of diameter in Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington. 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.