A good stump grinding quote lists each stump's diameter, the grind depth, whether roots and cleanup are included, any access or hardwood charges, who handles the 811 call, and the total price. Comparing these line by line is the only way to compare quotes fairly.
Check each quote against typical stump grinding costs for your state.
The checklist
- Diameter of each stump, measured at ground level
- Number of stumps and price per stump
- Grind depth in inches
- Surface root grinding included or not
- Chip cleanup or haul-away included or not
- Hole backfill included or not
- Access, hardwood or rocky-soil charges
- Who calls 811
- Proof of insurance
- Total price, tax and payment terms
How to compare three quotes
The lowest price is not always the cheapest job. In this illustrative example, three companies quote the same two stumps (24 and 16 inches):
| Quote A | Quote B | Quote C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding price | $240 | $290 | $330 |
| Grind depth | Not stated | 8 inches | 10 inches |
| Surface roots | Extra | Extra | Included |
| Chip haul-away | +$100 | Included | Included |
| Insurance certificate | No | Yes | Yes |
| Real total | $340 + roots | $290 + roots | $330 |
Quote A looks cheapest but ends up the most expensive and the riskiest, while Quote C includes everything. Always convert each quote into the same scope before comparing.
Red flags in a stump grinding quote
- No stump sizes or grind depth written down.
- A price that is far below every other quote.
- A request for full payment upfront.
- No proof of liability insurance.
- Vague wording such as “cleanup as needed”.
Check any quote against the stump grinding cost calculator.
Keep reading
-
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. -
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. -
After grinding What to Do With Stump Grindings What to do with stump grindings: using them as mulch, composting, path material, when to avoid them and what professional chip haul-away costs.
Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.
Frequently asked questions
What should a stump grinding quote include?
Stump sizes, grind depth, root grinding, cleanup, access charges, who calls 811, insurance details and the total price.
Why do stump grinding quotes vary so much?
Companies include different things. One may include cleanup and roots while another does not.
Should a quote be in writing?
Yes. A written quote avoids disputes about what was included.
Is a phone quote reliable for stump grinding?
It can be, if you give accurate diameters and photos. Expect the price to change if the stump is larger than described.
Do stump grinding quotes include tax?
It varies by state. Ask whether the price includes sales tax.
How long is a stump grinding quote valid?
Many are valid for 30 days. Prices can rise after storms.
Should I send photos for a quote?
Yes. Photos of the stump, roots and access help companies quote accurately.
What if the price changes on the day?
Ask why before work starts. A changed price should be agreed before grinding begins.
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.