Stump grinding prices vary more than most homeowners expect. A “small stump” to one company might be a “medium stump” to another, and access matters as much as size. Here’s real 2026 pricing from Wilcox Tree Service for New Hampshire residential and commercial jobs.
2026 Pricing Ranges for NH Stump Grinding
| Stump Diameter | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Under 12” | $75–$150 |
| 12–18” | $125–$225 |
| 18–24” | $175–$325 |
| 24–30” | $275–$450 |
| 30–36” | $400–$600 |
| Over 36” | $500–$1,000+ |
Minimum trip charge: Many companies (ours included) have a minimum charge of $150–$200 for a single small stump. For just one small stump, bundling with other work or scheduling with neighbors often makes sense.
What Drives Stump Grinding Pricing
- Stump Diameter. The single biggest factor. A 36” stump requires far more grinding time than a 12” stump.
- Species. Hardwood stumps (oak, maple, hickory) are denser and slower to grind than softwood stumps (pine, fir).
- Above-Ground Height. If a stump was cut low (4–6” above grade), it grinds faster. A stump left tall (2–3 feet high) requires more material removal.
- Root Flare Spread. A stump with a wide root flare (exposed root mass spreading out) takes longer than one with a clean trunk.
- Access. Can our grinder reach the stump? Factors that add cost: – Gates that require small equipment (we have compact grinders, but they grind slower) – Stairs or slopes between the driveway and the stump – Delicate landscape that needs mat protection – Long distances from the street
- Soil Conditions. Rocky soil slows grinding and wears cutting teeth faster.
- Depth Required. Standard grinding goes 6–8” below grade. Grinding deeper for planting or construction purposes costs more.
- Debris Handling. Most quotes include leaving the grindings on-site (they make excellent mulch or decompose naturally). Hauling chips adds $50–$150.
Multi-Stump Discounts
If you have multiple stumps to grind: – 2 stumps: typically 10–15% discount on second stump – 3–5 stumps: 15–25% discount – 6+ stumps (e.g., full-yard cleanup): custom quote with significant discount
This is because the biggest cost in a small stump job is mobilizing equipment. Once the grinder is on your property, additional stumps are much cheaper.
Neighborhood Coordination
If multiple neighbors have stumps, coordinating one visit reduces per-stump cost for everyone. We’re happy to quote joint projects.
Bundled with Tree Removal
When you’re already paying for tree removal, adding stump grinding is typically cheaper than scheduling separately: – Grinding with removal: small stump might be $75 – Same stump on a separate visit: might be $150 due to trip charge
Always ask about bundling when getting a tree removal quote.
What You Should NOT Pay Extra For
Some companies add surprise fees. Reasonable questions to ask: – Is cleanup included? (Should be, for chips staying on site) – Is sod repair included? (Usually no; grindings fill the hole, lawn grows over) – Are hidden roots extra? (Should be included for the target stump) – What if the stump is bigger than estimated? (Should be clarified upfront)
Red Flags in Pricing
Suspiciously low bids. A $50 stump grind is someone who’s either uninsured or not coming back if anything goes wrong.
No written quote. Everything should be written before work starts.
Pressure to pay upfront. Standard practice is payment at completion.
Vague pricing on “per inch” basis. This can sound cheap but adds up quickly on real stumps.
Getting an Accurate Quote
For accurate pricing, we need to see the stump. Photos work for rough estimates, but on-site visits give precise quotes. Our estimate is free and takes 10–15 minutes.
Book a Free Quote
Call 603-363-8197 or request an estimate online. We serve all of Keene, Westmoreland, Swanzey, Walpole, Spofford, Marlborough, and the greater Monadnock Region.