How much does stump removal cost?
Stump removal cost in 2026 runs roughly $100–$500 per stump, according to industry cost data from sources like HomeGuide and Angi — with grinding (the common method) often $100–$400 and full removal more. Stump size, root spread, and access drive the price. It's frequently a separate cost from tree removal, so it's worth pricing on its own. And in Florida, there's a real reason not to just leave a stump behind: a decaying stump in our warm, humid climate becomes a magnet for termites and other pests close to your home.
Key takeaways
- Stump removal runs about $100–$500 per stump; grinding is cheaper than full removal.
- Grinding chews the stump below grade and leaves roots to decay; removal extracts it all.
- Stump removal is often separate from tree removal — confirm before assuming it's included.
- In Florida, a decaying stump attracts termites, ants, and fungus near the house.
- Multiple stumps usually earn per-stump discounts in one visit.
Table of contents
- What stump removal costs
- Grinding vs. full removal
- What drives the price
- Why not leave the stump in Florida
- Where to start
- FAQ
What stump removal costs
Stump removal is priced per stump, mostly by diameter and method. Here's the 2026 picture from HomeGuide's stump removal cost data:
| Method / situation | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding (per stump) | ~$100–$400 | Most common; below-grade |
| Full stump + root removal | ~$300–$500+ | Extracts roots; bigger hole |
| Large or multiple stumps | per-stump discount | Better rate in one visit |
| By diameter | ~$2–$5 per inch | Some price this way |
A worked example: grinding a single medium stump in an Orlando yard lands at the lower end, while fully removing a large stump with a wide root system costs more for the labor and the hole left behind. If you have several stumps, doing them in one visit usually earns a better per-stump price.
Grinding vs. full removal
The two approaches differ in thoroughness and cost. Stump grinding uses a machine to chew the stump down a few inches below grade, leaving the underground roots to decay naturally over time. It's faster, cheaper, and less disruptive, and the resulting hole is small and easily filled — it's what most homeowners choose. The trade-off is that the roots remain (decaying harmlessly in most cases).
Full removal physically extracts the stump and major roots, which is more expensive and leaves a large hole to backfill, but fully clears the area — useful if you're planting something new in that exact spot, pouring concrete, or want every root gone. For most situations, grinding is the practical choice; full removal is for when you truly need the space cleared to the roots.
What drives the price
A few factors move a stump quote. Diameter is the biggest — a wide stump takes more grinding. Root system and species matter, as some trees have extensive roots. Access counts: a stump a grinder can reach easily is cheaper than one in a tight or fenced area. Hardwood vs. softwood affects grinding time. And number of stumps works in your favor — crews discount per stump when doing several at once.
Also ask whether debris and grindings cleanup and backfill are included, or whether you're left with a pile of wood chips and a hole. As with tree removal, the headline price means little if cleanup is extra.
Why not leave the stump in Florida
It's tempting to just leave a stump and save the money — but in Florida there are real reasons not to. Beyond the obvious (it's an eyesore, a mowing obstacle, and a tripping hazard), a decaying stump in our warm, humid climate becomes a pest magnet. Rotting wood attracts termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects — and a stump near the house effectively invites them to the doorstep, raising the risk to your home's structure.
That's a meaningful concern in a state where termites are already a year-round threat; a stump is exactly the kind of moist, decaying wood they colonize, and from there they can find the house. Decaying stumps also host fungus and can sprout new growth from some species. Grinding it out removes that harborage — which is why stump removal is as much pest prevention as cosmetics here. If you're already getting a termite inspection, an old stump near the home is worth mentioning.
Where to start
Start by noting how many stumps you have, their rough diameters, and whether you need the spot fully cleared (removal) or just ground down (grinding). Our tree removal directory and Orlando city page list local crews, with more across the full directory. Confirm whether cleanup and backfill are included, bundle multiple stumps for a better rate, and don't leave a decaying stump near the house where it can draw termites.
FAQ
How much does stump removal cost in 2026? Industry cost data puts stump removal around $100–$500 per stump, with grinding often $100–$400 and full removal more. Stump size (diameter), root spread, and access drive the price; multiple stumps usually get per-stump discounts.
What's the difference between stump grinding and full removal? Grinding chews the stump down a few inches below grade and leaves the roots to decay — faster and cheaper. Full removal extracts the stump and major roots, leaving a large hole — more expensive and disruptive but fully clears the spot.
Is stump removal included in tree removal? Often not — it's usually a separate line item or add-on. When getting a tree removal quote, ask specifically whether the stump is included or extra, so it's not an unexpected cost.
Why should I remove a stump in Florida? Beyond looks and tripping hazards, a decaying stump in Florida's climate attracts termites, ants, and other pests close to your home, and can host fungus. Removing or grinding it eliminates that pest harborage.
Does grinding a stump kill the roots? Grinding removes the stump and stops most regrowth, and the remaining roots decay over time. Some species can sprout from roots, so ask about treating stubborn species if regrowth is a concern.