Stump grinding in Stuart costs about $150–$400 for the first stump and $75–$200 for each additional one on the same visit. We grind the stump and its surface roots below the soil line, then rake the chips back into the hole or haul them away, so the spot is ready for grass or a new plant.
Why bother with an old stump
A stump left in the lawn rarely stays harmless. It catches the mower blade, sprouts new shoots from the edges and slowly rots, which is exactly what attracts subterranean termites and carpenter ants in our climate. A stump next to a slab or a pool deck is closer to the house than you'd want those insects to be.
It also keeps you from using the space. You can't sod over it, you can't set a planter on it level, and a fresh stump takes years to break down on its own.
Grinding, step by step
- Locate what's underground. Irrigation lines and low-voltage lighting wire are flagged first. We ask about septic lines and call in a locate when a stump is near a property line.
- Grind the stump. The cutting wheel sweeps back and forth across the top and works down below grade.
- Chase the surface roots. Roots that ran along the top of the lawn get ground out a few feet from the stump.
- Clean up. Grindings are raked into the hole as fill, or loaded out if you want fresh topsoil there instead.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
Pulling a stump out whole means digging out the root ball with an excavator, which leaves a crater and tears up the yard. It's only worth it when something is being built right there. For lawns and planting beds, grinding is quicker, cheaper and much less destructive.
Stump grinding prices
| Job | Estimated price | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| First stump | $150–$400 | Diameter at ground level |
| Each extra stump, same visit | $75–$200 | Grinder is already on site |
| Priced by the inch | $3–$6 per inch | How most crews figure larger stumps; $150 minimum |
| Haul the grindings away | Added as a line | Volume of chips; most people keep them as fill |
A rough guide, not a quote. Stumps are measured at the visit and the written price covers the grinding and the cleanup you choose.
Grinding is cheapest when it's done with the tree removal, since the machine is already there. Full pricing for every service is on the price guide.
Stump questions
How deep do you grind a stump?
Typically 6 to 10 inches below grade, which is enough for sod, mulch or a new planting bed. If you're putting in a paver patio or a fence post right where the stump was, tell us and we'll go deeper in that spot.
Will the roots keep growing after grinding?
Most hardwood roots die once the stump is gone. Some species, ficus and Brazilian pepper especially, will push up suckers from the remaining roots for a season. Mowing over them or a spot treatment usually ends it.
Can a grinder fit through my side gate?
Our smaller grinder fits through a standard 36-inch gate. Larger machines are used where there's wider access. Let us know the gate width when you call.
What about a palm stump?
Palm stumps are softer and fibrous, and they rot faster than hardwood. They can still be ground, and many people do it so the spot can be replanted right away.
Clearing a lot full of stumps? Land clearing handles them in bulk.
Last reviewed October 8, 2026.