The honest answer to “how much does stump grinding cost?” is that most Twin Cities jobs run about $4–$7 per inch of stump diameter, with a $250 job minimum. A small stump can still take time to access, set up for, and clean up, which is why the minimum applies. Send a photo before we come out and we will give you the price in writing.
Twin Cities Stump Removal does not send someone out first just to discover the price later. Text a photo, the diameter measured at ground level, and the address to 952-388-3327. Tristan usually replies to weekday photo quotes within an hour, and a normal job is scheduled within 4–7 business days after the utility locate is in motion.
Quick answer: what most Twin Cities stumps cost
| Stump diameter | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| <12" | $250 min |
| 12–24" | $275–$425 |
| 24–36" | $425–$650 |
| 36"+ | photo quote |
These bands are for standard access and a normal residential grind. They are a useful starting point, not a reason to guess. A clear photo shows whether the stump is flared at the base, up against a fence, in a slope, or buried in landscaping, and that is how we give you a price that holds.
For example, two 24-inch stumps can price differently if one sits next to an open driveway and the other is behind a narrow gate with raised landscaping. The second job may require the compact walk-behind grinder and more setup time. A photo lets us see that before you commit, rather than adding a site-visit fee or changing the scope when we arrive.
What actually drives stump grinding cost
- Diameter: Measure across the widest part of the stump at ground level, including the root flare if it is still there. More cutting area means more grinder time.
- Root spread: Surface roots, several fused trunks, and a wide flare can make a stump act larger than the straight trunk measurement.
- Hardness of the wood: Old, dense hardwoods can take longer than softer wood of the same diameter.
- Access: Gate width, stairs, retaining walls, slopes, and soft ground affect which machine can get to the stump. Our compact grinder fits through a 36-inch gate; tell us about tight access when you send the photo.
- Chip haul-off: We can leave the wood chips in a tidy pile or haul them away for an added $75–$150.
- Restoration extras: Black dirt top-dressing is available for an added $75–$150. Sod installation is not included.
What’s included in every quote (no surprise fees)
- The stated stump grinding work and standard depth of 8–12 inches below grade.
- An 811 utility-locate request made by Twin Cities Stump Removal, generally allowing about three business days.
- Protective plywood where it is needed to keep the grinder off driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces.
- Basic cleanup and a contained pile of chips left on-site unless you choose paid haul-off.
- No deposit for a normal job. Payment is due after the work is finished.
If a job needs full root ball extraction, deeper grinding, difficult access work, or a different scope than shown in the photo, we say so before scheduling. The goal is not to make the first number look low. It is to make sure the number matches the work.
Multi-stump and HOA discounts
Additional stumps cost less when they are handled during the same visit because travel, setup, and utility planning are already covered. The second stump is 10–15% off, the third stump is 20% off, and the fourth and each additional stump are 25% off. That applies to residential properties as well as practical multi-stump work for HOAs and property managers.
For an HOA or commercial site, send a count, a few wide photos, and the property address. If the stumps are spread around a large site, we will account for travel between work areas rather than pretending they are all in one back yard.
How to get an exact price in one hour
- Text a photo. Send a photo that shows the whole stump and nearby access to 952-388-3327.
- Add the measurement and address. Measure the stump at ground level, tell us whether the gate is narrow, and include the service address.
- Get the written quote by SMS. On weekdays, photo quotes usually get a reply within an hour. You can approve the price by text, and we will line up the 811 locate and scheduling.
For a detailed cost breakdown and our free instant calculator, see the Twin Cities stump grinding cost guide.