Stump removal businesses grind or dig out tree stumps for homeowners, property managers, landscapers, tree service companies, and municipalities. Invoices typically cover stump grinding by diameter, extra grinding depth, root flare or surface root work, debris cleanup or haul-away, and a minimum service charge for small jobs or long drives.
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Most stump grinders price per stump based on diameter, measured in inches at the widest point about 6 inches above the ground, or per inch of diameter with a minimum job charge. Many operators set a minimum of $100 to $200 per visit so a single small stump is still worth the trip, and then discount the per-stump price when a customer has several on the same property. Add-ons are billed separately: grinding deeper than the standard 6 to 12 inches, following large surface roots, hauling away wood chips, backfilling and topsoil, or difficult access such as fenced yards where a smaller grinder or hand labor is needed. Some businesses charge hourly for large, multi-stump or land-clearing jobs, and a few charge extra for stumps with rocks, metal, or heavy root systems. Mileage or a trip fee is common for jobs outside a set service radius.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding, standard residential | per inch of diameter | $3-8 |
| Minimum service charge | per visit | $100-200 |
| Large stump (30 inches or more) or heavy surface roots | per stump | $250-600 |
| Extra depth or surface root grinding | per hour | $75-150 |
| Wood chip haul-away | per load | $50-150 |
| Backfill with topsoil and grade | per stump | $25-75 |
| Hourly rate for multi-stump or clearing work (operator and machine) | per hour | $100-200 |
| Trip or travel fee outside service area | flat fee | $25-75 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding, 18 inch oak, front yard (ground to 8 inches below grade) | 18 inch | $5.00 | $90.00 |
| Stump grinding, 12 inch maple, backyard (ground to 8 inches below grade) | 12 inch | $5.00 | $60.00 |
| Stump grinding, 26 inch pine with exposed surface roots | 1 stump | $275.00 | $275.00 |
| Surface root grinding, additional labor | 1 hour | $90.00 | $90.00 |
| Wood chip haul-away and disposal | 1 load | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Backfill with topsoil and rake smooth | 3 stump | $30.00 | $90.00 |
| Total | $690.00 | ||
Notes: Stumps were ground to approximately 8 inches below grade. Wood chips left in the holes unless haul-away is listed above. Customer marked sprinkler lines before service. Payment due within 14 days. We are not responsible for unmarked utilities or irrigation lines.
Listing species, diameter, and location (front yard, near fence) ties each charge to a specific stump and prevents disputes about what was ground.
If you bill per inch, showing the measurement lets the customer verify the math and understand why a larger stump costs more.
Customers expect stumps ground below grade. Stating the depth (for example, 8 inches) records what was delivered and protects you if they later want to plant a tree or lay sod.
Root grinding, extra depth, haul-away, and backfill are extra labor and disposal costs. Itemizing them shows they were outside the base price.
Listing the minimum or travel fee explains why a small stump costs more than the per-inch math suggests.
Record whether the customer or a utility locate service marked lines, such as a 811 call, and that you worked around marked lines. It documents your diligence if damage is claimed.
State whether chips were left, spread, or hauled away, so there is no argument about leftover mulch piles.
Most stump removal businesses are paid on completion, often by card, check, or digital payment before leaving the property for residential work. For larger jobs, multi-stump properties, or commercial and property management clients, invoice on net 14 or net 30 terms. Deposits are uncommon on single-stump jobs but reasonable on land clearing or jobs requiring equipment transport, often 25 to 50 percent. A late fee of 1.5 percent per month is common if stated in writing up front. Many operators ask for payment the same day for first-time residential customers and keep net terms for repeat commercial accounts.
Hauling a grinder, fueling, and driving time cost the same whether you grind one stump or five. A minimum of $100 to $200 keeps small jobs from losing money.
Photograph or note each stump and its diameter at the start. Per-inch billing is easier to defend when the numbers were written down before grinding.
Offer a lower per-inch rate after the first stump or for jobs above a certain total inches. Show the discount as a line on the invoice so the customer sees the savings and you keep the job.
Record that you or the customer called 811 and noted marked lines. Unmarked sprinkler lines, invisible dog fences, and buried cables are the most common source of damage claims after grinding.
Rocks, metal in the stump, wire fences, and narrow gates add time and wear on teeth. Add a line item or adjust the price and note why, rather than absorbing the extra cost.
Either works. Per inch is the most common because it scales with stump size and is easy to explain. Per stump flat pricing is simpler for the customer and works well for stumps in a narrow size range. Whichever you use, set a minimum charge.
Yes, in most cases. Leaving chips in the hole or piled nearby is usually included, but hauling them away takes labor, truck space, and sometimes dump fees. Bill it as a separate line item per load or per stump.
Add a line for surface root grinding, billed either per hour or per root. Large roots extend the work beyond the stump itself, so note on the invoice that the work was beyond standard stump grinding.
It depends on the state. Some states tax landscaping or property services and others do not, and rules can differ between labor and materials like topsoil. Check with your state revenue department or a tax professional.
Your invoice and estimate should state the grinding depth. If the agreed depth was met, point to the written scope. If the customer wants more, offer additional grinding as a billable add-on.
Send a Stump Removal estimate for approval, then turn it into an invoice when the work is done.
Stump Removal estimate template