Price table
| Job | Typical Long Island range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding, single stump | $150 – $500 | Most residential stumps. Price scales with diameter and access. |
| Per diameter inch | $2 – $6 / inch | Measured across the widest point at ground level. |
| Minimum / trip charge | $75 – $160 | Covers mobilizing the grinder, even for one small stump. |
| Each additional stump (same visit) | $30 – $60+ | Much cheaper once the machine is on site. |
| Hardwood premium (oak, maple, hickory) | +15 – 20% | Dense wood grinds slower. Large oak stumps often carry an extra $50–$100. |
| Haul away grindings | $50 – $150 | Many quotes leave the chips in the hole. Ask. |
| Full stump & root removal (extraction) | Typically 2–4× grinding | Excavator or root-pull work, backfill and grading. Needed for new trees, patios or footings in the same spot. |
Worked examples
These illustrate how the pricing rules combine. They're estimates, not quotes.
| Stump | Likely range | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 12" cherry or ornamental, front yard | $100 – $180 | Usually just the minimum charge. |
| 20" maple, open backyard | $150 – $250 | About $4–$6/inch plus the trip. |
| 30" white pine, fenced yard (36" gate) | $200 – $350 | Walk-behind grinder, softwood. |
| 36" red oak with big surface roots | $300 – $500+ | Hardwood premium plus root chasing. |
| Five mixed stumps, same visit | $350 – $700 total | The first stump carries the minimum, then $30–$60+ each. |
What changes the price
- Diameter: the biggest factor. Measure at ground level, widest point.
- Wood type: oak, hickory and maple grind slower than pine.
- Surface roots: Long Island's sandy soil makes roots run wide and shallow, and grinding them costs extra.
- Access: gate width, slopes, and whether the machine can cross the lawn.
- Depth: 6–8" standard, and deeper for pavers, plantings or footings.
- Cleanup: chips left in the hole vs. raked, backfilled and hauled.
- Hazards: rocks, buried debris, or old concrete around the stump can damage grinder teeth, and some contractors charge for that.
Grinding vs. full stump removal cost
Full extraction (digging out the stump and main roots) typically costs 2–4× grinding and leaves a larger hole to backfill. It's worth it only if you're building or replanting in the same spot. Read grinding vs. removal on Long Island.
Frequently asked questions
Is stump grinding priced per stump or per inch?
Both are common on Long Island. Per-inch pricing ($2–$6 per inch of diameter) is typical for larger jobs, and a flat per-stump price for small ones, with a minimum trip charge either way.
How do I measure my stump?
Measure straight across the widest part of the stump at ground level, including the root flare. Send the measurement and a photo for the most accurate quote.
Is it cheaper to grind the stump at the same time as the removal?
Usually, yes. The crew is already there, so you avoid a second minimum charge.
Can I rent a stump grinder and do it myself?
You can. Rentals run a few hundred dollars a day. But the machines are heavy and dangerous, you still need an 811 utility mark-out, and big hardwood stumps take a long time with rental-size grinders. For one or two stumps, hiring is often similar in cost.
Sources
- Competition Tree — Average Tree Removal Cost on Long Island (2026)
- HomeBlue — Tree Removal Cost in Nassau County (2026)
- Jones Plant Health Care — Stump Grinding Cost in Suffolk County (2026)
- Jones Plant Health Care — Storm Damage Tree Removal Cost (Suffolk)
- Long Island Best Tree Service — Tree Trimming Cost on Long Island (2026)
- Green Light Tree Services — Stump Grinding Cost Per Stump (Nassau, 2026)
