Stump grinding cost in NY (2026)
| Stump diameter (at ground) | Typical NY price |
|---|---|
| Under 12 inches | $100 – $150 (minimum charge) |
| 12 – 24 inches | $150 – $250 |
| 24 – 36 inches | $250 – $400 |
| Over 36 inches | $400 – $700+ |
| Several stumps, same visit | Lower per-stump rate |
| Full stump and root removal (excavation) | $400 – $1,500+ |
Cost ranges are published 2026 figures (Environmental Forest Products' 2026 Hudson Valley guide, $100 to $400 per stump; LawnStarter 2026 stump grinding pricing guide, $131 to $438; HomeGuide 2026), not quotes from this site. Your price depends on the stump, access and your town.
What changes the price
- Access. A standard walk-behind grinder fits through a 36-inch gate; a bigger stump needs a tow-behind machine that needs a driveway or an open yard. Tight side yards in Nyack, Spring Valley and the Village of Haverstraw often mean a smaller machine and more time.
- Depth. Standard is 6 to 8 inches below grade, enough for lawn. Ask for 12 inches or more if you plan to pave or plant.
- Roots. Grinding the surface roots of an old maple can double the time.
- Cleanup. Most quotes leave the chips in the hole or raked into a pile; hauling chips and bringing topsoil is extra.
- Utilities. The crew should call 811 (Dig Safely New York) for marking if the stump is near gas, water or irrigation lines. In Rockland's older villages, gas lines are often shallow.
Bundle it with the removal
If you are having a tree taken down, ask for stump grinding on the same quote. The crew is already there, and stand-alone stump trips carry a minimum charge. If you had a tree removed years ago and the stump is still there, several stumps in one visit cost much less per stump than one at a time, so ask a neighbor.
How it works
- Tell us about the job. Your town, what you need, and a photo if you have one. Takes about a minute.
- We match you with a local tree pro. An independent Rockland County tree care company that holds a Rockland County home improvement contractor license and carries liability insurance, and that actually serves your town.
- Get a free on-site quote. The company contacts you directly, looks at the tree and gives you a written price. No obligation, and you deal with them from there.
Stump questions
How much does stump grinding cost in New York?
Most single residential stumps in the Hudson Valley run $100 to $400, priced at roughly $3 to $5 per inch of diameter measured at the ground, with a minimum charge of about $100 to $150 for a small stump. Very large stumps, stumps on a slope, or stumps with no machine access cost more; several stumps in one visit cost less each.
Do I need a permit to grind a stump?
Not for a stump on your own property in any Rockland town we know of. Grinding is not removal of a live tree, so the Clarkstown, Nyack and Suffern tree permits do not apply. The crew should call 811 for utility marking if the stump is near gas, water or irrigation lines.
Can I plant a new tree where the stump was?
Yes, but move over a few feet. Even after grinding, the old root mass is still in the ground and the chips rob nitrogen from the soil as they rot. Grass or a shrub bed does fine on the spot once the chips are removed and topsoil is added.
Grinding or full removal?
Grinding (8 to 12 inches below grade) is right for almost every yard stump. Full removal, digging out the root ball, is for construction, new driveways, or where a foundation or pipe is going. It costs several times more and leaves a big hole.