2026 Landowner Guide
Stump Grinding Cost: Hire vs Rent vs Buy
The honest 2026 numbers on what stump removal really costs — and the break-even point where owning a PTO stump grinder starts saving you money.
What pros charge in 2026
Most tree services quote by stump diameter, at roughly $3 – $5 per inch with a $100 minimum trip charge. Hardwoods (oak, maple, hickory) sit at the top of that range; softwoods (pine, spruce) at the bottom.
| Stump size | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 12") | $100 – $200 | Often a minimum charge |
| Medium (12" – 24") | $200 – $350 | Most common residential stumps |
| Large (24" – 36") | $350 – $500 | Hardwoods run higher |
| Very large (36"+) | $500 – $1,200+ | May require multiple visits |
Hire vs Rent vs Buy
Hire a pro
$150 – $450 / stump
- No labor
- Insured operator
- Fast for 1–2 stumps
- –Highest long-term cost
- –Booking delays in spring
- –Repeat trip fees
Best if you only have 1–2 stumps ever.
Rent a grinder
$250 – $400 / day
- Cheaper than hiring for 3+ stumps
- DIY control
- –Delivery + fuel + deposit
- –Small tow-behind units, slow on hardwood
- –You do the labor
Break-even ends around 8–12 stumps.
Buy a Woodland Mills WG24
$999 one-time
- PTO-driven — full tractor torque
- 5-year limited warranty
- Grinds 6" below grade
- Zero per-stump cost after payback
- –Requires a 15–45 HP tractor
- –You still do the work
Best value for landowners with acreage or ongoing clearing.
The break-even math
Using a national average of $300 per stump for professional grinding, here's when the WG24 pays for itself:
Pro cost per stump
$300
WG24 one-time price
$999
Break-even
~4 stumps
Own 5+ acres, clear fence lines, or manage a woodlot? You'll blow past that number in a single season — and every stump after that is free.
Stop paying per stump.
The Woodland Mills WG24 is our best-selling PTO stump grinder — 34 carbide teeth, 6" below-grade cut, and a 5-year limited warranty. Free liftgate delivery across North America.
Shop the WG24