The short answer
One New Jersey company's published guide puts stump grinding at roughly $100 to $500 per stump, depending on diameter, root spread and access (NJ stump grinding cost guide). Several stumps in one visit usually cost less per stump, because much of the price is getting the grinder to your property.
What changes the price
- Diameter. Measured across the top of the stump at ground level, including the root flare. This is the biggest factor.
- Depth. Grinding a few inches below grade is fine for lawn. Going deeper so you can replant or build costs more.
- Access. Small grinders fit through many backyard gates; big ones don't. Stumps on slopes, behind fences or next to foundations take longer.
- Wood and condition. Large old oak stumps take longer to grind than pine. Old, rotting stumps can go faster.
- Surface roots. Grinding out roots that run across the lawn is extra work.
- Cleanup. Leaving the chips in the hole is cheapest. Hauling chips, adding topsoil and seeding cost more.
Call 811 first
New Jersey law requires a free utility markout before digging, and stump grinding counts. Ask whether the company requests the markout for your job, and allow a few business days (NJ One Call (811)). Irrigation lines and invisible dog fences aren't marked by utilities, so point them out to the crew.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
Grinding leaves the deeper roots to break down naturally and is the usual choice for lawns and garden beds. Full extraction pulls the root ball with an excavator and leaves a large hole, but can make sense before a patio, addition or driveway. A stump company can tell you which fits your plans.
After the grinder leaves
- The hole is usually filled with the grindings. They settle and break down over time, so expect a slight dip.
- For grass, rake out most of the chips, fill with topsoil and seed. Fresh wood chips can tie up nitrogen and slow new growth.
- Don't plant a new tree in exactly the same spot right away; offset it a few feet.
- Keep the chips for mulch elsewhere in the yard if you like.
Save money
- Bundle every stump on the property, and ask your neighbors if they have any too.
- Have stumps ground at the same visit as a removal.
- Clear access to each stump and mark sprinkler heads before the crew arrives.
Do I need a permit to grind a stump?
Generally not, since the tree is already down. A permit may have been needed to remove the tree itself. You still need the free 811 markout before grinding.
Will the stump grow back?
Grinding below grade usually stops most species from resprouting. Some trees can send up a few shoots from the roots; mow or clip them and they'll give up.
More guides
Areas we cover
- Toms River
- Brick
- Lakewood
- Jackson
- Manchester
- Berkeley
- Lacey
- Barnegat
- Stafford
- Little Egg Harbor
- Point Pleasant
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Plumsted
- Beachwood
- Ocean Township
Last updated October 18, 2026. Prices and rules come from the cited third-party and municipal sources and can change. They aren't quotes or legal advice. Free referral service, not a tree company. Your request goes to one independent local tree company, which may pay us for the referral.
