How is stump grinding priced?

Most stumps are priced based on the diameter of the stump at the surrounding dirt level.

Pick the widest possible dimension across the stump where it disappears into the dirt, measure this distance, and this is the diameter.

Other factors to consider for stump grinding is: ease of access; proximity to fences and patios and walls; rock beds; foreign objects such as metal, nails, fence posts, and rocks. Any of these things can dull the teeth and slow down the process and may effect the price.

How does it work?

The stump grinder is a large self propelled machine a little larger than a roto tiller. It needs a minimum 36" opening to fit through your gate.

The stump grinder has a steel flywheel on the front with hardened carbide teeth. This flywheel spins at a high rpm and the machine literally bludgeons the stump into mulch.

The stump grinder can grind down to a depth of about 12 inches. However, most stumps are ground to a depth of 6 inches.

You can follow the process through the pictures below.

Moving the stump grinder through the gate and positioning the machine to start grinding a Pine stump.

Clay is engaging the cutting wheel about to start grinding the 28 inch stump that is pictured above.

Clay is moving the cutting wheel into position to start removing the stump.

The stump grinding process.

This is what's left of the stump pictured above. A pile of mulch.

Once the stump is ground out there will be a pile of mulch. Larger stumps will leave a considerable pile of mulch behind. You can keep this mulch for your own purposes, or ask to have the pile of mulch removed for an additional charge.

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Moving on to an Aspen stump.

Clay is grinding out the Aspen stump.

Closeup of the stump grinder at work: