Stump grinding: larger stumps
Stumps larger than a car tire (over about 60 cm / 24 in across)
Grinding out a big stump and its surface roots.
What it is
Large stumps take longer and often need a bigger grinder. The crew usually grinds the stump and the main surface roots spreading out from it, then leaves or removes the chips.
A large machine may not fit through a backyard gate, so a smaller, slower grinder is used and the job takes longer.
Signs you might need it
- A large stump left after a removal
- Surface roots lifting the lawn or walkway
- Planning a patio, addition or new garden where the stump sits
Good to know
Full stump removal (digging out the root ball) is a separate, more expensive job, usually only needed before building a foundation.
Typical cost in Ontario
Before HST. At $5–$10 per inch of width, a 30-inch stump works out to about $150–$300 before access, roots and cleanup; real quotes often land higher. Extra-large stumps can cost $800 or more.
What pushes the price up or down
- Width, and how far the root flare spreads
- Fresh hardwood takes longest; old rotted stumps are easier
- Access for the grinder
- How deep they grind, and whether surface roots are included
- Removing the chips and backfilling
Ways to spend less
- Bundle stump grinding with the removal or with other stumps
- Measure the stump at ground level before calling so quotes are comparable
- Skip chip removal and backfill if you can reuse the chips yourself
Few sources split stump prices by size, so this range is worked out from per-inch rates. Prices are typical ranges gathered from published Ontario price guides and company price pages in September 2026, before 13% HST. They’re a guide, not a quote: your price depends on your tree and your property. Get two or three written quotes, and check whether your city charges a permit fee.
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Related specializations
Sources for the prices on this page
- What Is the Best Price for Stump Removal in Ontario? - Chip It Guy (Halton/Guelph/Peel, ON)
- Tree Removal Cost Guide For Ottawa - HomeStars (Ottawa, ON)
- Tree Removal Cost Guide For Toronto - HomeStars (Toronto, ON)
- Tree Service Cost in Ottawa - ArborXpert pricing page (Ottawa, ON)
- The Estimate Cost of Stump Grinding - Spinblade (Ottawa, ON / Canada)