How much does stump grinding cost in the UK?
UK stump grinding costs £85 to £300 per stump. The exact price depends on stump diameter, wood hardness, and access. Small soft-wood stumps under 12 inches start at £85; large hardwood stumps over 36 inches reach £300 or more. Most residential jobs land between £120 and £200.
| Stump size | Diameter | Typical price | Time on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Up to 12" | £85–£120 | 15–30 min |
| Medium | 12"–24" | £120–£200 | 30–60 min |
| Large | 24"–36" | £200–£300 | 60–90 min |
| Extra-large | 36"+ | £300+ | 90–120 min |
What is the average price for stump grinding per inch?
The UK average is £2 to £3 per inch of stump diameter measured at ground level. A 24-inch stump therefore costs roughly £48 to £72 before minimum-charge rules apply. Most grinders set a minimum call-out of £80 to £150 to cover travel and setup.
This per-inch model is why the calculator at the top of the site only asks three questions. Diameter is the single biggest cost driver, with hardness and access fine-tuning the figure.
Why is stump grinding cheaper than stump removal?
Stump grinding costs £85 to £300; full stump removal costs £200 to £500 plus, because removal needs excavation, root extraction, and disposal. Grinding leaves roots in the ground to decay naturally over 5 to 10 years. For most gardens that decay is invisible and harmless.
| Method | Typical UK price | Time on site | Mess |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding | £85–£300 | 15 min – 2 hr | Wood chips, contained |
| Full stump removal | £200–£500+ | 2 – 6 hr | Excavation, soil disruption |
| Chemical killer | £10–£40 + 3–12 mo wait | 5 min + months | Chemicals in soil, dead stump remains |
| DIY hire | £200–£400 (incl. fuel, PPE) | Half a day | Same as pro, more risk |
Do I get a discount for multiple stumps?
Yes. After the first stump, every additional stump on the same visit is typically 35% cheaper because the machine is already on site. Six leylandii stumps from a hedge removal usually come in at £180 to £280 total, not 6 × the single-stump price.
What adds to the cost of stump grinding?
Hard wood adds 20% — oak, beech, yew, sweet chestnut all grind slower than pine, birch, or sycamore. Difficult access adds 15% to 35% — narrow gates, steep ground, lawns the grinder cannot cross without protection boards, or any distance further than 20 metres from the van.
Surface root removal adds £25 to £75 if the radiating roots are creating trip hazards. Taking the chips off site rather than backfilling adds £25 to £50 for disposal. Each cost is fixed and quoted before any work starts — no surprises on the day.
Is there a callout fee for stump grinding?
No callout fee at The Stump Doctor. The price you are quoted is the price you pay. Most national directories list jobs with a callout fee of £40 to £80, but specialist local grinders typically include travel within their service area in the fixed quote.
How much is stump grinding in Canterbury and East Kent?
Canterbury and East Kent prices match the UK average: £85 for a small stump up to £300 for a large hardwood. Travel is included for the 27 towns within 15 miles of Canterbury. A photo and postcode is enough to get a fixed quote in under an hour.
Can I get a free quote before booking?
Yes. Send a photo of the stump and the access route, plus a rough diameter, and we return a fixed price within the hour. No deposit, no obligation, no upsell. You only pay when the job is done and the area is clean.
