June 15, 2026 · 5 min read
What Does Stump Grinding Cost in Evansville? (2026 Pricing Guide)
The honest answer most tree companies won't put in writing: stump grinding is one of the more affordable pieces of tree work, and you can usually estimate the cost yourself before anyone visits. Here's exactly how pricing works in the Evansville area.
The short answer
Most single residential stumps in Evansville run between about $125 and $250. Pricing is almost always based on the diameter of the stump, not a flat rate, because a 10-inch stump and a 40-inch stump are wildly different amounts of grinding.
How per-inch pricing works
The standard method is to measure the stump across its widest point at ground level — including the flared roots at the base — and multiply by a per-inch rate. Around Evansville that rate is commonly $3–$5 per inch, with a minimum service charge (ours is $125) that covers the cost of bringing the machine out for small stumps.
So a 24-inch stump at $4/inch is about $96 of grinding — but because that's below the $125 minimum, you'd pay the minimum. A 40-inch silver maple stump at $4/inch is about $160.
- Minimum service charge: ~$125 (covers small stumps)
- Per-inch rate: ~$3–$5 per inch of diameter
- Multi-stump discount: lower per-inch rate on additional stumps in the same visit
What drives the price up
- Size: the single biggest factor — bigger stumps take longer.
- Access: a stump behind a locked gate or up a steep bank the machine can't reach easily costs more.
- Root spread: aggressive surface roots you want ground out add to the job.
- Species and hardness: dense hardwoods like oak grind slower than soft silver maple.
- Extras: hauling the grindings and backfilling with topsoil is an add-on (most people keep the grindings as free mulch).
How to save money
The easiest way to lower your per-stump cost is to have several ground in one visit. You're already paying for the machine to be transported to your property, so the marginal cost of each additional stump drops — which is why most companies, including us, discount additional stumps.
If you've had a tree removed, bundle the stump grind into the same job rather than booking it separately later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stump grinding cheaper than stump removal?
Yes, significantly. Grinding chips the stump below grade and leaves the roots to decompose. Full removal (digging out the stump and root ball) is far more expensive and disruptive, and is only necessary when you need to build or replant in the exact spot.
Can I get a price without an on-site visit?
Often, yes. If you measure the stump's widest point at ground level and send a photo, we can usually quote it over the phone or by text and confirm on arrival.