Tree removal
Dead pines, leaning water oaks and big trees close to the house, taken down in sections when space is tight.
Tree removal in Wilmington NCStump grinding uses a machine with a toothed wheel to chew a stump into chips a few inches below ground, so you can mow, sod or replant over it. National price guides such as HomeGuide estimate one stump at roughly $120 to $400, with extra stumps much cheaper on the same visit. Call (910) 543-1576 to get a free stump grinding quote from a local crew.
Stump grinding cost
About these numbers
These are published national estimates, not our prices. Local quotes vary with stump size, wood type, access and how many stumps you have.
| Item | HomeGuide | Angi |
|---|---|---|
| First stump | $120 to $400 | about $250 typical; $100 to $150 minimum for one small stump |
| Each additional stump | $30 to $60 | drops sharply with each extra stump |
| Per inch of diameter | $2 to $6 | $2 to $5 |
| Minimum service fee | $80 to $160 | around $100 |
| Extra-large stump | $300 to $800 | large hardwood stumps can reach $1,600 |
What drives the price
- Diameter. Crews measure across the widest part at ground level, including the root flare. A 30-inch live oak stump is a very different job from a 12-inch pine.
- Wood. Hardwoods such as oak grind slower than pine.
- Access. A grinder that fits through a 36-inch gate costs less to use than one that has to be carried around. Steps, slopes and fences add time.
- Surface roots. Grinding long surface roots across the lawn costs extra.
- Cleanup. Grindings left in the hole are cheapest. Hauling them and adding topsoil costs more.
- Underground lines. Irrigation lines, invisible dog fences and shallow cables near the stump need to be marked first. For utilities, call NC 811 before digging.
Stump grinding vs full stump removal
Grinding
Fast, less disruptive, and the usual choice in lawns and beds. Leaves the deeper roots to rot in place. Angi estimates $150 to $500 for grinding.
Full removal (digging out)
The stump and main roots are pulled with an excavator or dug by hand. Leaves a large hole to backfill, and makes sense mainly for foundations, pools, or where a new tree must go in the same spot. Angi estimates manual removal at $200 to $700.
In sandy coastal soil, digging out a pine stump is easier than in clay, but it still disturbs a wide area. For most yards, grinding is the better value.
Grinding after a removal
If you are having a tree taken down, ask for the stump to be quoted on the same visit. Doing both on one visit usually saves the minimum fee. Wilmington's curbside yard waste pickup does not take stumps or root balls, so the crew should handle disposal of any large pieces. See Wilmington tree removal and the average tree removal cost.
Brunswick County homeowners in Leland, Southport and Oak Island ask for stump work as often as Wilmington does. Land being cleared for building may need many stumps pulled; see lot clearing in Wilmington.
In Pender County? See Hampstead tree service. Ready to price it? Get a stump grinding estimate.
Common questions
How deep does stump grinding go?
Standard grinding takes the stump a few inches below the soil, commonly 4 to 6 inches according to HomeGuide and Angi. Deeper grinding is possible if you plan to plant or build there, and usually costs more.
What happens to the roots?
Grinding removes the stump and the top of the root flare. Roots further out stay in the ground and break down over time. Pine roots rot fairly quickly in our warm, moist soil; oak roots take longer.
Can I plant a new tree in the same spot?
You can, but it is easier to plant a few feet away. Rake out most of the grindings, add topsoil, and let the area settle first.
Will a stump grow back?
Pines do not resprout from the stump. Many hardwoods and Bradford pears do. Grinding below grade, and cutting off any new sprouts, usually ends it.
