Stump grinding & removal. From $80 small, $750 large. Mulch in place or hauled.
Stump grinding is the most undersold part of tree work. Most "tree removal" quotes in Australia exclude it, then surprise you with a separate $300 fee at the end. Ours doesn't — we quote the stump as a clear line item up front so you can decide.
What stump grinding actually costs
Three things drive the price: stump diameter, wood density (hardwood is slower than softwood), and access. A grinder needs a 90cm gate at minimum. If access is tight, we use a smaller machine and the job takes longer.
| Stump size | Typical cost (AUD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 200mm diameter) | $80 – $180 | Saplings, fence-line trees |
| Medium (200–400mm) | $150 – $320 | Backyard ornamentals |
| Large (400–600mm) | $220 – $500 | Mature pines, jacarandas |
| Very large (600–800mm) | $350 – $750 | Mature hardwood gums |
| Major (over 800mm) | $500 – $1,100 | Heritage gums, old figs |
Bulk discount: stumps grouped together (multiple removals on the same site) come down 10–25% per stump. Cost calculator includes stump grinding as a tickbox.
What "200mm below grade" actually means
Standard stump grinding takes the stump 200mm (about 8 inches) below the surrounding ground level. That's the sweet spot for:
- Laying new turf or seeding grass over the spot
- Filling with topsoil for garden beds
- Walking, mowing, kids playing — no trip hazard
If you're going deeper — laying paving, pouring concrete, building a deck or shed — we grind to 300mm below grade as an extra. Tell us before the job.
What about the roots?
Surface roots within about 1m of the trunk get ground out as part of the job. Beyond that, lateral roots are usually left in place because:
- They'll rot down naturally over 3–5 years
- Removing them disturbs the soil structure and damages neighbouring plants
- Excavating roots costs $200–$600+ per metre depending on what's around them
If you need lateral roots gone for paving, footings, or a pool, that's a separate job — usually with an excavator, sometimes hand-dug if there are services nearby.
Mulch — keep it or take it away
Stump grinding produces a surprising amount of woodchip mulch. A 400mm hardwood stump fills roughly two wheelbarrows. Your call what we do with it:
- Mulch in place (free). Fill the hole with the chips — they'll settle over a few weeks. Top with topsoil and grass seed and you're done.
- Mulch to your garden ($0). We barrow it to your beds. Free. Saves you buying mulch.
- Hauled away ($80–$200). If you've got nowhere to put it, we take it to a green-waste facility.
Should you just let the stump rot?
Yes you can, but most people regret it. A hardwood stump in southern Australia takes 5–10 years to break down. Tropical climates faster, dry inland slower. During that time:
- It attracts termites — significant risk if your house is timber-framed within 30m
- It attracts fungi (some pretty, some that affect surrounding plants)
- It's a trip hazard, especially as the bark falls away
- It can re-shoot if it's a gum or willow — new growth from the roots
- It blocks anything you wanted to plant or build there
Stump-killing chemicals (Tordon, glyphosate gel) speed up rot but only marginally. They're also restricted near native vegetation and watercourses. We don't recommend them for residential.
The "we'll come back for the stump" trap
Most cheap tree-removal quotes leave the stump and say "we'll come back for it later". Sometimes that's a genuine bookings issue. Often it's the trick — they bank on you forgetting, then quote $400 for the return visit two weeks later.
Our policy: stump decision in writing on the quote. Either grind it on the day (preferred — the crew and equipment are already there), schedule it for a confirmed date with the price locked in, or you opt out in writing. No "we'll sort it later".
Where we work
Frequently asked
How much does stump grinding cost?
Small softwood stumps under 200mm: $80–$180. Medium 200–400mm: $150–$320. Large 400–600mm: $220–$500. Very large 600–800mm: $350–$750. Major over 800mm: up to $1,100.
How deep do you grind?
Standard is 200mm below ground level — enough for grass or turf. Deeper to 300mm if you're laying paving or building over the spot.
What about the roots?
Surface roots within 1m of the trunk are ground out as part of the job. Lateral roots are typically left to rot naturally over 3–5 years. Excavating them is a separate job.
Do you remove the mulch?
Your call. Mulch in place (free), barrow to your garden (free), or hauled away ($80–$200).
Can the stump just rot down naturally?
Yes, but it takes 5–10 years for hardwoods. During that time it attracts termites and fungi, becomes a trip hazard, and can re-shoot if it's a gum or willow.
Will stump grinding damage nearby plants or services?
Not if it's done properly. We DBYD-check (Dial Before You Dig) for any stump within 2m of a house line. Surface roots of nearby plants can take some collateral but recover. Damage to underground services is rare with proper checks.
Stump quote with the tree quote — both on the same email
0402 522 434Or send a photo of the stump and we'll get you a number same day.