Taking a tree down leaves the stump behind. Grinding it is often priced separately, and it comes with one step that's easy to forget: the request to MISS DIG.
Grinding or digging out
Angi's October 2026 guide separates the two. Removal digs the whole stump out, often with many of its roots, which suits smaller, younger stumps but leaves a big hole to fill. Grinding takes the stump down below ground level and works better for large, old stumps that would tear up the yard coming out, though it may leave the surrounding roots. A cheaper surface-level grind is also offered by some contractors.
Published prices
| Item | Angi, Oct 2026 (national) |
|---|---|
| Average grind | $250 |
| Most jobs | $120 to $400 |
| Per inch of diameter | $2 to $5 |
| Minimum charge | about $100 |
| First stump / each additional | $100 to $150 / $40 to $75 |
| Hauling away the grindings | $50 to $200 |
Measure across the top of the stump before you call. With per-inch pricing, that number does most of the quoting.
MISS DIG 811 first
- Give at least 3 business days' notice. MISS DIG 811 says this applies to any digging project regardless of size or depth.
- Call 811 or file online. The service is free. MISS DIG doesn't mark lines itself; member utilities mark the approximate location with flags, paint or both.
- Private lines aren't marked. Wires or pipes you or a past owner installed (to a garage, shed, yard light or sprinkler) need a private locating company, which charges a fee.
- Watch the dates. Digging needs to start within 14 days and be finished within 21 days of the ticket's Work Legal Start Date.
The chips and the hole
Grinding leaves a pile of chips and soil. Angi notes you can use the chips as mulch or pack them back into the hole to save the hauling fee. Battle Creek's curbside yard waste program lists leaves, grass, garden waste and small bundled branches; it doesn't list stump grindings, so ask the contractor to take them or ask the city.