Most stump grinding in Birmingham costs £150–£400 per stump when booked on its own. A stump under 30cm across is usually £120–£180 (in practice £150–£180, because of the minimum charge), 30–60cm is £180–£280 and over 60cm is £280–£400. Several stumps on one visit cost much less per stump.
These are the ranges our quote form uses for stump grinding in Birmingham and the West Midlands. They are what homeowners typically pay, including clearing up afterwards.
Stump grinding prices by size
Measure across the top of the stump at its widest point.
| Stump width | Typical price (one stump) |
|---|---|
| Under 30cm | £120–£180 |
| 30–60cm | £180–£280 |
| Over 60cm | £280–£400 |
Most specialists have a minimum charge. On our price card it is about £150, so a single small stump usually comes out at £150–£180.
If the tree is being removed anyway
Grinding the stump on the same visit as the tree removal is much cheaper, because the crew is already there:
| Tree size | Added to the removal price |
|---|---|
| Small tree (under 5m) | about £70 |
| Medium tree (5–10m) | about £100 |
| Large tree (10–15m) | about £150 |
What affects the price
Stump width
Width sets how long the grinder has to run. A 20cm stump might take minutes. A wide, old stump with surface roots can take far longer.
Number of stumps
| Number of stumps | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | Single-stump price |
| 2–3 | About 1.8 times the single-stump price |
| 4 or more | About 2.5 times the single-stump price |
This matters for a row of old conifers or a removed hedge, where there may be a dozen stumps along a boundary.
Access
Stump grinders come in different sizes. Smaller machines can fit through a standard gate, but if the only way in is through the house, or the stump is more than 20m from where the van parks, expect about 15% more. Steps, steep slopes and narrow alleys also slow things down, so mention them and include a photo of the route.
Depth and roots
A standard grind takes the stump below ground level so you can turf or plant over it. If you want surface roots chased out, or a deeper grind for a new patio or building work, say so when you ask for a price.
What happens to the grindings
Grinding produces a pile of wood chips and soil. Ask whether the price includes taking it away or whether it is left to backfill the hole. Either is normal; the point is to know which you are getting.
Services underground
If there may be pipes or cables near the stump, tell the specialist. It can affect how they approach the job.
Stump grinding or stump removal?
Grinding leaves the roots in the ground to rot down, which is fine for lawns and planting. Full stump removal digs or winches out the root plate, which is a bigger job and is usually only needed if you are building or laying foundations where the tree stood. It is priced individually.
Worked examples
- One 25cm conifer stump in a Harborne back garden with a side gate: the table range is £120–£180, so with the minimum charge expect about £150–£180.
- Three 40cm Leylandii stumps along an Erdington boundary: 1.8 times £180–£280 gives about £320–£500.
- A single 70cm oak stump in a Knowle garden where the grinder has to go through the house: £280–£400 plus 15% is about £320–£460.
- Five stumps left after a hedge came out in Solihull, each 30–60cm: 2.5 times £180–£280 gives about £450–£700.
Stump grinding costs in the West Midlands
Many Birmingham homes have stumps left from trees or conifer hedges cut down years ago, often in gardens with limited side access. That makes machine size and access the things to check first. Larger gardens in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull and Knowle more often have wide stumps from mature broadleaf trees, which sit in the top price band.
We do not quote a national average. Published national figures vary widely and rarely say whether the minimum charge or clearing up is included. The ranges here are for the West Midlands.
How to get a fixed price
- Fill in the quote form and choose stump grinding. You get an instant price range.
- Add a photo of each stump with something for scale, such as a spade or a tape measure across the top, plus a photo of the route from the road.
- We pass your enquiry to one vetted local specialist for your area, who confirms a fixed price with you directly.
What to photograph for a quote
Good photos usually mean a fixed price without a visit. More photo tips.
- The whole thing, with your house or fence in shot for scale
- The base or ground level and what’s around it: walls, sheds, beds
- The route in from the road: side gate, steps, the path through
What to check before you pay
- Insurance. Ask for a current public liability certificate. Stump grinders throw debris, so this matters near windows, cars and fences.
- Training. Stump grinding is usually done by tree surgery firms. Ask what training the operator has. See do tree surgeons need to be qualified?
- Waste carrier registration if they are taking the grindings away. You can check the Environment Agency public register on GOV.UK.
- A written quote that says how deep they will grind and what happens to the grindings.
- No cash-only demands. Expect a receipt and the option of bank transfer.
Questions
How much does it cost to grind out a tree stump?
Usually £150–£400 for a single stump, depending on its width. Under 30cm is £120–£180 before the minimum charge of about £150, 30–60cm is £180–£280 and over 60cm is £280–£400.
Is it cheaper to do several stumps at once?
Yes. Two or three stumps cost about 1.8 times the single-stump price, and four or more about 2.5 times. Five medium stumps cost about £450–£700, not five times £180–£280.
Is it cheaper to grind the stump when the tree comes down?
Yes. Adding it to a tree removal costs about £70, £100 or £150 depending on the tree size, compared with a separate visit from about £150. See the tree removal cost guide.
How deep does a stump grinder go?
It varies by machine and job. A standard grind goes far enough below ground to turf or plant over. If you need more depth, ask for it in the quote.
Can a stump grinder get through a narrow gate?
Many can. Smaller machines are made for garden access. Give the narrowest width on the route when you ask for a price. If it has to go through the house, expect about 15% more.
Do I need to remove the stump of a Leylandii hedge?
Not always. Leylandii do not regrow from the stump, so grinding is mainly about using the space again. See Leylandii hedge removal and the hedge removal cost guide.