How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in Fort Wayne?
By Aaron Stirratt, co-owner
Aaron runs Whitetail Tree Services with his brother Corey, handling small tree removal, felling, trimming and stump grinding across Fort Wayne and surrounding areas.
September 29, 2026
Most stump grinding jobs in Fort Wayne cost between $100 and $400 per stump. Small stumps under a foot across sit at the low end, while large, rotted-in or hard-to-reach stumps land at the top — and extra stumps on the same visit usually cost less each.
What drives the price
- Diameter: measured across the widest part at ground level. This is the biggest factor.
- Root flare: big surface roots spread the grinding area and add time.
- Access: a stump behind a 36-inch gate or on a slope takes more setup than one in an open front yard.
- Depth: we typically grind up to 13 inches below grade, which is enough to seed, sod or plant a shrub.
- Number of stumps: setup is the same whether we grind one or five, so multiple stumps lower the per-stump cost.
Rough price guide
- Under 12 inches across: about $100–$150
- 12–24 inches: about $150–$275
- 24 inches and up: about $275–$400+
These are ballpark numbers, not quotes. A 20-inch stump in the open can cost less than a 14-inch stump wedged against a fence and a patio.
What about the wood chips?
Grinding turns the stump into a pile of chips and soil. Many homeowners keep it to fill the hole or use as mulch. If you'd rather have it gone, we can haul it off — just ask so it's in your quote.
How to save money
- Bundle stumps: if you have old ones around the yard, do them all at once.
- Combine with a removal: grinding right after we take a tree down avoids a second trip.
- Clear the area: move decorations, edging stones and hoses before we arrive.
Getting an exact number
The fastest way is to text us a photo with something for scale (a shoe or tape measure works) and let us know where the stump sits in your yard. We'll reply with a firm price.