Stump Grinding in Savannah
In short: national 2026 data puts stump grinding at about $250 on average, typically $120–$400, and up to around $1,600 for very large stumps. Many companies charge $2–$5 per inch of diameter with a minimum of around $100, and $40–$75 for each additional stump.1
How stump grinding works
A grinder chews the stump down below the soil line, typically several inches. The roots stay in the ground and decay over time. What's left is a pile of wood chips and soil mixed together. Full stump removal (pulling the root ball) is a bigger, messier job that's usually only needed if you're building on the spot.
What affects the price
- Diameter, the main driver for per-inch pricing.1 Measure across the widest part at ground level.
- Number of stumps. Additional stumps are usually cheaper than the first.1
- Access. Grinders range from narrow walk-behind units to large tow-behind machines. A narrow gate or backyard reachable only through a lane can change the price.
- Surface roots and cleanup. Ask whether chips are hauled away or left, and whether surface roots are included.
- Timing. Angi notes winter scheduling can save up to 20%.1
Questions to ask before grinding
- How deep will you grind, and will you grind surface roots?
- Do you haul away the chips, and is backfill with topsoil included?
- Will you request utility locates through Georgia 811 before grinding? Irrigation lines, cable and gas services often run near old stumps.
- Can you give me a certificate of insurance?
Grinding a stump left from an earlier removal is different from removing a tree. If the tree is still standing, see tree removal and our permit guide first.
Hiring tips
- Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote that says what's included: cutting, hauling, cleanup, stump grinding and who pulls any permit.
- Check insurance yourself. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) and call the insurer to confirm it's active. Garden City requires tree removal contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured,2 and Thunderbolt's ordinance sets minimum insurance for contractors.3
- Verify credentials. If someone says they're an ISA Certified Arborist, check the ISA credential lookup.4
- Get more than one quote for non-emergency work, and be cautious of anyone asking for full payment before work starts.
Want a local company to quote your stump grinding? Tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent tree company serving your area, when one is available. It's free for homeowners, and responses aren't guaranteed. We're a referral service, not a tree contractor.
Request a referral Phone: (843) 608-8793
Areas: Historic District, Midtown, Ardsley Park, Southside, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Georgetown, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Port Wentworth, Garden City.
Frequently asked questions
How much does stump grinding cost?
National 2026 data from Angi puts the average around $250, typically $120–$400, with very large stumps up to about $1,600. Per-inch pricing of $2–$5 per diameter inch is common.1
Is stump grinding included with tree removal?
Not always. Many companies price it separately, so make sure the written quote says whether the stump is included.
What's left after stump grinding?
A shallow hole filled with wood chips and soil. Roots stay underground and decay over time. Ask whether the company hauls chips away or backfills with topsoil.
Sources
- Angi, How much does stump grinding cost? (2026 national data). www.angi.com
- Garden City zoning code Ch. 90 Art. VIII, text copy (Zoneomics). www.zoneomics.com
- Town of Thunderbolt Code Sec. 5-329, tree ordinance (copy hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, PDF). www.savannahtree.org
- ISA (TreesAreGood.org), Verify an arborist credential. www.treesaregood.org