How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost in Phoenix? (The 2026 Guide)
By B&C Tree Service | Estimated Read Time: 5 Minutes
We see it all the time. You paid to have a tree removed, but to save money, you told the crew to "just cut it low."
Now, six months later, you have an ugly tripping hazard in the middle of your lawn. Or worse, you are seeing mud tubes on it—the telltale sign of Subterranean Termites moving toward your house.
Stump grinding is the final step in reclaiming your yard. But because it requires heavy industrial machinery, pricing can be confusing.
At B&C Tree Service, we don't hide our prices. We want you to know exactly what it costs to finish the job right.
2026 Phoenix Stump Grinding Market Report
Pricing for stumps is determined by diameter (width) and depth. We have analyzed the market to give you clear ranges, whether you have a small 10-inch stump or a massive root system.
Want to see the numbers? We have created a transparent cost calculator based on stump size. Click the chart below to view our full 2026 Stump Grinding Pricing on our service page.
Screenshot with blurred 2026 pricing and cost for stump grinding in the greater Phoenix area and East valley
Why Does the Price Vary? (The "It Depends")
Most stump grinding jobs fall between $150 and $500. Here is what determines if you are at the low or high end.
1. Diameter (The "Per Inch" Rule)
We measure the stump at its widest point where it touches the ground (including the root flare).
Small Stumps: Usually a flat rate ($150 - $250).
Large Stumps: Priced by the inch ($6 - $10 per inch). A 40-inch wide stump takes significantly longer to turn into mulch than a 20-inch stump.
2. The "Iceberg Effect" (Surface Roots)
Sometimes the stump is just the tip of the iceberg. Trees like Sissoo and Ficus send aggressive roots all over your yard.
Standard Grind: Removes the main stump.
Root Chasing: This is an add-on service ($150 - $400). We drive the grinder around the yard to hunt down and pulverize those raised surface roots that are lifting your pavers or threatening your mower.
3. Access (The Gate)
Our grinders are powerful, heavy machines. They need a standard 36-inch gate to get into your backyard. If your gate is narrow, or if the stump is raised inside a planter box, it creates an access challenge that may affect the price.
The B&C Standard: Safety First
The biggest risk with stump grinding isn't the wood—it's what is under the wood.
Gas lines, water mains, and irrigation pipes often run directly under trees. The "cheap guys" just show up and start grinding. If they hit a line, it’s a disaster.
We do it differently:
Utility Check: We call 811 (Blue Stake) to mark underground utilities before we dig deep.
Depth: We grind 6-12 inches below grade, ensuring you can replant or lay sod over the area.
Cleanup: We backfill the hole with the mulch created by the grind, leaving the area safe and level.
Real World Example: The "Paver Project"
A homeowner in Scottsdale called us with a common problem: They wanted to install a new paver patio, but an old Sissoo tree stump was in the way.
The Issue: Sissoo trees are notorious for aggressive roots. If the landscapers just paved over the stump, the roots would eventually rot, causing the pavers to sink, or regrow and crack the new patio.
The "Cheap" Quote: A handyman offered to grind just the visible top for $150. This would have left the deep roots alive—a disaster waiting to happen.
The B&C Solution: We performed a Deep Grind (12 inches down) and spent an extra hour "Root Chasing," grinding out the lateral roots extending 10 feet from the center.
The Result: The landscapers had a perfectly clean, stable dirt base to work with. The homeowner spent a little more on the grind but guaranteed their $10,000 patio wouldn't be ruined in a year.
Reclaim Your Yard
Don't let an old stump attract termites or trip your kids. It’s time to finish the job.
If you are ready for a fair, transparent quote, B&C Tree Service is here to help.
