Grinding vs. removal
Grinding chews the stump down to several inches below grade so you can seed grass over it. Full stump removal pulls the root ball and costs more. It's usually only worth it if you're building or planting in the same spot.
Cost
Published Pennsylvania estimates: about $64–$480 per stump (Localomy, Pennsylvania stump grinding cost), or $110–$650 (Tree Estimator Pros, Pennsylvania tree service costs). Nationally, $150–$450 per stump is common (TreeOps USA, 2026 cost guide (national)). Removal quotes often stop at ground level, so ask whether grinding is included.
Before grinding
Call PA One Call (811) so buried utility lines can be marked before any digging or grinding below grade.
Before you hire anyone
- Ask for a written quote that says whether stump grinding, log removal and cleanup are included.
- Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and workers' comp. In Scranton, tree businesses must carry at least $500,000 bodily injury / $100,000 property damage liability and workers' comp, and register with the PA Attorney General (Scranton City Code, Ch. 434 Art. II (Trees) §434-6).
- Check their PA Home Improvement Contractor registration number (PA Attorney General: home improvement contractor registration).
- Get two or three quotes for non-emergency work.