5 Affordable Tree Stump Removal Services: Cost and Reviews
A leftover stump is more than an eyesore. It traps moisture, attracts carpenter ants and termites, and makes mowing a chore. If you are searching for a tree stump removal service , you probably want two things: a fair price and a crew that will not wreck your lawn.
Here is the short answer. Most homeowners in the Portland-Vancouver area pay roughly $100 to $400 per stump , depending on diameter, root spread, and access. Grinding is almost always cheaper than full removal. The best deal is rarely the lowest bid. It is the company that is licensed, insured, and backed by recent, verifiable reviews .
Below, you will find five affordable options for stump grinding and removal, with typical costs, what past customers say, and what to ask before you book. At Alexa's Tree Service, we have ground stumps across Vancouver, Portland, and nearby towns since 2006, so we also share what we see on real jobs. Use this list to compare providers and request quotes with confidence.
1. Alexa's Tree Service LLC
Services and stump removal methods
We handle stump grinding with a commercial grinder that chews the stump and surface roots 6 to 12 inches below grade . You can then fill, seed, or sod right over it. We also do full tree removal , so one crew can drop the tree and grind what is left in the same visit. Other services you can bundle:
- Tree trimming and ornamental pruning
- Tree cabling for weak or damaged trees
- Storm cleanup, available 24/7
Typical cost and what affects the price
Most stump jobs land in the $100 to $400 range , and we give free estimates by phone or online form. Four things move the price:
- Stump diameter and height above ground
- Root spread and wood density
- Access, such as narrow gates or steep slopes
- Number of stumps, since extra stumps on the same visit cost less each
Bundling is the easiest route to an inexpensive tree removal service near you, because the crew is already on site with the equipment.
Ask for a written quote that states grinding depth and debris cleanup, because that is where cheap bids hide extra fees.
Service areas and availability
Our crews cover Vancouver and Portland, plus Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Gresham, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego. People who search for a tree removal and landscaping service near me usually want the yard left tidy, and we protect lawns and landscaping while we work.
Storm damage gets 24/7 emergency response . Routine stump jobs are scheduled after your estimate. If you live in Vancouver, we can also point you toward the permit rules for removing a tree.
Who it's best for
This option suits homeowners who want one licensed, insured company for the tree and the stump, with no hand-offs between contractors. Reviews back it up, with 180+ five-star Google reviews that mention clean, damage-free work.
Business owners and property managers also fit. We have a separate commercial stump grinding line for retail centers, office parks, and parking lots, where stumps near entrances and signage need quick, tidy removal.
2. Local independent stump grinding contractors
Services and stump removal methods
Solo operators and small crews usually do one job well. They run a walk-behind or tracked grinder and leave the chips in the hole or piled beside it. Most do not fell trees or haul large debris , so you may need a second contractor for the tree itself.
A good independent still grinds below grade, so ask for depth up front.
Typical cost and what affects the price
Independents often quote $75 to $300 per stump , because their overhead is low. Many set a minimum trip fee of $100 to $150, which hurts if you only have one small stump. Before you book, confirm:
- Proof of liability insurance
- Grinding depth
- Chip and debris cleanup
- Whether the minimum fee applies
A low independent quote is only a bargain if it includes cleanup and proof of insurance.
Service areas and availability
Most independents work within 15 to 30 miles of home, so a search for a tree stump removal service will turn up several nearby. Spring and fall fill their calendars fast.
Expect to wait a week or two. A one-person shop also has no 24/7 storm crew , so emergencies are a poor fit.
Who it's best for
Choose this route if you have one or two stumps from a tree that is already down and you want the lowest price. Read recent Google reviews and look for photos of finished lawns.
Pay attention to insurance. An uninsured operator can leave you liable for a broken sprinkler line or fence, so ask for a certificate before work starts.
3. Full-service tree care companies
Services and stump removal methods
Regional tree care companies handle the whole job under one contract. Crews bring larger tracked grinders and a chipper, so the debris leaves with them. Many also offer:
- Arborist health assessments
- Cabling and bracing
- Planting and landscape cleanup
Typical cost and what affects the price
Expect $150 to $500 per stump , a bit above independents because of insurance, payroll, and equipment costs. Bundling the stump with a tree removal often trims the combined bill . Beyond diameter and access, watch for:
- Mobilization fees
- Debris hauling charges
- Backfill and topsoil add-ons
A full-service company costs more per stump, but it can cost less overall when the tree and stump come out in one visit.
Service areas and availability
Larger outfits cover entire metro areas and usually book estimates within a few days. Many also run emergency lines for storm damage.
Peak seasons still stretch the schedule, so get a start date in writing before you sign.
Who it's best for
Pick this route if you have a tree and a stump to remove , or several stumps across a large property. You get one invoice and one point of contact.
Compare at least three written quotes, because pricing varies widely between companies. Check that each one lists grinding depth and cleanup.
4. Online marketplaces for stump grinding pros
Services and stump removal methods
Marketplaces do not grind anything themselves. They connect you with local pros who bring their own grinders, from solo operators to small crews. You post the job and usually get several bids within a day or two . Include these details to get accurate quotes:
- Photos of the stump
- Diameter and height
- Gate width or slope
- Whether the tree is already down
Typical cost and what affects the price
Bids typically run $75 to $400 per stump , in line with independents. Some platforms charge contractors lead fees, and those fees can creep into the price .
A marketplace delivers bids, not guarantees, so verify insurance and cleanup terms yourself.
Flexible timing can lower your bid, since contractors like to fill slow weeks. Always confirm grinding depth and debris cleanup in writing.
Service areas and availability
Coverage depends on who is signed up near you. In metro areas like Portland and Vancouver, you will see multiple bids quickly , while smaller towns may get only a few.
Each contractor sets their own schedule, so there is no emergency guarantee . Expect the same one to two week wait as with any independent.
Who it's best for
Price shoppers who want to compare bids without making a dozen calls fit best here. Still, ask for a certificate of insurance and read recent reviews, because a profile badge is not proof of either.
If a storm drops a tree on your property, call a crew directly instead of waiting on bids.
5. Renting a stump grinder and doing it yourself
Services and stump removal methods
Renting gets you a machine, not a crew. Most shops offer a walk-behind grinder with a cutting wheel that you sweep side to side, lowering it a few inches per pass. Call 811 first so buried utility lines get marked.
Expect flying chips and small rocks. Wear eye, ear, and leg protection , and keep kids and pets away from the work area.
Typical cost and what affects the price
Rentals run about $100 to $250 for a half day and up to $400 for a full day. That is before these extras:
- Fuel and a damage waiver
- Delivery or pickup fees
- Your own time for cleanup and backfill
Renting beats hiring a tree stump removal service only when you have one small stump and your time is free.
Service areas and availability
Most rental shops around Portland and Vancouver stock grinders. Reserve a week ahead for spring and fall weekends. You set the schedule, so there is no crew wait, but there is also no emergency help .
Machine size matters. Rental units handle stumps up to roughly 12 to 18 inches across. Anything bigger calls for a professional tracked grinder .
Who it's best for
This route suits handy homeowners with one or two small stumps and a free Saturday. Pick a stump that sits in open lawn, away from fences and foundations.
Skip it if the stump is large or crowded by sprinkler lines. One cracked pipe or damaged fence panel can erase your savings, and a homeowner's mistake is not covered by a contractor's insurance.
Choosing the right stump removal option
The right choice comes down to your stump, your schedule, and your risk tolerance. Hire an independent grinder for one or two stumps from a tree that is already down. Pick a full-service company when the tree and stump both need to go. Use a marketplace to compare bids, and rent a machine only if the stump is small and your time is free.
Whatever you choose, get written quotes that state grinding depth and cleanup, and ask for proof of insurance . Those two checks protect you better than the lowest price will.
If you want one licensed, insured crew to handle the tree and the stump, request a free tree and stump removal estimate from Alexa's Tree Service. A good tree stump removal service should be easy to reach, clear about price, and proud of its reviews. We are happy to show you ours.
