Tree Stump Removal: Grinding or Digging Out, and the Cost
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated August 5, 2026
After a tree is felled, the stump is often left behind - and it doesn't just disappear. Stump grinding is the fastest and cheapest method (an indicative €50 to €175, depending on diameter), but leaves the roots in the ground. Want the spot completely clear of wood and immediately ready for replanting? Then digging out is needed - more labour-intensive, and so more expensive.
What does stump grinding cost?
| Stump diameter | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 cm | around €75 |
| Up to 30 cm | around €125 |
| Up to 40 cm | around €150 |
| Over 40 cm | from around €175 |
For hard-to-reach or extra-large stumps, prices at some providers run up to €600. The grinder only mills the upper part of the stump into wood chips; the roots stay underground and decompose naturally over time.
What does fully digging out a stump cost?
Fully digging out or uprooting a stump costs on average €50 to €200, and for large stumps (over 80 cm diameter) €300 to €500, sometimes more. This is more expensive than grinding because it requires more manual labour, time and often heavier equipment to remove the root system as well.
Grinding or digging out: which is the better choice?
Choose grinding when speed and price matter most and you're happy to plant or pave over the ground-up remains - the grinder clears enough room for new planting, provided there's machine access. Choose digging out when you want the spot completely free of wood and roots, for example right before laying a new lawn or hard surface that has to sit exactly there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant directly where a stump has been ground down?
With some adjustment, yes: fill the hole with fresh soil and allow for leftover root material still decomposing. For a tree or large shrub in the exact same spot, digging out is a better starting point than grinding.
What does removing a large tree stump (over 80 cm diameter) cost?
Budget €300 to €500 for digging out, sometimes more depending on accessibility and root system. Grinding a stump this size typically costs from around €175, but is not always the technically best choice at that size.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree stump?
No, removing an already-felled stump does not fall under felling-permit rules - those apply to felling the living tree itself. See our <a href="/en/knowledge-base/tree-felling-permit/">tree felling permit guide</a> for the rules around felling.
Do you also carry out the felling itself?
Yes, we handle both felling and the subsequent stump removal. See our <a href="/en/tree-care/">tree care</a> page for the complete process including permit advice.
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