Stump Grinding Cost in Scranton, PA: Typical Prices and What Changes Them
Many tree removal quotes in the Scranton area stop at "flush cut", meaning the trunk is cut close to the ground and the stump stays. If you want a clean lawn, you'll need the stump ground, and that's often a separate line item or even a separate company. Here's what to expect.
Typical prices (estimates)
Price figures on this page are published estimates from the linked sources, shown as typical ranges. They are not quotes and not a survey of Scranton companies.
| Basis | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Per stump, Pennsylvania | $64–$480 (Localomy, Pennsylvania stump grinding cost) |
| Per stump, Pennsylvania (alternate source) | $110–$650 (Tree Estimator Pros, Pennsylvania tree service costs) |
| Per stump, national | $150–$450 (TreeOps USA, 2026 cost guide (national)) |
The ranges are wide because a small, soft stump in an open front yard and a four-foot oak stump wedged against a retaining wall are completely different jobs. Many companies price by the diameter in inches measured at ground level, with a minimum trip charge. That minimum is why the first stump costs proportionally more than the second or third.
What pushes the price up
- Diameter. The single biggest factor. Measure across the widest point at ground level before you call.
- Wood type. Oak and other dense hardwoods grind slower than pine or poplar.
- Access. Grinders range from walk-behind machines that fit through a 36-inch gate to large tow-behind units. Scranton's tight backyards, stairs, retaining walls and steep lots often mean a smaller, slower machine.
- Surface roots. Grinding big exposed roots out to the drip line adds time.
- Depth. Standard grinding goes several inches below grade, enough for grass. Going deeper for a new planting bed or patio costs more.
- Cleanup. Grinding produces a surprising pile of wood chips mixed with soil. Hauling it away and backfilling with topsoil is often extra.
- Rocks and debris. Old foundations, buried rock and fill, common on older city lots, slow the job and wear teeth.
Grinding vs. full stump removal
Grinding is enough for nearly every lawn. Full removal pulls the root ball out with an excavator, leaves a large hole, and costs more. It mainly makes sense when you're building, pouring a slab, or need to replant in the exact spot. Grinding leaves roots underground to decay naturally. Expect some settling over a year or two; topping it up with soil is normal.
Before the grinder shows up
- Call 811. Grinding goes below grade, so utility lines should be marked first (PA One Call (811)). Many grinding companies place the call themselves; ask.
- Mark sprinkler heads, invisible dog fence and landscape lighting wires, which 811 won't locate.
- Know where the stump is relative to property lines, especially on narrow city lots.
Ways to save
- Bundle all stumps into one visit to spread the minimum charge.
- Ask for grinding in the same visit as the removal; companies with their own grinder often discount it.
- Keep the chips as mulch rather than paying to haul them.
- Get two or three quotes, with the stump diameter and a photo, so each quote covers the same job.
Can I rent a grinder?
Rental grinders exist, but they're heavy, they throw debris, and they're hard to control on slopes. For one small stump in an open yard it can work. For large, multiple, or tight-access stumps, hiring out is usually safer and often not much more expensive once you add rental, trailer and fuel.
Ready for quotes? See our stump grinding page or the full cost guide. Storm Limb Help is a free referral service; call (570) 565-1102.
Quick answers
How much does stump grinding cost in Scranton?
Published Pennsylvania estimates run roughly $64–$480 per stump, with some sources up to about $650. Size, access and wood type drive the price. Estimates only.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Often not. Many quotes stop at a flush cut. Ask whether grinding, chip cleanup and backfill are included.
Do I need to call 811 before stump grinding?
Yes, grinding goes below grade, so call PA One Call (811) so buried utilities can be marked first.
More guides
- Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm in NEPA: What to Do
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal in Pennsylvania?
- Tree Fell on My House or Car: What to Do, Step by Step
- Neighbor's Tree Fell: Who Is Responsible in Pennsylvania?
- Dead or Dying Tree Warning Signs (Including Emerald Ash Borer in PA)
- Tree Trimming vs. Removal: How to Decide
- Scranton Tree Removal Permits and Rules (City Code Ch. 434)
Last reviewed 2026-10-26. General information only; sources linked inline.