You’ve finally removed that problematic tree, but now you’re left with an ugly stump in the middle of your lawn. Do you leave it to rot (which can take 10 years and attract termites), or do you pay to have it removed?
Most homeowners in Melbourne are surprised to learn that stump removal is rarely included in the standard tree removal price. It requires different machinery, different skills, and a separate quote.
If you are wondering whether to hire a grinder or rent a machine yourself, this pricing guide by Adrian Bufton, co-owner of Bay Tree Services, covers everything you need to know about fair pricing in 2026. We look at what influences the stump-grinding cost and how to spot a “too good to be true” quote.
1. The “Rule of Thumb” for Costs
In 2026, the industry standard for stump grinding in Melbourne typically follows a “price per centimetre” model, usually $3 – $4.50 per cm of the stump’s diameter.
However, most professional arborists have a minimum call-out fee (usually $180 – $220) to cover travel, fuel, and machine setup.
| Stump Size (Diameter) | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
| Small (< 25cm) | $180 – $220 | Usually falls under the minimum call-out fee. |
| Medium (25 – 60cm) | $180 – $350 | Common backyard tree size. |
| Large (60 – 120cm) | $350 – $600 | Requires larger machinery; takes 1–3 hours. |
| Extra Large (120cm+) | $600 – $1,000+ | Multi-stemmed or massive root balls. |
Pro Tip: The cheapest time to remove a stump is immediately after cutting down the tree. If you ask us to bundle the stump grinding with the tree removal, you avoid paying a second “call-out” fee later.
2. Grinding vs. Removal: What’s the Difference?
This is the most common question we get.
- Stump Grinding (Cheaper & Neater):
We use a machine with a spinning cutter wheel to grind the stump down to roughly 200mm–300mm below ground level. The hole is filled with wood chips (mulch), and grass can grow over the top. The roots remain underground but will die and rot over time.
Best for: Most residential backyards, laying turf. - Full Removal / Grubbing (Expensive & Invasive):
We use an excavator to dig out the entire root ball. This leaves a massive hole that needs to be filled and can damage the surrounding paving or pipes.
Cost: Typically 50% – 100% more than grinding.
Best for: If you plan to dig a pool or build a foundation exactly where the tree was.
3. What Increases the Price?
When we quote a stump, we aren’t just measuring the width. We look for these “hidden” cost factors:
Access Width (The Gate Problem)
Standard stump grinders are heavy machinery. We generally need a clear path of at least 750mm – 900mm wide.
The Issue: If your side gate is too narrow, or if there are stairs involved, we may need to use a smaller, portable “hand-held” grinder. These are slower and more labour-intensive, which can increase the cost.
“Chasing” Roots
Do you just want the main stump gone, or do you need the raised surface roots running through your lawn removed too? “Chasing roots” across the garden adds significant time to the job.
Hidden Hazards
If the stump is grown around a concrete post, old bricks, or near a gas/water line, we have to grind very carefully (and slowly) to avoid damaging our equipment or your utilities. We always recommend homeowners use Before You Dig Australia to check for underground utilities before any major garden work.
4. Can I Just Rent a Machine? (DIY vs. Pro)
We see many homeowners tempted by the “DIY” route, renting a grinder from a local hardware store. Before you do, do the maths:
- Machine Hire: ~$170 – $250 per day.
- Trailer Hire/Delivery: ~$50 – $100.
- Fuel & Wear Charges: ~$30.
- Total DIY Cost:~$250 – $380.
The Verdict: If you have 1 or 2 standard stumps, hiring a professional (often $200 – $350) is usually cheaper, faster, and safer than doing it yourself. Plus, we have the insurance if a rock flies through a window—you probably don’t!
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Will the tree grow back after grinding?
Generally, no. Grinding the stump separates the root system from the trunk. However, some resilient species (like aggressive creepers or willows) may send up suckers from the remaining roots. We can advise if herbicide treatment is needed.
What happens to the wood chips?
Grinding creates a lot of mulch (often more than fits back in the hole). We usually rake it into a neat pile over the stump site to settle. If you want the excess mulch removed from the site, let us know—there may be a small disposal fee.
Do I need a permit for stump removal?
Usually, no—unless the tree removal itself required a permit that you didn’t get! However, if you are excavating near strict “Tree Protection Zones” of other trees, you should check with your council.
Got a stubborn stump taking up space? Whether it’s a small, annoying trip hazard or a massive metre-wide stump, we have the machinery to handle it.
View more information about stump removal services on our stump grinding services page.