Planning to have stumps ground and wondering how long it will take? Most residential stump grinding jobs are surprisingly quick. Here's a breakdown of what to expect based on your specific situation.
QUICK ANSWER: MOST STUMPS TAKE 15-60 MINUTES
For a typical residential stump (12-24 inches in diameter), expect about 15-30 minutes of grinding time. The entire visit, including setup and cleanup, usually takes 30-60 minutes for a single stump.
TIME ESTIMATES BY STUMP SIZE
- Small stump (under 12" diameter)10-20 minutes
- Medium stump (12-24" diameter)15-30 minutes
- Large stump (24-36" diameter)30-60 minutes
- Extra large stump (36"+ diameter)1-2+ hours
These times are for grinding only and assume good access. Add 10-15 minutes for equipment setup and basic cleanup.
WHAT AFFECTS GRINDING TIME?
Several factors can make a job faster or slower:
- Stump diameter: Bigger stumps obviously take longer
- Wood hardness: Oak and other hardwoods take longer than pine or poplar
- Root system: Extensive surface roots add grinding time
- Depth required: Grinding deeper than standard 6-8" takes more passes
- Access: Tight spaces slow down maneuvering
- Rocks and debris: Hidden rocks can slow work and require extra care
- Equipment size: Larger professional grinders work faster than smaller units
MULTIPLE STUMPS: ECONOMY OF SCALE
If you have multiple stumps, the average time per stump goes down. Setup and travel only happen once, so you get more grinding for your time. Here are some examples:
- 3 medium stumps45-75 minutes total
- 5 medium stumps1-1.5 hours total
- 10+ stumpsHalf day or more
DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL TIME
Thinking about renting a grinder and doing it yourself? Here's how the time compares:
| Task | Professional | DIY |
|---|---|---|
| Picking up equipment | - | 30-60 min |
| Learning to operate | - | 15-30 min |
| Grinding (24" stump) | 20-30 min | 1-2 hours |
| Cleanup | 10-15 min | 30-60 min |
| Returning equipment | - | 30-60 min |
Rental grinders are smaller and slower than professional equipment. What takes us 30 minutes might take a DIYer 2-3 hours, plus the rental and return time.
WHAT ABOUT CLEANUP?
Basic cleanup (raking the chips into the hole and tidying the area) is usually included and adds 10-15 minutes. If you want all chips hauled away, that adds more time and typically costs extra.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WHILE WE WORK?
For most jobs, you don't even need to be home. As long as we have access to the stump and know what you need, we can handle everything. You might come home from lunch to find a stump that's been there for years is completely gone.
If you're planning to be around, the work is fairly loud, so you might want to stay inside or take a walk during the grinding.
Get a Time Estimate for Your Project
Every stump is different. Give us a call or send a photo, and we can give you a realistic time estimate for your specific situation. Most residential jobs in Greenville and Upstate SC are done within an hour.
Request a Free QuoteBOTTOM LINE
Most homeowners are surprised how quickly stump grinding goes. That eyesore you've been looking at for months or years can be gone in under an hour. Call us at (864) 760-9203 to schedule your stump grinding and reclaim your yard.