Stump Grinding Costs Northern Beaches: What to Expect in 2026

Why Stump Grinding Matters for Northern Beaches Properties

After a tree has been removed from your property, the remaining stump can quickly become an eyesore and a practical problem. Stumps attract termites, create tripping hazards, harbour fungal growth, and take up valuable garden space. For homeowners across the Northern Beaches — from Brookvale to Newport — stump grinding is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for dealing with leftover stumps.

But how much should you expect to pay? Stump grinding costs vary depending on the stump size, species, access, and how deep the grinding needs to go. This guide provides a clear breakdown of 2026 pricing for stump grinding services across the Northern Beaches, so you can budget accurately and make an informed decision.

For a broader overview of tree service pricing, see our comprehensive tree services cost guide.

Stump Grinding Costs by Stump Size

Stump size is the primary factor in determining the price. Arborists typically measure stumps by their diameter at ground level. Here are the typical 2026 prices for stump grinding on the Northern Beaches.

Small Stumps (Under 30cm Diameter) — $150 to $250

Small stumps from young trees, ornamental plantings, or shrub-like trees are the quickest and most affordable to grind. These stumps can usually be ground in 15 to 30 minutes. Common examples include small grevilleas, bottle brush trees, and juvenile natives found in gardens throughout Forestville and surrounding suburbs.

• Typical timeframe: 15 to 30 minutes per stump
• Grinding depth: 150 to 200mm below ground level
• Equipment: Compact stump grinder (fits through standard gates)

Medium Stumps (30 to 60cm Diameter) — $250 to $400

Medium stumps are the most common size encountered on residential properties across the Northern Beaches. These come from established garden trees, mid-sized eucalyptus, and palms. Grinding takes longer due to the larger volume of wood and root material.

• Typical timeframe: 30 minutes to 1 hour per stump
• Grinding depth: 200 to 300mm below ground level
• Equipment: Standard or mid-size stump grinder

Large Stumps (Over 60cm Diameter) — $400 to $600+

Large stumps from mature eucalyptus, figs, angophoras, and other significant trees require heavy-duty equipment and considerably more time. The dense hardwood of many native species found on the Northern Beaches makes grinding slower, and large root buttresses may need additional work.

• Typical timeframe: 1 to 3 hours per stump
• Grinding depth: 300 to 500mm below ground level
• Equipment: Large stump grinder, potentially requiring vehicle access

Multi-Stump Discounts — $100 to $200 Per Additional Stump

If you have several stumps to grind, most arborists offer significant discounts for additional stumps. Once the equipment is on site and set up, each extra stump costs considerably less than the first. If you are clearing a property in Brookvale or Forestville with multiple stumps, this can represent substantial savings.

• Two stumps: Typically 20 to 30% less than two individual bookings
• Three or more stumps: Per-stump cost can drop to $100 to $200 each
• Whole property clearing: Custom package pricing available for land clearing projects

Factors That Affect Stump Grinding Costs

Beyond stump size, several other factors influence the final price of stump grinding on the Northern Beaches.

1. Tree Species and Wood Hardness

The species of the original tree significantly affects grinding time and, therefore, cost. Hardwood stumps from species like ironbark, blackbutt, turpentine, and Sydney Blue Gum are much denser than softwood species and take longer to grind through. The Northern Beaches has a high proportion of native hardwood trees, which is reflected in local pricing.

• Softwood stumps (pine, palm, she-oak): Fastest to grind, at the lower end of price ranges
• Medium hardwood stumps (angophora, brush box): Moderate grinding time
• Dense hardwood stumps (ironbark, blackbutt, turpentine): Slowest to grind, at the higher end of price ranges

2. Access and Site Conditions

Stump grinders range in size from compact machines that fit through standard garden gates to large tracked units that require vehicle access. If the stump is in a rear garden with no side access, or on a steep slope, a smaller machine may be needed which takes longer. In some cases, the stump may only be accessible by hand — requiring manual digging and cutting instead of machine grinding.

• Easy access (machine can drive directly to stump): Standard pricing
• Moderate access (through a gate, flat ground): Minimal surcharge
• Difficult access (steep terrain, no gate access, hand-carry equipment): 20 to 40% surcharge

3. Root System Extent

Some species, particularly figs and larger eucalyptus trees, have extensive surface root systems that extend well beyond the stump. If you want these surface roots ground as well (for example, if roots are lifting pavers or pathways), this is additional work beyond the standard stump grind.

4. Grinding Depth Required

Standard stump grinding takes the stump to 150 to 300mm below ground level, which is sufficient for most landscaping purposes. However, if you plan to build a structure, lay a driveway, or plant a new tree in the same spot, you may need deeper grinding (up to 500mm or more), which adds to the cost.

Stump Grinding vs Full Stump Removal

It is important to understand the difference between stump grinding and full stump removal, as they are different services with different price points and outcomes.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding uses a specialised machine with a rotating cutting wheel to chip the stump into small woodchip pieces. The grinder works across the stump surface, progressively lowering it below ground level. The roots are left in the ground to decompose naturally over several years.

• Cost: $150 to $600+ depending on size
• Result: Stump ground 150 to 500mm below ground level
• Disruption: Minimal — leaves a hole filled with woodchip mulch
• Timeframe: 15 minutes to 3 hours
• Best for: Most residential situations, garden beds, lawn areas

Full Stump Removal (Excavation)

Full stump removal involves digging out the entire stump and root ball using an excavator or by hand. This is a more invasive process that creates a much larger hole and requires significant backfilling.

• Cost: $500 to $2,000+ depending on size
• Result: Complete removal of stump and major roots
• Disruption: Significant — large hole requiring backfill and compaction
• Timeframe: Half a day to a full day
• Best for: Construction sites, where a concrete slab or structure will be built

DIY Stump Grinding vs Professional Services

Some homeowners consider hiring a stump grinder and tackling the job themselves. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.

DIY Stump Grinding Costs

Renting a stump grinder from an equipment hire company on the Northern Beaches typically costs:

• Compact stump grinder hire: $300 to $400 per day
• Mid-size stump grinder hire: $400 to $500 per day
• Delivery and pickup fee: $80 to $150 (most hire companies do not include this)
• Safety equipment: $50 to $100 for goggles, ear protection, steel-cap boots
• Damage waiver: $50 to $100 per day

Total DIY cost for a single stump: $480 to $750 — often more expensive than hiring a professional for one stump.

Risks of DIY Stump Grinding

Stump grinders are powerful machines with a high-speed cutting wheel that throws debris at significant velocity. Without proper training and experience, the risks include:

• Personal injury: Flying debris, kickback from hidden objects (rocks, old nails, wire)
• Property damage: Damage to underground pipes, irrigation lines, or cables
• Machine damage: Hitting buried objects can damage the cutting teeth, resulting in costly repair charges
• Incomplete result: Inexperienced operators often fail to grind deep enough or miss root flares
• Time: What takes a professional 30 minutes can take an inexperienced operator several hours

Why Professionals Are Usually Better Value

A professional arborist with a commercial-grade stump grinder offers significant advantages:

• Speed: Commercial grinders are far more powerful than hire machines
• Experience: Professionals know how to work around underground services and deliver a clean result
• Insurance: Full public liability coverage protects you if something goes wrong
• Cleanup: Professional services include raking and levelling the grindings
• Cost-effective for single stumps: Often cheaper than DIY hire for one or two stumps

For more on the DIY vs professional debate, see our detailed article on DIY vs professional tree services.

What Happens After Stump Grinding

Understanding what to expect after stump grinding helps you plan your landscaping and set realistic expectations.

Immediately After Grinding

After the stump has been ground, you will be left with a shallow depression filled with woodchip mulch (the ground-up stump material). This mulch pile is typically two to three times the volume of the original stump, as the wood expands when it is chipped. Your arborist should level and compact the grindings into the hole.

Backfilling and Levelling

As the remaining roots decompose underground (which takes one to three years), the ground may settle slightly. Most homeowners either:

• Leave the woodchip mulch: It decomposes naturally and enriches the soil (suitable for garden beds)
• Top up with soil: Add a layer of quality topsoil over the grindings for lawn areas
• Remove grindings: Take away the woodchip and backfill with clean soil (best for turfing)

Replanting Timeline

If you want to plant a new tree in the same location, it is best to wait at least six to twelve months after stump grinding. The decomposing wood material temporarily reduces nitrogen in the surrounding soil, which can stress new plantings. For the best results:

• Remove as much of the woodchip mulch as practical
• Backfill with quality garden soil enriched with compost
• Wait six to twelve months before planting a new tree
• Choose a species suited to Northern Beaches conditions (sandy soils, coastal exposure)

Will Roots Regrow?

After stump grinding, the remaining roots will not regrow into a new tree. However, some species (particularly figs and certain native species) may send up occasional suckers from surface roots for a few months. These can be easily removed by cutting them at ground level or treating them with a suitable herbicide. Within six to twelve months, sucker growth typically stops entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Grinding Costs

How much does stump grinding cost on the Northern Beaches?

Stump grinding on the Northern Beaches costs between $150 and $600 or more depending on stump size. Small stumps (under 30cm) cost $150 to $250, medium stumps (30 to 60cm) cost $250 to $400, and large stumps (over 60cm) cost $400 to $600 or more. Multi-stump discounts can reduce the per-stump cost to $100 to $200 each. Visit our stump grinding services page for more details.

Is it cheaper to grind a stump myself?

For a single stump, hiring a professional is usually cheaper than DIY. Stump grinder hire costs $300 to $500 per day plus delivery, safety equipment, and a damage waiver, totalling $480 to $750 before you even start. A professional can grind a medium stump for $250 to $400 with no risk to you. DIY only makes sense if you have five or more stumps to grind.

How long does stump grinding take?

A small stump takes 15 to 30 minutes to grind, a medium stump takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, and a large stump takes 1 to 3 hours. These times assume good access and a professional-grade grinder. DIY with a hire machine typically takes two to three times longer.

Should I get stump grinding done at the same time as tree removal?

Yes, this is the most cost-effective approach. Most arborists offer a discount of 15 to 20% when you bundle stump grinding with tree removal. It also avoids the need for a second visit and a second round of site access and setup. See our tree removal cost guide for full details.

Can stump grinding damage underground pipes or cables?

This is a valid concern, particularly in established suburbs across the Northern Beaches where underground services may not be deeply buried. A professional arborist will discuss the location of known services with you before grinding and use appropriate caution. If there is any doubt, services can be located using a cable and pipe locator before work begins. This is one of the key reasons professional stump grinding is safer than DIY.

Can I lay turf over a ground stump?

Yes, but for the best results, remove as much of the woodchip grindings as possible and replace them with quality topsoil. If you turf directly over woodchip, the decomposing material can rob nitrogen from the turf, causing yellowing and poor establishment. Allow the soil to settle for two to four weeks before laying turf.

Get a Stump Grinding Quote Today

Whether you have a single stump or a whole property to clear, our experienced team at Affordable Tree Services Northern Beaches can provide fast, efficient stump grinding at competitive prices. We use commercial-grade equipment that handles everything from small garden stumps to large hardwood specimens.

We service all Northern Beaches suburbs including Brookvale, Forestville, Newport, Dee Why, Manly, Mona Vale, and every suburb in between. Our stump grinding service includes full cleanup, levelling of grindings, and advice on backfilling and replanting.

Contact us today or call 0425 350 004 for a free, no-obligation stump grinding quote. We are happy to provide pricing over the phone for straightforward jobs, or arrange a free on-site assessment for larger or more complex projects.