STUMP GRINDING SALT LAKE CITY
Diamond Tree Experts provides professional stump grinding throughout Salt Lake County and the Wasatch Front, including Draper, Riverton, Sandy, South Salt Lake, Lehi, and surrounding areas.
Most residential stumps run between $75 and $400 depending on size — see the full price chart below.
Call us for a free on-site estimate and we can usually schedule within the week.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding uses a machine with a carbide-tipped cutting wheel that spins at high speed and chips the stump down below ground level.
We grind to about 6 to 12 inches deep, sometimes deeper if you are replanting.
The roots stay in the ground. They are dead once the tree is gone and they break down on their own over time.
This is different from full tree removal or stump removal, which pulls the whole root ball out. Removal leaves a big hole.
Grinding leaves a pile of chips and a low spot that fills in as the chips settle. Most people do not need removal. Grinding handles the job in less time, with less mess, and for less money.
How Long Does Stump Grinding Take?
Depends on the stump. A small ornamental tree, maybe 20 to 30 minutes.
A medium cottonwood or maple in an open area, closer to an hour.
Large stumps with wide root flares can run two to three hours.
The grinder itself is not slow. What takes time is setup, positioning, and grinding down the root flare around the edges, which most people do not account for when they estimate size.
Rocky soil slows things down too. Utah has a lot of caliche and rock close to the surface in some areas, and hitting that with a grinder adds time.
If you have multiple stumps, we do them all in one trip. Same day in most cases.
Get your free ESTIMATE
Give Us a Call:Â (801) 262-1596
What Happens to the Wood Chips?
You get a pile of shredded wood where the stump was. How deep depends on stump size.
A medium stump leaves roughly a wheelbarrow’s worth.
You have options. Leave them in place and they will compact down and decompose over a season or two.
Rake them into garden beds and they work as mulch, which holds moisture and breaks down into the soil over time.
Or we haul them off for an added fee if you want the area clean.
One thing to know: fresh wood chips pull nitrogen from the soil as they decompose.
If you are spreading them over a lawn area you plan to reseed, mix in some fertilizer or wait until they break down more.
We also sell wood chip mulch by the yard if you need more material for a larger project.
Do I Need a Permit to Grind a Stump in Utah?
Usually no. The tree is already down. Grinding is not a removal, so most cities do not require a permit for it.
Salt Lake County and most surrounding cities do not have a stump grinding permit requirement.
The one situation where you want to double-check: if your original tree removal required a city permit, sometimes because it was in the right of way or near a utility easement, confirm with your city that grinding is covered or does not require a separate step.
Salt Lake City is the most common place where this comes up.
The Salt Lake City tree removal permit guide lays out exactly when permits apply.
If you are outside Salt Lake City, call your city office. It is usually a two-minute conversation.
What’s the Cost of Stump Grinding?
When it comes to stump grinding, the cost can vary depending on a few key factors.Â
One of the primary considerations is the diameter and age of the stump. Larger and older stumps typically require more time and effort to grind, which can affect the overall cost.Â
Additionally, the species of the tree can play a role in determining the price, as certain tree species have denser wood that may be more challenging to grind.
Another factor to consider is the complexity of the root system. Stumps with intricate and extensive root systems may require additional labor and equipment, leading to higher costs.Â
Stump grinding typically proves more cost-effective than full removal. The reason lies in the extensive labor and time required for complete extraction, necessitating heavy-duty machinery with higher power demands.
Stump grinding prices vary widely based on the factors mentioned above, but on average stump grinding costs range from $158 to $950+.

Stump Grinding Price Chart
Prices below are typical ranges for residential stump grinding in Salt Lake County. Final cost depends on stump diameter, depth, root spread, and site accessibility. All estimates are free — call or contact us for an exact quote.
* Prices vary based on stump accessibility, soil and rock conditions, proximity to structures, and root spread. Stumps near fences, foundations, or utility lines may require additional time. All prices above are estimates — we provide exact quotes on-site at no charge.
What Affects the Final Price
"At Diamond Tree Experts, we go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations. With our advanced stump grinding equipment and extensive experience, we can tackle stumps of all sizes and complexities. Our skilled arborists prioritize safety and precision, ensuring that the job is done right the first time. Plus, our competitive prices make professional stump grinding accessible for homeowners and businesses alike."
- Leif Kolb, Diamond Tree Experts
Stump Grinding Service Areas
Diamond Tree Experts provides professional stump grinding throughout Salt Lake County and the greater Wasatch Front. We grind stumps of all sizes — residential and commercial — with same-week scheduling available in most areas. Here are just a few of the Northern Utah areas we provide stump grinding services.
Not sure if we serve your area? Call us — we cover most of the Wasatch Front.
Get a Free Estimate →Diamond Tree Experts has been doing tree work in Utah for over 57 years.
Our arborists are ISA certified, which means they are trained and tested on proper tree care practices, not just cutting things down.
We serve Salt Lake County and the broader Wasatch Front, including Draper, Riverton, Sandy, Lehi, West Jordan, South Salt Lake, Ogden, and surrounding areas.
Stump grinding estimates are free. We come out, look at the stump, measure it, check the access, and give you a price before any work starts. No pressure, no surprise charges on the invoice.
If you are ready to get a stump taken care of, contact us here and we will get you on the schedule.
Get a Free Stump Grinding Estimate
Serving Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front since 1967. Licensed, insured, and ISA-certified. We give you a firm quote before any work starts.
Stump Grinding FAQs
Stump grinding in Utah depends on several factors including the size of the stump, ease of access, chip cleanup and more. See out pricing table above to get a better estimate of stump grinding prices.
No, roots stay and decay naturally. Chemical treatment is available if needed.
Yes, in most cases. Our equipment can access tight spaces. Call to confirm for your specific situation.
Same-week scheduling available for most of Salt Lake County.Â