Stump Grinding Cost in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

After a tree is removed, the stump left behind can be an eyesore, a tripping hazard and a magnet for termites. Stump grinding is the most popular and cost-effective way to deal with it. Here is what Melbourne homeowners can expect to pay in 2026.

Stump Grinding Cost Summary

Small Stump

Under 30 cm

$100 – $200

Medium Stump

30 – 60 cm

$200 – $400

Large Stump

60 cm +

$400 – $600+

Multi-Stump

Per extra stump

20–40% off

* Indicative prices include GST. Actual costs vary by access, root spread and soil conditions.

Factors Affecting Stump Grinding Cost

Stump Diameter

The diameter of the stump at ground level is the primary pricing factor. Wider stumps take longer to grind and consume more cutting teeth.

Root Flare & Surface Roots

Stumps with extensive surface roots or a wide root flare require additional grinding time and increase the price.

Access

If the stump is in a backyard with narrow side access, the arborist may need to use a smaller, slower machine or even a hand-operated grinder, adding to the cost.

Soil Conditions

Rocky or clay-heavy Melbourne soils (common in suburbs like Doncaster and Eltham) can slow the grinder and increase wear on cutting components.

Number of Stumps

Grinding multiple stumps in a single visit is significantly cheaper per stump. The setup and travel time is the same regardless of whether you have one stump or five.

Melbourne-Specific Pricing Notes

Stump grinding is generally consistent in price across Melbourne, but access challenges in inner suburbs and hilly areas (such as the Dandenong Ranges, Eltham and Warrandyte) can push costs higher. In established suburbs like Kew, Camberwell and Brighton, large mature tree stumps are common and may require industrial-grade grinders.

Many Melbourne arborists bundle stump grinding with tree removal at a discounted rate. If you are having a tree removed, always ask for a combined quote rather than booking the stump grinding separately.

Stump Grinding vs Stump Removal

Feature	Stump Grinding	Stump Removal
Cost	$100 \u2013 $600	$150 \u2013 $800
Root Ball	Left in ground	Fully extracted
Time	30 min \u2013 2 hrs	1 \u2013 4 hrs
Best For	Lawns, gardens, general tidying	Construction, root damage issues

See our stump removal cost guide for full extraction pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small stump (under 30 cm diameter) typically costs $100 to $200 to grind in Melbourne. This includes grinding to approximately 200–300 mm below ground level and backfilling with the grindings.

Yes. Most Melbourne arborists offer a per-stump discount when grinding multiple stumps in one visit. The first stump is charged at the standard rate, with each additional stump reduced by 20–40%.

Standard stump grinding removes the stump to 200–300 mm below ground level. If you plan to replant or lay turf, you may want to request deeper grinding (up to 500 mm), which will cost more.

Stump grinding uses a machine to chip the stump below ground level, leaving the roots to decompose naturally. Stump removal extracts the entire stump and root ball from the ground. Grinding is faster and cheaper; full removal is needed when roots are causing structural damage.

While stump grinder hire is available in Melbourne (approximately $250–$400 per day), the machines are heavy, noisy and can be dangerous without training. Most homeowners find it more cost-effective to hire a professional, especially for a single stump.

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