The tree is gone, but the stump is still there — sitting in the middle of the lawn, a tripping hazard, a magnet for termites, and a constant reminder of the job that's only half done. Stump grinding is the fast, clean fix, and on the Northern Beaches most residential stumps can be ground out in under two hours for $150–$350. But the price can swing significantly depending on stump size, species, access, and what you want done with the grindings.
This guide covers stump grinding costs across the Northern Beaches in 2026 — real price ranges, what drives the quote up or down, what's included (and what isn't), and how to compare quotes fairly so you're not paying more than you should.
Stump Grinding Cost: Price Guide by Stump Diameter
Stump size — measured at ground level — is the main pricing factor. Here's what you can expect to pay for professional stump grinding across the Northern Beaches in 2026:
| Stump diameter | Typical price (AUD) | Common species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 cm | $150 – $220 | Cocos palm, small shrubs, ornamentals | Minimum call-out usually $150 |
| 30 – 50 cm | $220 – $320 | Bangalow palm, frangipani, lilly pilly, pittosporum | Most common residential size |
| 50 – 80 cm | $300 – $450 | Sydney Blue Gum, Casuarina, Angophora | Hard timber adds grinding time |
| 80 – 120 cm | $400 – $650 | Angophora costata, Tallowwood, large Moreton Bay Fig | May require larger commercial grinder |
| Over 120 cm | $600 – $1,000+ | Very large eucalypts, old Moreton Bay Figs | Quote individually; access is critical |
These prices assume reasonable access and standard grinding depth (200–300 mm below ground). Difficult access, very hard timber, or requests for deeper grinding will push quotes toward the higher end of each range.
What Affects the Stump Grinding Price?
Stump diameter is the starting point, but several other factors have a real effect on what you'll pay.
Species and Timber Hardness
A 50 cm palm stump and a 50 cm Angophora stump are very different jobs. Palm timber is soft and fibrous — a grinder eats through it quickly. Angophoras, eucalypts, and hardwood species like Tallowwood are extremely dense and wear grinding teeth faster, adding time and cost. On the Northern Beaches we regularly grind Angophora costata stumps that take significantly longer than their diameter would suggest, because the timber is so hard and the root flare so wide.
Root Flare Width
The stump diameter quoted is usually at ground level, but many trees — especially Angophoras and large eucalypts — have a wide, buttressed root flare that extends well beyond the trunk. Grinding through the full root flare adds significant time. If a stump has a visible flare that's substantially wider than the trunk, expect the quote to reflect that.
Access
A commercial stump grinder typically weighs 400–700 kg and needs a clear path to the stump. On the Northern Beaches, many properties have constraints: narrow side passages, pool fencing, retaining walls, steep blocks, or soft ground that can't take machinery. Where the grinder can't reach, the job either requires a smaller (slower) machine, hand tools, or additional setup. Difficult access is one of the most common reasons quotes come in higher than expected.
If you're getting quotes and have a tight access situation, mention it upfront. The arborist needs to see it to price it accurately — a quote given over the phone without seeing the access isn't reliable.
Number of Stumps
Most operators reduce the per-stump price when there are multiple stumps on the same job. The call-out and setup costs are fixed regardless of how many stumps are ground, so the second and third stumps are usually $50–$100 cheaper per stump than the first. If you have several stumps, grouping them in one job saves money.
Grinding Depth
Standard grinding goes to 200–300 mm below ground — enough for lawn and most garden planting. If you need deeper grinding (for example, to plant a new tree in the same spot, or for a landscaping project that requires deeper soil work), expect a higher price. Deeper grinding takes more time and produces a much larger volume of grindings.
Grindings Removal
Standard quotes leave the wood-chip grindings in the hole or on site. Removing the grindings and hauling them away adds to the job — typically $80–$150 extra depending on volume. If you want the grindings gone, confirm this when getting your quote.
What's Included in a Standard Stump Grinding Quote?
It's worth confirming exactly what any quote covers. A standard stump grinding quote typically includes:
- Grinding the stump and immediate root flare to 200–300 mm below ground level
- Cleanup of the immediate work area
- Wood-chip grindings left on site (in the hole or raked flat)
What's usually not included unless specifically quoted:
- Removal of grindings from site
- Backfilling the hole with soil or turf reinstatement
- Grinding roots that have spread beyond the stump area (e.g. surface roots crossing a lawn)
- Any concrete or paving removal if the stump is growing through or adjacent to hard surfaces
Multiple Stumps: Bulk Pricing
If you have three or more stumps to grind, it's worth getting a bundled quote. We see this frequently after a tree removal job — the main tree is removed and several surrounding stumps have been sitting there for years. In most cases, grinding five stumps on the same property costs significantly less than five separate call-outs, with the savings increasing with each additional stump. Call us on 0452 030 077 to discuss pricing for multiple stumps in one visit.
Stump Grinding vs Other Methods: Is Grinding Worth It?
Homeowners sometimes ask about alternatives — particularly chemical stump killers or simply letting the stump rot. Here's an honest comparison.
Chemical Stump Removal
Chemical treatments (potassium nitrate crystals applied to drill holes) accelerate decomposition. The appeal is low upfront cost — a packet of stump-killer is $20–$40. The reality: the process takes 6–18 months or longer, the stump remains a trip hazard and termite attractant throughout, and results vary significantly by species. Hardwood species like eucalypts and angophoras are particularly slow to respond. For most residential situations on the Northern Beaches, the time cost outweighs the price saving.
Digging the Stump Out
Complete stump and root excavation removes everything but requires significant machine work — an excavator or large machinery — and leaves a substantial hole that needs backfilling. It's the right approach when roots are actively damaging infrastructure (blocked drains, compromised footings), but for routine stump removal it's expensive and unnecessarily disruptive. If you're concerned about roots and drains, see our guide on tree roots and house damage on the Northern Beaches.
Stump Grinding
Grinding is fast, clean, and effective for the vast majority of residential situations. It removes the visible stump and the top portion of the root system, which is enough to allow replanting, turf reinstatement, or landscaping within a few weeks. The remaining roots below grinding depth continue to decompose naturally underground. For most Northern Beaches homeowners, grinding is the right call.
Do You Need a Council Permit to Grind a Stump?
In most cases, no. Grinding an already-removed tree stump does not require a separate permit from Northern Beaches Council. If the tree was removed without a permit and shouldn't have been, that's a separate issue — but the grinding itself is generally not what triggers permit requirements.
Where it gets more complicated: if the original tree removal required a council approval and that approval specified conditions about stump and root management, check the permit conditions before proceeding. Some approvals for significant trees specify minimum root retention or replanting conditions. When in doubt, review your permit conditions or contact Northern Beaches Council directly. For more detail on what council permits apply to, see our Northern Beaches tree permit guide.
Stump Grinding Across the Northern Beaches
We grind stumps across the full Northern Beaches peninsula, from Manly and Dee Why in the south through to Palm Beach at the northern tip. Access is the main variable that changes job complexity across different areas — the steep, narrow blocks of Newport and Avalon often require different machinery or techniques compared to the wider, flatter blocks of Narrabeen and Warriewood.
If the stump is in a tight spot or you're unsure whether a machine can get to it, mention that when you call — we'd rather know upfront than find out on the day.
Can You Use the Grindings as Mulch?
Yes, and it's worth considering before you pay to have them removed. Wood-chip grindings make excellent mulch for garden beds. Apply them 75–100 mm deep, keeping them clear of plant stems and tree bases. One thing to note: fresh grindings are carbon-rich and will temporarily draw nitrogen from the soil as they break down, which can slow plant growth. Adding blood and bone or another nitrogen source to the mulched area helps counteract this. Don't use grindings from a tree that was removed due to disease — spread a pathogen through your garden beds and you may regret it.
What to Expect on the Day
Our stump grinding process on the Northern Beaches typically runs like this:
- Site inspection and setup. We check the access path, confirm any underground services that need to be avoided, and position the machine.
- Grinding. The grinder works across the stump in a systematic pattern, working down to the agreed depth. For most residential stumps this takes 30–90 minutes — see our full guide on stump grinding times for a detailed breakdown.
- Cleanup. We rake the grindings flat or into the hole, sweep the surrounding area, and remove any large debris.
- Done. You're left with a shallow depression (which will settle as the grindings compact) filled with wood chips. Most lawns can be sown or turfed within 2–4 weeks once the hole is backfilled with topsoil.
Ready to get rid of that stump?
We grind stumps of all sizes across the Northern Beaches. Send us a photo of the stump and we'll give you an accurate quote — no surprises on the day.
Request a free quoteHow to Get a Fair Quote
Stump grinding prices on the Northern Beaches vary between operators — sometimes significantly. Here's how to make sure you're comparing fairly:
- Measure the stump first. Know the diameter at ground level before you call. It's the single biggest pricing factor and operators need it to quote accurately.
- Photo helps. A quick photo of the stump — especially if the root flare is wide or access is tight — lets an arborist give a much more accurate quote without a site visit.
- Clarify what's included. Ask whether grindings removal and backfilling are included or extra. Comparing a quote that includes everything to one that doesn't is comparing apples and oranges.
- Check insurance. Anyone working on your property with heavy machinery should carry public liability insurance. Our team carries $20M public liability cover.
- Multiple stumps? Say so. Mention all the stumps upfront — you'll get a better per-stump price for a bundled job than if you add them on the day.
For larger tree removal jobs where stump grinding is part of a package, the overall job cost will often be lower than booking removal and grinding as separate jobs. If you're planning a removal and want the stump gone in the same visit, let us know when you enquire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stump grinding cost on the Northern Beaches?
Most residential stumps on the Northern Beaches cost between $150 and $350 to grind. A small stump under 30 cm diameter typically runs $150–$200. A medium stump (30–60 cm) is usually $200–$350. Large stumps over 60 cm or those with difficult access can reach $400–$600 or more. Multiple stumps on the same job attract a per-stump discount of around $50–$80 per additional stump.
Do I need a council permit to grind a stump on the Northern Beaches?
In most cases, no. Stump grinding on an already-removed tree generally does not require a separate permit from Northern Beaches Council. However, if the tree itself required a permit to remove, check the permit conditions — some approvals specify how stumps and roots must be managed. If in doubt, contact Northern Beaches Council or review your permit conditions before proceeding.
How long does stump grinding take?
Most residential stumps take 30 to 90 minutes to grind. A small stump in open access can be done in under 30 minutes. A large, hard-species stump (like Sydney Blue Gum or Angophora) with an extensive root flare may take two to three hours. Access is a major factor — if the grinder can't get directly to the stump, hand work increases the time significantly.
What is included in a stump grinding quote?
A standard stump grinding quote typically includes grinding the stump to 200–300 mm below ground level, cleanup of the immediate area, and leaving the wood-chip grindings on site. Removal of the grindings, backfilling with soil, and turf reinstatement are usually quoted separately. Always confirm what's included when comparing quotes.
Is stump grinding better than using chemicals or digging the stump out?
Stump grinding is faster, cleaner and more effective than chemical treatments for most situations. Chemical stump killers take months or years to break down a stump. Digging the stump out completely is sometimes necessary where roots are causing structural issues but it's significantly more expensive. For most Northern Beaches residential situations, grinding is the right answer.
Can the stump grindings be used as mulch?
Yes — wood-chip grindings make useful mulch for garden beds. Spread them 75–100 mm deep over garden beds, keeping them away from plant stems and tree trunk bases. Add a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to compensate for nitrogen drawdown as the chips decompose. Don't use grindings from diseased trees as mulch.