How to Get More Stump Grinding Jobs

Stump grinding is one of the highest-margin services in tree service. The equipment costs are relatively low, jobs are quick (30–90 minutes), and homeowners often search for it separately from tree removal. Here's how to build a steady stream of stump grinding customers.

Why Stump Grinding Is Worth Targeting Separately

Many homeowners have stumps from trees removed years ago — sometimes by a different company, sometimes by a storm, sometimes a DIY attempt. They're searching specifically for stump grinding, not tree removal.

This is an underserved segment: most tree companies don't actively market stump grinding on its own. The ones that do pick up easy volume from Google and referrals.

Additionally, stump grinding is a natural add-on to every tree removal job. Consistently offering it at the time of the estimate increases job value by $150–$400 per tree with minimal additional mobilization cost.

The Google Strategy

People search "stump grinding near me" and "stump removal [city]" thousands of times per month across the US. These are high-intent, low-competition searches compared to "tree removal."

What to do:

Create a dedicated stump grinding service page on your website: /stump-grinding-[city]. Target the keywords "stump grinding [city]" and "stump removal [city]" specifically.
Add "Stump Removal Service" as a secondary category on your Google Business Profile. This helps you appear in map pack results specifically for stump-related searches.
List stump grinding as a standalone service on your GBP — with a description, pricing range, and photos of finished results.
Get stump-specific reviews: Ask happy stump grinding customers to mention "stump grinding" in their Google review. Review text content is a ranking signal.

The Add-On Strategy (Higher Volume, Lower Effort)

Every tree removal job is a stump grinding opportunity. Most tree companies treat it as optional or don't bring it up — a mistake.

The script that works:

"We can also take care of the stump today while we're already set up here. Grinding it out runs $X — want us to add that on?"

This approach works because:

The homeowner already trusts you (you're there doing the job)
The perceived value is high (stump is ugly, they've been meaning to deal with it)
The incremental cost to you is low (30–60 minutes, equipment already on site)

Target a 50–60% stump add-on rate on tree removal jobs. If you're below that, start asking every time.

The Neighborhood Strategy

When you're grinding stumps in a neighborhood, you're surrounded by potential customers. Stumps are visible from the street. Neighbors walking by can see your truck.

Door hanger campaign: Leave door hangers at 10–15 houses within 2 blocks of every stump job. Message: "We just did a stump grinding job for your neighbor at [address]. If you have any stumps you've been meaning to take care of, we can often schedule same week."

This converts at surprisingly high rates because:

Social proof (neighbor used you)
Convenience (you're already in the neighborhood)
The homeowner has probably been thinking about their stumps anyway

Pricing Stump Grinding

Average rates:

Small stump (under 12" diameter): $100–$200
Medium stump (12–24"): $200–$350
Large stump (24"+ or multiple root flares): $300–$600
Per-inch pricing (common): $3–$5 per inch of diameter

Many companies charge a minimum of $150 regardless of stump size.

Multiple stumps: discount slightly for 3+ (already mobilized), but don't discount heavily. The work is the work.

Equipment Considerations

If you're getting serious volume, owning a stump grinder is worth it. Options:

Rental: $250–$400/day. Fine for occasional jobs, but eats margin fast.
Small self-propelled grinder (Rayco, Carlton, Vermeer): $8,000–$20,000 new. Pays for itself after 50–80 jobs.
Skid-steer attachment: If you already have a skid steer, this is the lowest incremental cost.

A dedicated stump grinder on your truck is a marketing signal too — homeowners can see you're set up for it.

Booking Stump Jobs During Slow Periods

Stump grinding is often a "whenever" project for homeowners — no urgency. This makes it a perfect service to fill gaps in your schedule.

When business is slow:

Text past tree removal customers who didn't get stump grinding: "Hi [Name], just following up — we took down your tree last spring. If you'd like to get that stump ground out, we have slots available this week."
Run a one-week promo through your Google Business Profile or Nextdoor

Past customers who already trust you convert at a much higher rate than cold leads.

Build a consistent lead flow for all your services — including stump grinding — with AIO. Automated outreach qualifies homeowners who need tree work and books them directly onto your calendar.