Stump grinding · North Shore
Stump grinding and removal
A stump grinder chips the stump out below ground level, so you can turf over it, pave, build or plant again without digging out the whole root ball.
How stump grinding works
The grinder's cutting wheel works across the stump, turning it into mulch until it's below the surface. The main roots near the stump are ground out with it; finer roots further out break down in the soil over time. The mulch can be left to fill the hole or taken away and replaced with soil.
Narrow-access grinders fit through standard side gates, which matters on lower north shore blocks where the backyard is only reachable down the side of the house or a flight of stairs.
Stump grinding prices in Sydney
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stump grinding, small (under 30 cm) | $170 | $230 | $345 |
| Stump grinding, medium (30–60 cm) | $290 | $400 | $575 |
| Stump grinding, large (60 cm+) | $460 | $690 | $1,025 |
Typical Sydney prices including GST, from the What's The Damage Sydney cost guide (November 2026). Your quote depends on the tree, access and what's around it.
Before we grind
- Tell us about pipes, irrigation or cables near the stump. Services are checked before grinding starts.
- If the stump is from a tree that was removed under a council approval, check the approval for any conditions, such as replacement planting in Willoughby.
- Some species send up suckers from the roots after the tree is cut. Grinding the stump out reduces this, and any shoots are easy to remove early.
Stump grinding by suburb
We cover the lower and upper north shore. Local pages:
Common questions
How deep do you grind?
Deep enough to turf, pave or replant over. If you plan to build or put in a garden bed on the spot, tell us and we'll grind deeper and take the mulch away.
Can you grind a stump on a slope or behind the house?
Usually, yes. Narrow-access grinders go through side gates, and we'll check access on the quote visit.
Is it cheaper to do the stump at the same time as the removal?
Usually, because the crew and equipment are already on site. It's quoted as a separate line so you can decide.
Need a tree looked at?
Tell us the suburb and send a photo. We'll tell you what's involved, whether council needs to approve it, and what it should cost.