How do I price stump grinding when the stump is hard to reach?

Stump grinding is often priced by stump size, but access can change the job. If the stump is behind a fence, on a slope, in a tight side yard or surrounded by landscaping, your crew may need a smaller grinder, extra setup time or a plan to protect the lawn and plants.

Ask the customer for photos, or do a short site visit. Check the path from the street to the stump, and the space around it. Look for hidden items such as buried lines, irrigation and rocks. Utilities should be marked before grinding. Call 811 before any digging. It is the national one-call number, and your state may have its own rules.

Estimate the extra setup time and any smaller equipment you need, then add that to your base price. Be clear about what the price includes: grind depth, chip cleanup and whether the hole is filled.

If access is very limited, you may need to refer the job to a company with the right machine. Record the real time on each job so your access add-ons improve.

The stump grinding estimator and the homeowner stump options page can help.