After a Tallahassee tree comes down, the next question is what to do with the stump. Stump grinding chews the stump down 8–12 inches below grade and leaves the root system in place. Stump removal extracts the entire stump including major roots. The price difference is significant — typically 2× to 5× more for full removal.

Stump Grinding Cost

$150 minimum or $3 per inch of stump diameter measured at grade. A 24-inch oak stump runs $150–$200. A 40-inch live oak stump runs $200–$300. Additional fees of around $50 apply when grinding deeper than 12 inches.

Stump Removal Cost

$300–$1,200 per stump depending on size, access, and root spread. Stumps in clay soils north of the Cody Scarp take longer than stumps in sandy karst soils south.

Which Is Right For You

Grinding is the right answer for almost every replanting and landscaping scenario. Full removal is needed only when building a foundation over the spot, installing an in-ground pool, or dealing with species like water oak or crepe myrtle that resprout aggressively from remaining roots.

Species That Resprout

Water oak, crepe myrtle, camphor, and Chinese tallow all resprout from remaining roots and need herbicide treatment on the cut surface immediately after felling. Live oak, laurel oak, magnolia, and pine rarely resprout.

Free stump estimates — (850) 820-2166

Related TTS Resources

This page is one slice of the TTS pricing index. For the complete 2026 pricing framework across every Tallahassee tree service, see the Tallahassee Tree Service Cost Guide. For hurricane-season planning, post-storm triage, and insurance claim playbooks, see the Tallahassee Hurricane Tree Prep Hub.