| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $70 to $701 per stump in Alabama; small stumps $70 to $131 |
| Time | Most single stumps take 30 to 90 minutes; larger stumps 2 to 3 hours |
| Who's qualified | Stump grinding usually needs no state license; ask the pro for proof of insurance |
Harvest, AL: what's different here
Harvest is an unincorporated community in northwestern Madison County, Alabama, and part of the Huntsville-Decatur area. Homes include older houses built in 1965 and newer ones from 1987, many on crawl space foundations. The area covers about 12 square miles of pastures, farmland and subdivisions, and it is roughly 15 miles and 20 minutes by car from Huntsville. Hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional freezes shape the work schedule, and local soil and drainage affect backfill settling.
What affects the price of stump grinding in Harvest?
Price depends on stump size and accessibility. Contractors often quote by diameter, and the national guide cites $2 to $4 per inch of diameter for basic grinding. Hourly labor typically falls between $125 and $200, and most contractors have a minimum service fee of $100 to $150.
How long does stump grinding take?
Site preparation takes 20 to 30 minutes, grinding 1 to 1.5 hours, and cleanup and fill follow. A 24-inch to 36-inch stump can take 45 to 90 minutes of grinding, with 1.5 to 2.5 hours total on site.
Do I need a permit or a call before grinding?
Private residential work usually does not require a permit, but work near a public right-of-way or protected tree zone may need approval. In Alabama, call 811 before grinding deeper than 6 inches, and before work near utility lines.
What should I expect for depth and backfill?
A job spec can require grinding to 6 inches below grade, with completion within 10 business days after authorization. Ask the pro how the hole will be backfilled and how the surface will be leveled.
What to do next
- Measure each stump's diameter in inches and note access for equipment before you call.
- Call 811 before grinding deeper than 6 inches or near utility lines.
- Check the county or city for a business license or contractor permit if the pro is working on public right-of-way.
- Ask the pro for proof of insurance and a written quote that lists diameter, depth to 6 inches, and backfill.
- Call (256) 578-4701 or email quote@hsvstumpguy.com for a free quote from an independent, insured stump grinding pro.
HSV Stump Guy is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
