About Our Free Stump Grinding Quote Service
Free quotes from independent local stump grinding companies. We connect Durham-area homeowners with independent local stump grinding and tree companies for free, no-obligation quotes.
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Who we are
Stump Grinding Durham is an independent quote service and is not affiliated with any company of a similar name.
Stump Grinding Durham does not grind stumps or remove trees; the independent company you choose quotes, schedules and does the work directly with you.
Durham is a city of big trees. A 2017 City assessment found tree canopy over 52% of the city, about 36,600 acres, and many older streets are lined with willow oaks planted in the 1930s. Big trees eventually leave big stumps. This site exists to make it simple to get prices from local companies and to explain, in plain language, what to ask before you hire one.
How the service works
It's free for homeowners, and there's no obligation to hire anyone.
Tell us about the stump
Use the free quote form or call Call (727) 300-6656. Share how many stumps, rough diameters, your ZIP code and access details.
We pass it on
Your request goes to independent local stump grinding and tree companies that serve your area.
A company follows up
The company typically calls to confirm details or look at the stump, then gives you its own price.
You decide
Compare quotes and ask questions. The company you choose sets its price and is responsible for its work, insurance and any approvals.
Want the details of a grinding job? See how stump grinding works and the typical costs in Durham.
Hiring checklist
We don't screen or rate companies, so use this list when a company calls or visits. It applies to a single stump, a cleared lot or a full tree removal.
- Liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance in the company's name. Grinders throw chips and stones and can hit siding, windows, cars and buried lines.
- Workers' compensation. In North Carolina, businesses that regularly employ three or more people must carry it. Check a company yourself with the NC Industrial Commission coverage search.
- A written quote. It should state the number and diameter of stumps, grinding depth below grade, whether surface roots are included, chip cleanup or haul-away, topsoil backfill and seed, and any minimum charge.
- Who requests the NC 811 locate. Ask the company to confirm it will file the request at least three full working days before grinding and share the ticket number.
- Private lines. 811 marks public lines only. Mark irrigation, invisible dog fence, landscape lighting and lines to sheds or pools yourself.
- Access. Tell the company your gate width, slope, steps and how far the stump is from where a machine can park. These change which grinder fits and the price.
- Herbicide. If the company will treat the stump to stop sprouts, ask for its NC commercial pesticide applicator license number (NCDA&CS).
- For tree removal. Ask whether an ISA Certified Arborist is on staff (a voluntary private credential you can verify with ISA, not a state license) and how the crew will use a crane or rigging near the house.
The rules, briefly
North Carolina has no license specific to stump grinding or tree work. The general contractor license applies only to projects of $40,000 or more (G.S. 87-1), and the landscape contractor law excludes arboriculture and tree removal, land clearing and grading, and jobs under $30,000 (G.S. 89D-13). Applying stump-killer herbicide for hire does require an NCDA&CS commercial pesticide applicator license.
In Durham, the development code ties tree rules to development; for a tree or stump on an existing home lot, no permit requirement was found. Check with the City if you're in a historic district or near the street. This is general information, not legal advice.
Where we connect homeowners
Durham and nearby towns in Durham, Orange, Wake, Granville and Alamance counties:
About our information
Prices on this site are typical ranges from published cost guides (2025–2026), estimates rather than quotes. Rules come from North Carolina statutes, the Durham Unified Development Ordinance and town pages, and they can change, so confirm with your city or town. Images are illustrations. Questions about your data are answered in our privacy policy.
Got a stump in the way? Get free quotes.
Tell us how many stumps and where, and independent local grinders can send no-obligation quotes.