How Long Does Stump Removal Take?
One of the most common questions we get before a job is: *"How long will you actually be here?"* It's a fair question — especially if you need to be home or move cars out of the way.
Here's a realistic breakdown.
Time by Stump Size
Small stump (under 12 inches diameter)
- ✓Grinding: 15–25 minutes
- ✓Cleanup: 10 minutes
- ✓Total on-site: 30–40 minutes
Medium stump (12–24 inches diameter)
- ✓Grinding: 25–45 minutes
- ✓Cleanup: 10–15 minutes
- ✓Total on-site: 40–60 minutes
Large stump (24–40 inches diameter)
- ✓Grinding: 45–90 minutes
- ✓Cleanup: 15–20 minutes
- ✓Total on-site: 1–2 hours
Very large stump (over 40 inches diameter)
- ✓Grinding: 90–150 minutes
- ✓Cleanup: 20–30 minutes
- ✓Total on-site: 2–3 hours
Multiple Stumps — It Scales Efficiently
If you have several stumps, the total time is less than the sum of individual jobs because setup and equipment transport only happen once. A job with 5 medium stumps might take 3–4 hours total rather than the 5 hours you'd expect.
This is also why our pricing drops for multiple stumps — the economics work in your favour.
What Affects the Time?
Root spread: Trees with aggressive surface root systems (Silver Maple, Manitoba Maple) take longer because we grind the visible roots as well as the main stump.
Wood hardness: Freshly cut stumps grind faster than old, dried-out stumps. Green wood chips more easily. A 5-year-old oak stump takes noticeably longer than one cut last month.
Access and terrain: Stumps in tight spaces — corners, narrow side yards, fenced areas — take a little extra time to position the grinder correctly.
Debris: If you want wood chips hauled away rather than left on-site, add 15–20 minutes for loading.
Do You Need to Be Home?
Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the stump (gate unlocked, area clear), most jobs can be completed without the homeowner present. We'll send a confirmation when the job is done.
If you have specific instructions about where to leave chips or how to access the yard, just let us know when booking.
Book Your Ottawa Stump Removal
Most stump jobs in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario are done in under 2 hours. Call or text us with your details and we'll give you a realistic time estimate before we come out.
📞 (613) 791-5366
✉️ Team@stickmanstumpremoval.ca
Free quotes. Same-week availability.
Ready to Remove Your Stump?
Free quotes. Same-week service across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.