Stump Grinding Cost – Average Price Estimates

In this article, I’ll be discussing stump grinding cost, so keep reading!

Cutting your tree is one thing, but that’s not the end of it, as having the stump removed is a whole different ball game.

Grinding the stump is a welcome option if you want it removed quickly, but that will cost you some money.

What Can Make A Stump Grinding More Expensive?

Keep in mind that stumps differ in size, and the larger ones will most likely cost more to be removed.

Smaller stumps can pose a problem too, as they may be difficult to access, and this can also raise the cost.

Below are some common problems stump grinders may face.

  • Narrow access, which causes difficulty in getting the stump grinder to the site
  • Gas or water pipes located close by
  • Underground cables
  • Steps, which can also make it difficult to get the grinder into position
  • The proximity of the stump to property
  • A sloping ground
  • Incorrect measurement of the stump

Other factors may make the job more difficult. These include the builder’s stones and concrete, which can be a problem for the grinder’s blade, and make the job slower.

All these contribute significantly to the cost of grinding a stump.

A useful tip is to give the stump grinder a perfect description of your property, just so you get the right quote for the job. The information you provide will let them know what to expect when they get to the location.

How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?

As I hinted earlier, stump grinding prices vary, and they are determined by the size of the stump as well as other significant factors.

If your stump is easy to access, then you can expect the following price ranges for the stump grinding service –

  • $110 for a half meter wide stump
  • $170 for a one-meter wide stump
  • $335 for a two-meter wide stump

Professional stump grinders consider the time it takes them to travel as well as set up and factor it into their bill.

This is why one meter-wide stump doesn’t attract twice the cost as a half meter-wide stump.

However, a two meter-wide stump carries almost twice the cost of grinding one meter-wide stump, and this is purely based on the size, as grinding it will require extra effort and time.

What Makes Up The Cost Of Stump Grinding?

Some services will add extra fees for filling up the hole after grinding the stump.

Other professionals will charge for clearing the chips. But it’s a good idea not to dispose of the chips, as they make great mulch for your garden.

To be sure of what service you’ll be getting, and paying for, ask the stump grinder for detailed quotes. If they propose any extra services, be sure to ask how much they would cost before you agree to it.

What Other Costs May Be Involved?

In a situation where all you have to get rid of is the stump, then you will only have to pay for stump grinding. However, if the tree itself is still standing, then you have to pay for felling, as well as grinding the stump.

Tree felling could cost a lot, although it still depends on the size of the tree and other significant factors.

Have a budget of about $500 to $1,000 for this.

These figures are on the high side because professionals take certain steps to bring down a tree. These include cutting from top to bottom and taking recommended safety measures.

What Are The Other Costs of Tree Stump Removal?

If the tree you want to cut down is still alive, then you will need a professional arborist to come and take a look at it. They will tell you if the tree is protected or not. They will also tell you if you need to obtain permission before you cut the tree down.

Arborist inspections attract certain fees, and these fall within the following ranges –

  • $75 to $100 to inspect one to five trees
  • $20 to $25 to inspect each additional tree
  • $35 for submission to council

It is common to find trees with outstretched roots, and this can cause smaller trees to sprout from the roots, even after the stump has been removed.

The stump grinding service you hire can get rid of the roots, but that would also attract extra costs.

Professionals will know exactly what to do. They will tell you if the roots need to be removed or not.

If they find that the roots do not need to be removed, then they will most likely recommend that you do not plant any other tree on the same spot. This is because the old root will cause problems for the new tree, and hinder it from growing, or even thriving.

Choosing A Stump Grinding Service

It would be a bad idea to grind the stump by yourself, as it is dangerous work. For this reason, you should hire the services of a professional.

A good stump grinding service should possess the following –

  • Public liability insurance
  • Personal injury insurance
  • References you can contact

Public liability insurance is important in instances where someone gets hurt during the process. Personal injury insurance is also needed in case there are accidents.

A quality stump grinding service will provide references, which you can contact for the sake of finding out how professional and effective they are.

Friends and family must keep away from the stump grinding equipment, and the service should ensure that no one is around when the work is taking place.

They will also employ all safety precautions when working around underground cables, fences, gas pipes, and water systems.

Tree felling is equally dangerous, and the service must have all insurances in place. They should also be able to provide you with adequate references.

The dangers of tree felling include taking down branches and the use of sharp power tools.

More than one person is required for tree felling. One to cut, and one to guide the falling branches away from the roof, fence, and other structures around your premises.

A professional must also have adequate training for a job of this nature. They should also have proof of their professionalism, which includes a Certificate II in Horticulture (or Arboriculture). If they are supervisors, then they should have a Certificate III in Horticulture.

If an arborist works strictly as a consultant, then they are required to have a valid license in the state where they operate. The license proves they have passed through the right training.

Licenses were not needed in the old days, but all that has changed, thanks to the rise of many who claimed to be arborists, but didn’t do their jobs right!

Arborists must also belong to professional groups, as this will keep them updated with any changes in the industry.

Insurance is also necessary for arborists, even if they are only consultants.

Finding the right tree feller or arborist is something you must take seriously, as this will help guarantee their safety, as well as yours.

To be sure you are hiring the right people, do yourself a favor and check how qualified they are. You should also make out time to consult the references, as well as verify their licenses.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Stump Grinder?

To rent a stump grinder, you should expect to spend between $100 and $400. Though these figures are dependent on where you are getting it from.

You can go online and check local rentals and pick the prices that work best for you.

Things To Consider When Buying A Stump Grinder

If you’re renting a stump grinder, then the features wouldn’t matter much to you, since it’s up to the pros to operate them. This is not the case when you are buying, as you will be the one using the equipment.

Factors to consider when buying a stump grinder include –

Horsepower The task will be completed quicker if your machine has a higher horsepower. It also means you can handle larger stumps.

Size – If the grinder is too big, your maneuverability will be limited. The smaller the better, as you can get into tighter spaces, and have less weight to handle.

Cutter Disk – A carbide cutter disk is your best bet. The teeth must also be sharp and durable.

Just so you don’t get things confused, the cutter disk is also called the cutter wheel.

Depth – The stump grinder you buy should be able to grind down to a depth of 20 inches below grade. This will spare your yard from being scathed with unwanted lumps.

Weight – A heavy stump grinder will cause you fatigue, as it will be harder to move around. A lightweight stump grinder is a wise choice.

Conclusion

I trust this article on stump grinding cost has been very informative.

Choose wisely for hiring professionals, renting, and buying.

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