How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Tree Stump?

Tree stumps are ugly and, in some cases, hazardous. Homeowners should prioritize tree stump removal, but how much does it cost to remove a tree stump? Cutting the tree is the easy part.  

It’s a different story to get rid of the stump that was left behind. It’s not possible to leave it there. It must be removed for safety reasons as well as to improve the aesthetic and accessibility of your home. Only one question remains: how much does it cost to remove a tree stump?

How much does it cost to remove a tree stump?

A variety of factors influence the cost of removing a tree stump. By understanding a bit about the costs and pricing involved with tree stump removal, you can prevent unpleasant surprises. The usual cost varies depending on accessibility, age, and the length of the renovation.

• Typical stump removal costs range from $60 to $350.
• The average cost per inch of diameter is $2 to $5.
• Renting for $75 to $150 and doing it yourself are the best and cheapest options.

Here are some of the factors that may affect the pricing:

• The size of your stump is one factor affecting the entire stump removal cost. Tree stump removal services may charge between $100 and $200 per hour for root removal on larger stumps with more intricate root systems. Attachments intended to chew away at the roots are required for commercial grinders, which can add time, effort, and money to the job.
• The location affects the cost in two ways: market cost and trip time. Most professional services have a minimum fee of $100 within their service region. You might expect to pay more for travel if you reside outside that area. You should also expect to spend more in major metropolitan areas, where access, permission, insurance, and overhead contribute to higher expert stump removal costs. Rural places are often less expensive, yet most jobs still cost at least $100.
• While grinders can cut through most trees, some specialists may charge extra to grind a stump from a tree that they believe is more difficult to remove. Many thick hardwood trees, such as aspen, birch, elm, hickory, and oak, may take longer for a saw to cut through their trunks and roots, but trees with soft bark, such as palms and pine, may take less time. Contact your local removal service to find out how much it will cost to remove the stump.

Estimation of cost by stump size

The diameter of a stump indicates how big it is. To remove a stump, most specialists charge between $2 and $5 per diameter inch.

The larger the diameter of the stump, the higher the stump removal cost. The stump’s huge diameter will not only add a few bucks to the bill, but it may also lengthen the professionals’ work time. You’ll have to pay for those extra inches, and the time it takes to remove them.

To acquire an exact diameter measurement of a stump, measure between the broadest points of the stump.

More cost-influencing factors to removing a tree stump

There’s a lot that goes into determining the cost of stump removal. Poor soil conditions or a large root system might add to the cost. Take a look at the most frequent elements that influence pricing so you can better understand how much your specific stump will cost.

The complexity of the root system

Unlike stump grinding, which leaves the majority of the root system in place, stump removal involves removing the whole root system with the stump.

Root removal is a difficult task, especially if the root system is extensive or located near another structure. If the provider charges by the hour, the more complicated the root system, the longer the process will take, and the higher your fee will be.

Removal duration

Some tree services offer a set rate for stump removal, while others charge by the hour. Expect the cost to grow if the business you hired charges by the hour and your stump takes an unusually long period to remove. 

A complicated root system or a huge stump size may lengthen the time it takes to remove it. The typical hourly stump removal cost is between $94 and $163.

Type of stump

Regardless of the tree species, most specialists charge the same cost per stump or diameter inch. However, some specialists may charge their fees if a certain stump type is difficult to remove.

The more difficult the stump and its root system are to remove, the longer the professional will have to work, which will raise your overall cost. Due to its thick wood and root systems, hardwoods such as hickory, oak, or birch may take longer to remove than softwoods such as pine or palm.

Status of the soil

If the stump to be removed is anchored in rough ground, there may be an extra price. Why is it possible that this will cost you more? A professional’s equipment might be dulled or damaged by rocky terrain.

Most stump removal companies will price their services based on the predominant soil condition in the region. If you reside in an area where rocky soil is common, tree service providers may already have this factored into their pricing.

Debris removal

When it comes to stump removal, tree specialists don’t usually include the cost of transporting away the material. Expect to spend an extra $2 per diameter inch if you want the leftover stump and its roots removed from your property. Instead of charging by the inch, some tree service businesses may charge a flat cost for debris removal.

Additional services

While tending to the stump in your side yard, you could notice a few other tree duties that need to be completed. Perhaps a tree limb is coming too near to the windows, or perhaps a tiny tree would look great in your rock garden if relocated.

Professional vs. DIY stump removal

Removing a tree and chemically decaying the stump may be less expensive than hiring a professional, but it will not save time. These do-it-yourself approaches necessitate a lot of hard work during the root removal procedure. 

Another difficulty is that most people lack the specialized equipment required to remove a root system effectively. It might be exhausting to grind a stump and then physically remove its roots. 

Furthermore, renting a grinder might be just as expensive as hiring a specialist. The basic line is that stump removal may be done on your own, but it is not necessarily less expensive than hiring a professional. DIY methods take time, and eliminating the root system without a professional’s specialized equipment is tough.

Cost of professional stump removal

Professional stump removal costs roughly $165 on average across the country. It takes around an hour to complete. Professional firms may charge based on a variety of factors:

• You should anticipate spending between $2 and $5 per inch if they charge by diameter. The majority of businesses charge a minimum of $100. The higher the cost, the greater the diameter.
• Based on the total number of stumps.  Many firms provide discounts to consumers who use multiple stump removal services. The first stump might cost between $100 and $150, with each successive stump costing between $30 and $50.
• You should expect to pay a fixed hourly charge if you require a significant area of land cleaned and many stumps removed. Customers are normally charged roughly $150 per hour on average. You might be charged based on the diameter of the stumps that need to be removed. If the average diameter of a stump is 12 inches and there are 200 stumps, you’ll need to clear 2400 inches. You’ll pay $4800 if you pay $2 for each inch.
• The soil quality influences the cost of removing a tree stump. Some machine blades may be damaged by rocky soil, resulting in a price increase of up to 50%.
• Because certain tree stumps are more difficult to grind than others, they might cost more.
• Stump removal is less expensive for stumps with limited root systems than those with vast root systems.
• You will also have to pay extra if you want the ground-up stump removed.

Cost of DIY stump removal

The national average cost of removing a tree stump is under $100, but the process takes an average of three hours to complete.

Hydraulic stump grinders are available for hire in half-day and full-day increments at home improvement stores. The typical cost of renting such a machine for half a day is $75 to $100, while the average cost for a full day is $150 to $400.

Rental hydraulic tree stump grinders are often only suitable for extremely tiny stumps. Because the cost of hiring such a machine is so costly, it’s typically only worth it if you have a lot of stumps to get rid of. To bring the grinder home, you’ll need a trailer hitch, or you’ll have to pay extra to deliver it.

Consider how much you value your time and commitment to completing the task. Professionals may be more expensive, but they will complete the task faster and more efficiently than you can. Other factors to consider are concealed utilities and the risk of property damage.

Rates of stump grinders

Professional stump grinding costs around $200 on average. Having experts use a commercial grinder to remove a tree stump is the most common and successful approach. 

In most circumstances, it costs roughly $3 per diameter inch. Large areas with several stumps will cost around $150 per hour and take one to two hours to clear. The pace of the task is determined by the user’s experience and the stump grinder machine’s quality.

The stump grinding process

The front of a stump grinder is fitted with massive rotating blades. Even hardwood is soon reduced to sawdust by the machine. They grind tree stumps gently back and forth to produce mulch and sawdust. 

These devices crush stumps into the root system to roughly four inches into the ground. The blades also eat away at the ground’s roots, making room for a garden or lawn. For an average cost of $190, tree stump grind machines may be leased for a DIY project, which is slightly less expensive than hiring a professional. 

You’ll need to call the 811 dig line and follow all local rules and permit procedures if you want to grind the stump yourself. If you’re near utilities or there’s a chance of property damage, don’t do it.

Tree removal with no grinder

Using a chemical treatment, burning, or digging the stump out are all options besides hiring a professional using a commercial grinder. A tiny tree stump can be dug out by hand by certain professionals, but a bigger tree stump contains roots that are too vast to make this a realistic alternative.

Burning

Burning your tree stump is a solution that saves money for the homeowner. On average, the cost of removing a tree stump by burning ranges from $6 to $100. These expenses stem from the rental of a power drill and the purchase of potassium nitrate. 

For the homeowner who wishes to save money on stump removal, skipping the professional option and burning the wood from the tree stump is a great choice. Before you start burning, make sure to verify with your local fire department and observe all safety procedures.

Chemical solutions

The expenses of using chemical solutions to remove tree stumps are the same as burning them. The objective is to soften the timber with chemical treatments to make tree stump removal easier. 

Chemical treatments take the least amount of time to soften the wood, although potassium nitrate might take weeks to soften the wood enough to remove a tree stump. The drill and potassium nitrate is included in the expenses.

FAQs

What is the best way to find a stump removal company?

Now that you have a good estimate of how much it will cost to remove a stump, it’s time to consider how you’ll discover the right specialist. Any landscaper or arborist will not suffice. They must be dependable and equipped with the necessary equipment to do the task with minimal risk to your family and damage to your yard.

• Inquire about landscapers’ references: Local arborists and lawn care companies are likely to be able to link you with a stump grinder/remover. It’s usually a good idea to get real advice from individuals you know rather than relying on Google search results.
• Use social media to your advantage: If you’re looking for recommendations, Facebook and other social media platforms are a terrific place to start, especially on a local level.
• Inquire about nearby parks: If you’re having trouble hiring a stump removal service, contact local, state, or national parks in the area. They’ll have contacts and may be able to refer you to someone.

Is it possible to combine stump removal with tree removal to save money?

Stump removal cannot usually be combined with tree removal to save money. Stump removal and tree removal are usually treated as two different services by most tree firms. 

You will have to pay extra if you want the stump removed after an arborist has chopped down your tree.

When it comes to stump grinding and stump removal, what’s the difference?

Stump grinding reduces the stump to mulch or sawdust, leaving the roots in place. Stump removal, on the other hand, involves pulling the entire stump and its root system out of the ground.

What are the benefits of having my stump removed?

There are a variety of reasons to remove a tree stump from your yard, including:  

• Stumps can be unappealing.
• Stumps can cause tripping and other accidents.
• Termites and ants might be attracted to stumps in your house or yard.
• The root system beneath the stump might be harming your home or plumbing system. 
• The root system beneath the stump might be harming your home or plumbing system.  
• Your lawn mower’s blades will be damaged if you hit a stump with it.

Why would you need to cut down a tree stump?

Let’s start at the beginning and discuss why you might need to remove a tree stump from your property. After all, you shouldn’t pay for a service unless you need it. What’s the harm in leaving a stump in your yard?

The following are some of the most prevalent reasons for stump removal that we’ve seen:

Unattractive stump

When a tree is injured, all that’s left when it’s chopped down is an unattractive stump, a relic of a once-beautiful tree. In that situation, removing the stump may be the best way to erase the tree’s memories.

Source of obstacle

Do you have any landscaping or building projects planned for your home? You may need to begin by cleaning the area, which may entail removing any stumps in the way.

Yard projects

Do you want to improve your property’s overall vibe? Cleaning up odd stumps is an excellent place to start for a more visually pleasing appearance in your yard.

Curbside aesthetic

Even if you don’t mind the stump in the front yard, potential buyers may. If you’re attempting to sell a house, removing eye-catching stumps that impair curb appeal is a good idea.

Did you know that homes with great curb appeal sell for 7% more on average than similar ones? As a result, the expense of stump removal pales in contrast to the potential profit from a resale.

Root invasion

Root invasion is a more prevalent concern for homeowners than you would think. Even if the tree is dead and gone, the stump’s lengthy, gnarled roots might cause foundation concerns.

Critters 

Stumps can deteriorate if they are left alone. Beetles, ants, termites, and other wood-boring pests attract them, and you don’t want them on your land. You’ll need to get rid of the stump before the bugs make their way inside your home.

Regardless of why you’re removing the tree stump, think about how the operation may affect your yard’s current biodiversity and the safety of individuals who live there.

The best way to safeguard your property is to hire an expert to remove it. Many people have tried to remove stumps on their own, only to damage their lawns, harm themselves, or leave bits and parts of the tree behind.

A skilled professional will understand the stump removal trade secrets, such as when to burn, rot, or grind stumps. They will also arrive with the necessary tools to complete the task correctly the first time.

Last words

You may save time and money by hiring a professional to remove your tree stump. So you don’t have to lift a finger, hire a local tree care specialist to perform the hard work for you.

Professional stump removal costs anything from $175 to $516, with the average homeowner spending $326. If it’s a little stump with simple roots, you might be able to get it for less than $100. 

However, if the stump is enormous and has an intricate root structure, you may need to charge the above $1,000 stump removal expense to your credit card. Either way, we believe that removing those pesky tree stumps is always worth the investment!