Stump Removal Cost: Variables that Impact the Price
Healthy trees increase the value of your home. In contrast, stumps have the opposite effect, lowering curb appeal and producing difficulties in your yard. Stump removal cost varies depending on some variables. This article will discuss the most popular techniques for stump removal and how much they typically cost.
How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?
The stump removal cost is, on average, about $340 nationwide. However, depending on the following considerations, the cost of a typical job may range from $75 to $500:
• Size: Removing larger stumps will cost more.
• Removal technique: Some procedures need more labor than others.
• Location: The price of stump removal is frequently correlated with the cost of living in the area.
• Tree species: Some tree species have more difficult-to-remove stumps than others.
Stump Removal Cost by Size
The stump’s diameter is the primary determinant of how much it will cost to remove. Smaller trees are cheaper to extract since they require less effort. Per diameter inch, you can typically expect to pay $2 to $5. However, to make it profitable to transport the equipment to your home, most stump removal companies will have a set minimum price—typically $75–$100.
Stump Removal Cost by Method
The main techniques for removing stumps and their average costs are listed below:
Manual Removal – $300
Grinding – $200
Burning – $250
Chemical Rotting – $100
Root Removal – $130-$150 per hour
Stump Removal Cost by Location
The cost of living in your location will, in part, influence stump removal costs. The distance the business needs to drive to get to your house could also be significant. You can be charged more per mile if heavy machinery is used in the removal procedure.
Cost of Tree Removal by Type of Stump
All types of machinery and chemicals are capable of taking care of trees. The tree stump’s hardness may impact the removal process if you manually remove or burn it. Although there isn’t a precise price breakdown by tree type, some trees are hard and more expensive to remove. It includes oak, birch, elm, hickory, aspen, elm, walnut, maple, and cherry.
Factors that Affect Stump Removal Cost
The following are the factors that affect stump removal costs:
Permits
Because there may be buried power lines or other utilities, stump removal might need a permit. Check your local laws, especially if you’re conducting the work alone.
Number of Stumps
Even though most stump removal services have minimum costs, they frequently give discounts for extra stumps. Regardless of size, you could pay $75–100 for the first stump, but subsequent stumps will probably cost less. Even a fixed rate may be applied for each additional stump.
Labor
Although labor-intensive stumps will cost more to remove, most professional services bill by the diameter of the stump rather than by the hour.
Accessibility
Hard-to-reach stumps will cost extra, especially if they must be removed using large machinery. Placement, fence, gradient, soil quality, root intricacy, and other elements can impact accessibility.
Stump Condition
Longer dead stumps are drier and softer, making them simpler to remove. The stump could still be “green” and alive if a live tree were just recently cut down. Before removal, you should confirm that the stump is dead.
Preparation and Cleanup
The technician will need to remove any vegetation or pebbles surrounding the stump and any remaining pieces of the stump’s trunk. Additionally, depending on the removal technique, mulch, sawdust, or wood chips could be what is left over. The tree service may add the cost of bagging and hauling these away.
Tree Removal
Stump removal services are different from tree removal services. Usually, if you pay for a tree removed by a tree removal service, the stump won’t be dismissed either. Although some world class tree service offers both services, you might need to hire different professionals for these processes because they require additional equipment. The cost of removing a tree can range from $400 to $1,000, depending on its size.
Types of Stump Removal
There are various ways to remove a stump; the optimum removal technique will depend on the stump’s location and state. Here are the methods that DIYers and professionals use the most frequently.
Manual Removal
Axes, chainsaws, shovels, and other equipment are used in manual removal, also known as natural removal, to split the stump apart and remove it from the ground, roots, and all. Although this method is the most thorough, it also requires the most labor, which drives the cost.
Grinding
Stump grinding is a common feature of professional stump removal services. Stump grinder specialists use a big, bladed cylinder machine to grind the stump from the top down. The most effective removal method is stump grinding. Depending on the stump’s size, it takes half an hour to two hours.
The equipment’s major flaw is that it is challenging to operate on rocky terrain or on stumps that are tough to reach. Additionally, grinding typically removes material from 4 to 6 inches below ground, which must then be filled in.
Burning
A hole must be drilled into a stump and filled with potassium nitrate for it to burn thoroughly. After that, the stump is lit on fire and left to burn slowly for several hours. The result is a smoldering pit instead of enormous open flames. Still, the technician must ensure that all sparks and embers are contained to prevent the fire from spreading. Remember that burning may not be permitted in urban and suburban areas due to smoke and fire safety considerations.
Chemical Rotting
Chemical rotting is the least labor-intensive way to remove a stump. Holes are drilled into the stump in this method. Then potassium nitrate, sulfuric acid, or another substance is poured into the holes. The stump is then left to deteriorate as a result of the chemicals. The stump will gradually decay over four to six weeks, even without burning. Although this method is the slowest, it frequently costs the least.
Tree Root Removal
Most methods for removing stumps discussed here don’t harm the tree’s root structure. An excavator is typically needed to dig up the entire root ball for root removal. The task becomes significantly more challenging if tree roots have penetrated foundations, pipes, or roadways.
Self-Stump Extraction
You can remove a stump if you follow local laws and safety precautions. Depending on size and strength, stump grinder rentals start at $150 per day. Potassium nitrate granules for rotting or burning are cheaper, usually under $10.
DIY vs. Professional Stump Removal
DIY removal is cheaper, but every approach has downsides. Manual removal is hard, and rented stump grinders only operate on tiny stumps. Chemical decay takes longer but is more affordable and more accessible.
Professional stump removal services use commercial-grade equipment to remove huge stumps quickly. Hiring a professional may save money if you have large trees or several stumps. Rental equipment is costly. Professionals save time and effort by preparing and cleaning.
Conclusion
While you can remove a stump from a small tree, hire professionals to remove large or difficult-to-remove stumps. Compared to the typical homeowner, professionals work more quickly and thoroughly. Additionally, they are adequately trained and equipped, including with safety gear. However, you can save some money by doing the job yourself if you have the labor skills necessary to remove a stump and have permission from your local government.
The good news is that My Neighbor Services can help you with your stump removal dilemma. Our expert technicians can answer all your stump removal questions and more! Call us today for a free consultation.