Unsure about removing a tree stump from your property? Dreading how difficult it seems? Here's everything you need to know about tree stump removal to help you decide.
There are many reasons to remove a tree stump, both aesthetic and practical: to prevent re-growth of the tree, eliminate mushrooms on your lawn, avoid insect infestations, or simply to increase your property value. Whatever your reason, here's everything you need to know about tree stump removal before calling in a specialist.
Before
First off, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the tree stump to be removed accessible by machine? Is there sufficient clearance around it?
- Is the tree stump located on a hill or slope?
- Is there any underground infrastructure located near the tree stump, like water lines or a gas main?
- Do you want to shave the tree stump or remove the rootstock completely?
- What type of tree is it?
- What is the diameter of the tree stump?
These details will allow a professional to put together a complete quote and avoid surprises.
During
A small tree stump can be removed with a simple shovel and a saw. More often than not, however, a stump grinder will be necessary to do the job. But how does it work?
The stump grinder will gradually shred and remove any tree stump up to 30 centimetres deep. If you wish, only part of the rootstock can be removed. The rest of the roots below will rot over time.
The advantages of stump removal by the shredding method are:
- Protection of the environment, as no chemicals will be used.
- By using smaller machinery (such as a backhoe loader), your property won’t be as damaged.
- Since the hole is much smaller, less backfill is needed than with other methods.
After
Once the tree stump is out, the hole left behind must be filled with fresh soil and covered with grass. Some companies will include this in their service. Furthermore, the resulting wood chips from grinding the stump can be used as mulch or compost.
How much will it cost?
Since several factors usually come into play, you’ll need to request a written quote from the tree removal company. That being said, you can expect to pay an average of about $4 per centimetre in diameter of the stump. If the stump is one metre wide (100 centimetres), expect to pay roughly $400. Of course, prices will always vary from company to company, so do your homework.
Can I do it myself?
It is possible to do this yourself by renting a stump grinder for about $100 per day. The rental price will depend on the size and power of the stump grinder you need. Also, on your skill and willingness to work with a powerful—and potentially dangerous—tool.
It isn’t always necessary to remove the stump when a tree has been chopped down. In fact some people prefer to keep the stump as a decorative element in the yard. However, if you choose to remove it, keep in mind that it’s more cost effective to do so at the same time as you chop down the tree.
