When it comes to the aftermath of tree removal, one significant aspect that often requires attention is dealing with the remaining stump. Tree stumps not only detract from the aesthetics of your landscape, but can also pose potential hazards and hinder future construction or landscaping plans. As a result, if you find yourself in need of stump removal or stump grinding services, you might be wondering what each of these services typically costs.
This article explores factors that influence stump grinding cost and tree stump removal cost, and what the differences are between the two services. For personalised advice, contact our team at Oz Tree Services today.
Breaking it Down: Stump Grinding Cost
Stump grinding is a process where arborists use a stump grinder machine to grind the tree stump to, or just below, the surface of the soil. A stump grinder machine has a strong blade with tungsten teeth, and works to cut away at the wood to leave the tree roots to decay rather than excavating and removing the entire stump.
Stump grinding tends to be less costly than stump removal, which may be a major contributing factor for many people. It is also often less disruptive to the surrounding landscape as it doesn’t leave a hole that needs to be filled in and levelled. People may also find it a more convenient option, since it doesn’t require the stump to be taken away which saves time and effort.
When it comes to grinding, not all stumps are the same, which means the cost can vary considerably. Factors that influence stump grinding cost include:
1. The diameter of the stump
As a general rule, the bigger the stump, the higher the price. This is because larger stumps take longer to grind, which means arborists need to spend more time using dedicated machinery.
2. The location of the stump
Stump grinding is typically much easier in a wide open area than a hard-to-reach location such as wedged against a fence. If the stump is in a difficult location, an arborist may have to use different grinding equipment to get to it and grind it down without affecting nearby structures. This intricate work may come at a higher cost.
3. The stump’s root system
The complexity and extent of the root system can vary widely from one stump to another. A widespread root system will generally take longer to work on and require more extensive grinding and specialised tools, which may result in a higher cost.
Chipping Away at Stump Removal Cost
The process of removing a stump completely is different to that of stump grinding, though the first step may sound familiar! When removing a stump entirely, arborists begin by grinding it down to ground level. They will then determine how deep the stump removal machinery will need to go to ensure the stump will decay, and then begin excavation with digging tools. When the roots are exposed, they will uproot it from the ground and fill the hole with soil or other suitable material.
For those looking to completely eradicate the stump and its root system, stump removal is the best option. People also tend to choose stump removal over stump grinding if they want to build on the land, begin landscaping, or if it poses a tripping hazard.
As with stump grinding, stump removal costs vary. Factors that influence the cost include:
1. The size of the stump
Larger stumps typically require more effort, time, and equipment to remove completely. This may also mean you need a larger crew to complete the job. Whether it’s one of these factors or more that make your stump harder to remove, the cost will likely go up.
2. The complexity of the root system
Since stump removal also removes the root system, unlike stump grinding, the size and complexity of the root system play a large role. Stumps with extensive, intricate, or deeply rooted systems may require additional effort, tools, and equipment, impacting the overall cost.
3. The location of the stump
As with stump grinding, if the stump you want removed is close to a structure of any type, this complicates the job and subsequently increases its cost. Any challenging or hazardous locations require special considerations and safety measures to ensure the safety of not just the crew, but any other people and structures around.
4. The next steps
If you choose stump removal over stump grinding, the fact is that you will have a hole that needs to be filled. Whatever you fill it with will come at some additional cost, which will vary depending on the size of the hole and what material/s you fill it with.
Don’t Leaf Your Stump to Cause Trouble!
Selecting a qualified arborist suited to the job is crucial in ensuring safety and that your needs are met. If you’re looking for stump grinding or removal by a level 2 arborist in Melbourne’s north east, you’ve found us! At Oz Tree Services we have over 30 years of experience and unquantifiable passion, and come with $10 million of public liability insurance for that added peace of mind. Whether you’re interested in stump grinding or removal, we’re the trusted team for you.
