How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost? [2024]

Looking to chop down an unwanted tree and remove it completely, or are there some unsightly stumps around your property that you’d prefer were removed? You’ll need to call upon a professional stump grinding service. Here’s what you can expect from a stump grinder and some of the costs.

How does stump grinding work?

Tree stumps can create difficulties for both landscapers and gardeners when trying to do their jobs. That’s why enlisting a skilled arborist can help to resolve any stump-related issues and help make your property more amenable to landscaping.

Stump grinding is commonly used to take care of tree stumps. Instead of complete removal, the stump is ground down to improve the overall appearance and functionality of the outdoor space.The  process involves careful consideration of stump size, root complexity and site accessibility in order to determine the best approach.

The cost of stump grinding can vary based on several factors, including the size and location of the stump, as well as the extent of work required. Make sure you speak to a few different tradies who can assess your specific needs and provide an accurate quote.

What are the costs that affect stump grinding?

All stumps are not alike. Some may be hard to access or have other problems that make a particular job more expensive than another. Some typical problems stump grinders run across include:

• A narrow access, which makes getting the stump grinder difficult to get to the site
• Nearby gas or water pipes
• Underground cables
• Steps make it harder to get the stump grinder into position
• The proximity of the stump to a property may be a factor
• Sloping ground is harder to work on than flat ground
• A nearby garden bed may make it harder to remove a stump
• Incorrect measurement of the stump (measure the widest width)

Other things that may affect the cost of stump grinding include builder's rubble, stones, iron or concrete which can dull a machine's blades and slow down the stump-grinding process.

All of these issues can make stump grinding more expensive. To get an accurate online quote, describe your property in as much detail as possible using the above criteria. Stump grinders will be able to give you a more accurate quote if they know in advance any problems they may face and you won't be disappointed when they come to your property and discover something you've left out.

What’s the cost to hire a stump-grinding service?

Stump grinding can vary in price, but if a stump is easy to access, stump grinders may charge the following for their services:

• A stump sized at 10cm is between $100-$150 for example.

Why do they charge less for larger stumps? Stump grinders take travel and set-up time into consideration, which is why a one-metre-wide stump doesn't cost twice as much as a half-metre stump. A two-metre-wide stump costs almost twice as much as a one-metre stump because it’s a wide stump and requires extra work and excavation.

Some services will charge more to fill the hole created by stump grinding and others may charge for taking the excess waste (e.g. chips) to the dump. However, you might want to keep the wood chips because they make great mulch in the garden or kindling for wood fires. To find out what’s included in the basic price, ask stump grinders on hipages for an itemised quote.

If you have a live tree you want removed, you may need to contact an arborist to determine whether it’s a protected tree. You may still be able to get council permission to remove the tree if it poses a danger to your property or a nearby property, or if it has a disease that could affect other trees. In either case, an arborist will have to inspect the tree and submit a submission to council.

What services can a stump grinding and removal service provide?

A stump grinder can offer a range of services to address any challenges caused by tree stumps. Professionals you find on hipages will have the expertise and equipment to handle all sorts of stump-removal situations. Here are some key services they can provide:

Stump grinding

This involves using specialised machinery to grind down the stump below ground level. The process removes the visible portion of the stump and turns it into wood chips or mulch.

Stump removal

For complete stump removal, this process involves extracting the entire stump, including its roots, from the ground. Any stump removal service worth its salt won’t leave any trace behind.

Root removal

Tree stumps often have extensive root systems that can interfere with nearby structures, landscaping or construction projects. Stump grinding and removal can help minimise these challenges.

Site clean-up

After stump grinding or removal, your tradie should ensure a thorough clean-up of the site. They will remove all debris, wood chips, mulch and more – leaving the area ready for further landscaping.

Consultation and advice

Your preferred stump grinding and removal professional should be able to provide advice on stump-related issues – such as assessing the site, making recommendations on how to make the most of it, and addressing any concerns you may have.
 

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.