How much does tree stump removal cost? [2024]

How much does tree stump removal cost and why would you want to remove a tree stump from your yard? Depending on circumstances, there may be certain steps you have to take to remove a tree stump.

 

• How much does tree stump removal cost?
• How much does tree removal cost?
• How much does tree root removal cost?
• Hiring a tree stump removal service

 

How much does tree stump removal cost?

Tree stump removal is a separate cost and involves removing the stump to a depth where soil can cover the area where the stump was. Tree stump removal is done with a stump grinder and can be done fairly quickly. Tree stump removal might cost:

• $100-$150 for a tree with a 500mm diameter
• $150-$200 for a tree with a one metre diameter
• $300+ for a tree with a two metre diameter

The stump will be measured by the widest points. This will include everything that shows above ground.

Some things that might make the cost higher include builder's rubble around the tree, stony ground or buried iron or concrete. These can damage the carbide cutting teeth and will add to the cost. Some other things that may affect the cost include:

• Narrow or hard to access areas
• Raised garden beds
• Sloping ground
• Steps
• Proximity of tree to buildings
• Proximity to windows
• Gas and water pipes
• Underground cables

 

Any of these things will slow down the process and add to the cost of stump removal. The stump removalist will have to take steps to protect areas where glass, pipes or cables are located and if access is difficult, it will also add to the cost because of setup and removal time.

Why would you want to remove a tree stump from your property? A tree stump can be unsightly, but that's just one of the problems you will have if you leave a tree stump. Tree stumps are breeding grounds for termites, ants and other pests. Eventually, the pests will migrate and you may find termites living and dining on the timber parts of your home.

How much does tree removal cost?

A diseased or dead tree may have to be cut from the top down. Depending on the size and location of the tree, having a tree removed can cost:

• $500-$1000 for a tree six metres tall with a narrow diameter
• $1000+ for a tree eight metres tall with a substantial trunk diameter

Other costs may drive the cost of tree removal up. Some of these might include:

• The type of tree (hardwood trees cost more than softwood trees)
• The need for using ropes and climbing equipment
• The use of a hoist
• Time and labour needed for a tree
• The need to lower branches to the ground with ropes

For example, tree fellers may need to hire a hoist or carefully lower branches to the ground to avoid damaging a house or neighbouring property. A hoist may cost around $200 per hour and be needed for several hours. If tree fellers need to lower branches with ropes, they will have to take more time and the cost can be higher. There may be other costs for disposal of the tree.

Most large trees will require council approval to be removed. You may also need to hire an arborist to inspect the tree and send a report to council. An arborist's report will cost $5--$100 for one to five trees and council will charge around $50 for a submission.

The average cost of tree removal in Australia is around $700. This is because many trees require extra work, which drives the price up. In some cases, tree removal can cost up to $10,000. This is rare, but adds to the cost of the national average. In general, the highest you can expect to pay for tree removal is around $1500. In many cases, the extra costs associated with difficult removals can add 25 to 50 per cent to the cost of removing a tree.

How much does tree root removal cost?

In some cases, tree roots will need to be removed as well as stumps. The reason for removing tree roots is because trees can regenerate from their roots and you may find a tree sprouting near the location of the tree stump. There may be other reasons to have the roots removed, too.

Root removal can be a complicated process. It may be possible to have the widest roots close to the surface removed with a stump grinder, but you may also need to have more excavation done and the roots will have to be removed by other means.

You won't get an accurate estimate of tree root removal until a tree service can inspect the tree. They may have to do extensive work and in most cases, removing tree roots is more expensive than stump grinding because more excavation is needed.

In some cases, tree services can remove roots without damaging a tree. They can do this in places where a tree root is in danger of breaking sewerage pipes or damaging a house foundation. You may need to hire an arborist to assess the situation and make recommendations to the tree service. This will cost more, but will assure you that only roots that won't damage or kill a tree are removed.

Hiring a tree stump removal service

Tree removalists do not require a licence in Australia. This means anyone can advertise as a tree removalist. Removing trees, stump grinding and root removal can be dangerous work and should only be handled by professionals with years of experience. Any service you hire should:

• Be fully insured and have public liability insurance
• Have at least a Certificate II in Horticulture (Arboriculture) for ground and climbing work
• A Certificate III in Horticulture (Arboriculture) is preferred and should be held by supervisors
• They should be members of a professional organisation such as Arboriculture Australia
• The service should also be well established in the area and be able to provide you with references.
• They should have a clean safety record and be known to do quality work

A good service will be careful and clean up after they are done. Tipping may cost extra, but tree services have the equipment needed to remove everything from your property. Some services also:

• Fill holes with soil
• Install grass
• Do a garden clean up
• Level the area
• Some services can split logs to use in a fireplace

These services may come at an extra cost. When you get quotes for tree removal, stump removal and/or root removal, get itemised quotes so you know exactly what services you are getting. Compare the quotes carefully and see if they include removal in their quotes. A good service will list everything, including:

• Tree removal
• Stump removal
• Root removal (if needed)
• Removal and tipping costs
• Costs for extras such as soil installation, grass, garden clean-up and other services

If you want full service, it will probably cost less than hiring a tree service to remove your trees and then finding someone to install grass or tidy up the yard. Not all services will do these other jobs, but it's worth asking.

Also remember you may need to hire an arborist to assess a tree you want removed. Councils often have a list of protected trees and require a good reason for removing a protected tree. Council may also want to know why you are removing a tree and, especially if it is a large tree, what steps will be taken to remove it safely.

If you only want a tree stump removed from your property, council permission may not be needed. However, tree stump removal is dangerous work and should be done by professionals who take all necessary precautions. These will include the precautions listed above when working around windows or near pipes or underground cables. They should also keep children and adults well away from the area where they are working.