It’s not enough to cut down an unwanted tree on your property and just leave the stump. If the stump is left,  you may encounter problems such as:

• Disease – Rotting stumps bring fungi and health concerns. They can affect the local ecosystem as well.
• A tripping hazard – A stump can be an accident risk, especially for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
• Infestations – Various pests like termites, ants, or beetles are attracted to rotting stumps.
• Poor aesthetics – Face it, tree stumps are ugly. So much so that it might even affect your property’s kerb appeal (if it can be viewed from the street).

The answer is to have the tree stump taken out. But while stump removal is necessary, it’s not cheap. That’s where this guide comes in: Should you decide to get rid of a tree stump on your property, we’ve gathered the details you need to know. This Tree Stump Removal Cost Guide is designed to help you make an informed decision and get the best value for your money.

Note: Stump removal does not normally include taking out the roots. The standard practice is to use a stump grinding machine to pulverise tree stumps to about 20 to 30 centimetres below the ground’s surface.

How much does tree stump removal cost?

So how much is tree stump grinding? There is no hard and fast answer. On average, expenses would likely range as follows:

• $40 to $60 for stumps with a diameter of 15 to 25 centimetres.
• $80 to $120 for stumps with a diameter of 25 to 40 centimetres.
• $120 to $200 for stumps with a diameter of 45 to 60 centimetres.
• $175 to $300 for stumps with a diameter of 65 to 80 centimetres.
• $250 to $400 for stumps with a diameter of 85 to 120 centimetres.

Factors that impact tree stump removal cost

Even with the price range provided above, you should expect the average cost to remove a tree to vary because of several different variables. These include the following:

• Stump size - The general rule in stump removal is as follows: The wider the tree, the higher the stump and tree removal cost. Simply put, larger stumps require more effort to remove. They take more time to grind or completely pull out from the ground.
• Tree species - This can also affect the overall tree stump removal cost – particularly when you chose to grind them, because the waste of certain tree species isn’t always recyclable. For example, if the woodchips gathered from grinding a stump aren’t suitable to use as mulch, your stump removal specialist will have to spend more time or resources to get rid of the waste, and this expense will be passed onto you. Another reason why tree species affect the cost is that some are softer and easier to remove. Palm, for instance, is a type of monocotyledon, which have softer stems than dicotyledons. The price for removing palm stumps will typically be cheaper because the process will take less time.
• Accessibility -  Another rule to stump removal services goes like this: the closer and easier the tradie can get their truck and equipment to your stump, the faster they’ll be able to finish the job, and the lower your stump and tree removal cost. This is important because stump removal, particularly stump grinding, requires the use of a stump grinder, which can be the size of a lawn mower or can be as large as a truck. Either way, transporting this equipment to your stump takes time and effort. If your stump is easily accessible, you will spend less overall.
• Root system -  Another factor that can add to the time and effort in removing your tree stump is its root structure. A stump with large, complex roots is more difficult to pull out or grind, and this will add to the overall labour cost.
• Clean-up work -  If you decided to grind an unwanted tree stump, you can get rid of the remaining woodchips yourself or ask the stump removal specialist to do it for you. Should you go with the former, the specialist will leave the ground woodchips in a neat pile. If you choose the latter, you’ll likely be charged an additional fee for clean-up work.
• Location -  Tree stump removal cost varies depending on where you’re located. This can be because of labour costs, or even the size and type of trees in the area. Below are the average rates for stump removal services:

Is it better to grind a stump or remove it?

This may sound like a cop-out, but there is no clear-cut answer and really just depends on you and your circumstances. Here are the pros and cons of each option:

Stump grinding benefits

• It’s the quickest, least strenuous way to get rid of a tree stump.
• Grinding your stump will result in woodchips, which you can use as mulch.
• Adds more valuable space to your property.

Stump grinding disadvantages

• It doesn’t completely remove all of a stump’s roots.
• The remaining roots will decay. This may spread to other parts of your property and lead to pests.
• With the roots intact, you face the risk of damaging pipes, sidewalks, foundations, etc.
• Roots take upwards of a decade to decay.

Stump removal benefits

• This method removes the stump and all its roots.
• It prevents the spread of decay and pests.
• Adds more valuable space to your property.
• With the stump and its roots removed, you minimise the risk of damaging pipes, sidewalks, foundations, etc.

Stump removal disadvantages

• Digging out a stump and its roots is a strenuous process.
• While chemical stump removers hasten the decay, the process takes a long time.
• Chemical stump removers are dangerous. Improper use is a safety hazard and may leach into other areas of your property.

Note that the items presented here presume that you hired a stump removal specialist to get the job done.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?

As mentioned in the previous section, stump grinding is the quickest, relatively safer, and least strenuous way to get rid of a tree stump. It’s faster than:

• Digging out a tree stump.
• Using Epsom salt, compost, or nitrogen fertiliser.
• Using a potassium nitrate stump remover.

Stump grinding is also safer than burning a tree stump. Burning is actually dangerous because the fire can spread quickly through the stump’s underground roots.

How long does it take for a stump to rot underground?

The time it takes for a tree stump – particularly its roots – to rot underground depends on several factors including the climate in your area, the type of tree, and soil composition. All these things considered, a stump may take 10 to 15 years to rot without any treatment.

How can I find the best tree stump removal cost possible?

It’s easy: Simply visit iseekplant, Australia’s trusted search site for hire equipment and contracting services. Through our website’s powerful search capabilities, you can find and compare many stump removal services in mere clicks.

Bonus tips:

• Do not remove a tree stump by yourself. It takes the right knowledge, experience, and equipment to safely remove a tree stump. For best results, hire a professional.
• When carrying out your search, get quotations from at least three stump removal specialists, then compare their rates to get competitive stump removal cost estimates.
• Stump removal services do not require a license but make sure they have insurance. This is to protect you and your property from liability in case an accident occurs while you’re having a tree stump taken out.

However, if you’re busy and don’t have the time to find a qualified stump removal service by yourself, you still have a couple of options to pursue:

• Get in touch with our expert team at 1300 691 912; or
• Email our Projects Team with your specifications. They will then find you stump removal specialists who are ready to meet your needs.