Tree Stump Removal Costs
The easy bit of removing trees in the garden is getting rid of the bit which you see above the ground. Once you’ve dealt with the trunk, branches, and leaves you’re left with the stump and roots, and that can often be the part of removing a tree which is the trickiest to deal with. Larger, heavier stumps can be removed using excavators or through stump grinding whereas small stumps can be removed by weedkiller.
Removing a tree stump should be every homeowner’s priority as not only do they look unsightly and dangerous, but they can lead to a problem known as suckering. Suckering involves new shoots and growth springing up from the cut root when the stump has not been completely killed off, and the root system of the tree is still alive. Suckers cannot grow from dead stumps however they can still host root diseases like honey fungus which can affect other plants in your garden.
What is Tree Stump Grinding?
Alongside removing a tree stump with excavating equipment, stump grinding is another popular method for removing tree stumps. The grinding process involves a machine with large spinning blades that can reduce even the toughest of wood down to sawdust. Stump grinding can reduce a stump to around 4 to 6 inches in depth and can also grind down the roots into the ground. This method is perfect for clearing a garden area.
Cost of Tree Stump Removal
The type of tree, size and location can impact the total cost of removing a tree stump. Although most tree stump removals start at around £30. The prices slightly differ as to the location of the stump, whether it is in your front or back garden. For a tree stump removal in your front garden, it can start at £4.50 per inch whereas it costs slightly more at £5 per inch for a removal in your back garden.
Here are the average costs for removing different sized stumps in both a front and back garden:
|
SIZE OF TREE STUMP |
FRONT GARDEN |
BACK GARDEN |
|
10 inch/ 254mm |
£45 |
£50 |
|
15 inch/ 381mm |
£68 |
£75 |
|
20 inch/ 508mm |
£90 |
£100 |
|
25 inch/ 635mm |
£110 |
£125 |
|
30 inch/ 762mm |
£135 |
£150 |
Labour Costs
There are many different ways that tradespeople price a tree stump removal. This can either be charged per stump, priced as a complete job or per their hourly rates. Although it varies, the average tree surgeon’s hourly rate will cost between £50 to £150. The time it takes to complete a tree stump removal depends on the method of removal, type of wood, alongside how deep the roots of the tree stump are. As a guide, a tree stump removal can take as little as half an hour, or for more complex jobs up to 4 hours. If you are looking to get an accurate price, then it is best to ask your tree surgeon for an estimate before they begin the removal.
Additional costs
Like with any job additional factors can raise the total cost of a job. Some factors that can add to the total cost of a tree stump removal include:
- Number of Tree Stumps: The more stumps that need removing, the higher the cost will be. Although the cost will be higher overall, most contractors will offer a lower price per stump removal.
- Accessibility: As the equipment such as excavators or stump grinders need to be transported to the stump, there needs to be a wide clearance of around 70-80cm to be able to fit the equipment in closed area. This is especially important for back gardens as they are harder to access and are generally charged at an extra 50p per inch.
- Size: An accurate estimate can only be given with the correct measurements. Incorrect measurements can give an inaccurate estimate which could under-price a tree stump removal. Larger tree stumps will cost more as they will take more time increasing labour costs. To truly measure a tree stump properly, the stump should be measured from the base and include any exposed roots.
- Softwood vs Hardwood: There are two types of wood in the UK softwood or hardwood, and the cost of a tree stump removal can depend on the type of wood. Softwood trees will cost around the average prices as seen above whereas hardwood trees such as birch, sycamore, elm, or ash can cost several hundred pounds to remove.
Other methods of stump removal
Although the most popular methods of removing tree stumps in the UK are stump removal and stump grinding, there are two other methods: burning and chemical removal.
Burning
Burning requires a lot of skill and experience but if done correctly can be cheap and dependable. There are many pros and cons to burning tree stumps as there can be many safety precautions that need to be taken to ensure that it is controlled and safe. It is also good practice to check the legal restrictions from your local council as this method will produce a great amount of smoke. This method is not suitable for those that want a quick removal as it is a slower process than removing a stump with specialised equipment or through stump grinding.
Chemical Removal
Tree stumps can be removed with chemicals but be aware of the risks. You should not chemicals if you need a stump to be removed quickly as it is a slow process, and the chemicals involved can harm pets and children if they become exposed.
Reasons to remove a stump
Although tree stumps are generally seen as harmless, there are several important reasons why a tree stump should be removed. These include:
Aesthetic and Minor problems
- They can be an unattractive feature in gardens
- Stumps can make it hard to maintain a garden
- It can be off-putting to potential buyers if you are looking to sell your home
- Tree stumps can attract insects like termites and ants
- Can cause an obstruction when trying to build
- When hidden through long grass, it can cause a potential hazard to people and lawn mowers
Serious Hazards
- If a tree stump is near a building, the roots can spread and affect the structure
- A tree stump is susceptible to suckering and diseases which can spread to other plants in your garden
- Suckering roots can damage plumbing which may cost hundreds of pounds to repair
