Stumps can be more than just an eyesore in your garden. They can pose safety hazards, attract pests, and hinder your landscaping efforts. That’s why hiring a professional to properly remove tree stumps is well worth the cost.
Professional stump removal typically involves two different methods: stump grinding and stump removal with excavation. Understanding each method will help give you an idea of the process involved and the average cost of removing a tree stump.
Tree Stump Grinding Costs
Stump grinding is one of the methods used to remove stumps. It involves using a mechanical stump grinder to grind the stump down to below ground level. Either soil or the wood chips produced from the grinding can then be used to fill the hole.
Grinding a tree stump is generally more cost-effective compared to other methods, and it allows for the laying of grass or other plants in the area.
| Stump Size | Grinding Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 1 ft) | £40 – £80 |
| Medium (1-2 ft) | £80 – £250 |
| Large (2-3 ft) | £250 – £400 |
| Extra Large (3+ ft) | £400+ |
Tree Stump Removal Costs Using Excavation
In some cases, stump removal with excavation may be the best option This involves physically digging out the stump and its entire root system. It requires more labour and time compared to stump grinding, making it a higher-cost option. However, if you remove a stump using excavation, it ensures complete removal of the stump, including its roots.
If you need to lay new foundations for a wall or patio where the tree(s) were previously located, excavation is the only option. It also provides a clean base for sowing grass, plants or other types of trees/shrubs.
| Stump Size | Excavation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small (up to 1 ft) | £80 – £150 |
| Medium (1-2 ft) | £150 – £300 |
| Large (2-3 ft) | £300 – £500 |
| Extra Large (3+ ft) | £500+ |
Average Tree Stump Removal Prices
To calculate the average cost of stump removal, we looked at several well-known websites to compare their cost of tree stump removal.
The first website, Household Quotes listed their prices per stump as:
| Stump Size | Time Required | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 30 – 60 minutes | £110 – £150 |
| Medium | 1 – 2 hours | £170 – £350 |
| Large | 2 – 4 hours | £250 – £550 |
The next website, MyJobQuote listed prices for both tree stump grinding and removal on the page as follows:
| Stump Size | Removal Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (< 5 inches) | Excavation | £150 – £200 |
| Medium (5 > inches) | Excavation | £200 – £350 |
| Multiple stumps | Excavation | £200 – £350 |
| Small (< 5 inches) | Grinding | £40 – £80 |
| Medium (5 > inches) | Grinding | £80 – £350 |
| Multiple stumps | Grinding | £80 – £350 |
The final website we reviewed was TradesmenCosts.
| Stump Size | Methods | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (20-40cm) | Extraction £50 / Grinding £40 | £90 – £100 |
| Medium (40-60cm) | Extraction £110 / Grinding £70 | £170 – £210 |
| Large (60-80cm) | Extraction £160 / Grinding £110 | £235 – £500 |
Our analysis showed that the average cost to remove a stump using grinding is less than the professional tree stump extraction/excavation method. And that the size of the stump clearly will affect the cost.
This makes perfect sense, as the time taken to remove a small tree will be much less than that of a larger tree. Removing a stump can take from 30 minutes to multiple hours depending on the stump size and if the tree root needs to be removed as well.
Factors Affecting Stump Removal Costs
Several factors influence the cost of professional stump removal, some are quite obvious, such as the number of stumps and the size of the stumps. But some homeowners are surprised at other cost factors which will affect the overall price.
Accessibility, the tree type (hardwood/softwood) and the location of the tree stump in your garden all impact the labour cost. Additionally, regional variations, such as in London or South England, and the time of the year can also influence the cost of the job.
Number of Stumps
If you have multiple stumps that need to be removed, some stump removal services may offer package deals or discounts. Removing several stumps in one visit can be more cost-effective than individual removal jobs. When seeking quotes from professional tree surgeons, make sure to tell them how many stumps you need to remove.
Size and Type of Stump
The size and type of the stump play a significant role in determining the cost of removal. Larger stumps require more labour time and may need specialized equipment for efficient removal. Additionally, hardwood trees are usually more challenging to remove compared to softwood stumps, which can affect the overall cost.
Accessibility and Location
The accessibility and location of the stump also impact the cost. If the stump is located in a hard-to-reach area or close to structures like buildings, underground drains or power lines, additional care and effort are necessary to ensure they are safely removed without damaging anything.
For example, if the stump is located right next to a shed, the equipment will need to be carefully controlled to ensure there is no damage to the shed. The extra precautions will slightly increase the overall cost of the removal.
Waste Removal
Depending on whether the stump is removed by a stump grinding process or by physical excavation of the stump and the root, there will be waste produced. If you ask the tree surgeon/landscaper to remove the tree stump from your property, they will incur additional transportation costs and waste disposal costs which will increase the price for you.
Getting & Comparing Stump Removal Quotes
To get an accurate estimate cost for stump removal, it’s important to obtain quotes from reputable stump removal services. Contact multiple companies and provide them with the necessary details, including the size and type of the stump, its location, and what access to the stump is like.
Once you have gathered several quotes, take the time to compare them. Look beyond the cost alone and consider factors such as the company’s reputation, experience, and customer reviews (and their insurance cover!).
Don’t become one of these “nightmare builder” stories, where the homeowner was left high and dry.
For example, we are aware of occasions where a customer had received several quotes for their stump removal project. While one quote seemed significantly cheaper than the others, upon closer inspection, they discovered that the company did not have the proper insurance or certifications. In the end, they chose a reputable company with slightly higher costs. This gave them peace of mind when the job was done safely and professionally.
While some homeowners may consider DIY options when they want to remove tree stumps, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making that decision. Hiring professionals saves you time, and effort, and helps prevent the risk of deadly accidents.
Use a tree surgeon – it costs you nothing to ask for a few free quotes to compare.
Remember that the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best service, so consider value and quality when making your decision.
By using our free quote system, you will receive multiple estimates from local professional tree surgeons to compare.
