How much does tree stump removal cost?

Quick tree stump removal guide

Uncover the secrets behind the cost of removing tree stumps in the UK. From the price of removing small, inconvenient stumps, to bigger obstacles in your garden. Plus, there’s some tips to help you get the most out of your budget.

We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:

1. Average cost of tree stump removal
2. Hourly rate of tree stump removal professionals
3. Cost of different tree stump removal methods
4. Beware of these hidden tree stump removal costs
5. Tips to save money on tree stump removal
6. Find tree stump removal near you on MyBuilder
7. FAQs common questions

Average cost of tree stump removal

Removing a tree stump is sometimes needed, even though it can be on the more costly side.

The average cost of tree stump removal varies significantly across the UK, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you out. Generally, you can expect to pay between £60 and £400 per stump.

Cost of different tree stump sizes and their removal costs:

Stump Size	Average Cost
Small (≤20–30 cm)	£40–£120
Medium (30–60 cm)	£120–£250
Large (60–90+ cm)	£235–£500+

Hourly rate of tree stump removal professionals

Hiring a professional for your tree stump removal means less hassle and higher safety, though it also usually comes at a higher price. Doing it yourself can save money, but it takes time, effort, and a good deal of know-how, especially if you’re dealing with a large stump. Sometimes it is just worth the tree surgeon costs.

The rate of hiring a professional is around £60 - £400 or more per stump, depending on its size and complexity of removal.

Here are the three key benefits of hiring professionals for stump removal:

Safety and efficiency: Professionals have the right equipment to safely and quickly remove stumps, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring the job is done properly.​

Prevention of pests and diseases: Removing stumps professionally helps eliminate rotting wood that can attract pests like termites or fungal infections, protecting your garden and nearby plants.​

Cost of different tree stump removal methods

When it comes to getting rid of your tree stumps, there’s some different removal methods and costs involved. It might help you to know the difference between each, so you know the costs for your specific stump!

Here’s a quick outline of the different stump removal methods:

Stump grinding:

This popular method uses a mechanical grinder to remove the stump by reducing it to wood chips. It costs on average between £100 - £500 per stump. The main benefit is that it leaves the roots to decompose naturally underground, often resulting in lower labour costs.

Excavation or full removal:

This process involves digging out the entire stump and root system, making it perfect for those planning to plant new trees or build structures. While it is more labour-intensive and costs between £150 - £400 per stump, it ensures complete removal. It's a thorough method but requires heavy machinery and usually higher fees, too.

Chemical removal:

Employing chemical stump killers makes the stump decompose much faster. This is a long-term, low-cost solution, priced around £70 - £150 per stump. Although it's less invasive, the process can take several weeks or months to fully complete, making it best for non-urgent removals.

Burning:

While occasionally considered for its low initial cost, burning is often prohibited due to safety concerns and regulations. Even when permitted, it can cost between £100 - £200 and may not fully remove the stump. Therefore, it's not a widely recommended option.

If you want to know more about tree removal, we have a full guide on full tree removal costs, or even tree transplanting costs, we have guides on that too!

Beware of these hidden tree stump removal costs

It’s important to be aware of the potential hidden costs when planning for tree stump removal, so you can avoid any nasty surprises along the way.

Here’s a quick look at the hidden costs that could come about:

• Access issues: If your garden is difficult to access, it might incur additional charges for labour and equipment transport. Make sure your contractors have all necessary information before hiring.

• Disposal fees: Some stump removal services might not include the cost of removing and disposing of wood chips and debris. You may need to pay extra for disposal, so confirm this service is included in your quote.

• Additional grinding: Occasionally, deeper grinding may be necessary if you plan to plant or build where the stump was located, leading to increased costs. Verify the depth of grinding offered in your initial quote.

• Emergency or same-day service fees: Choosing urgent stump removal can often result in higher service charges.

• Permit charges: In certain areas, removing tree stumps may require permits, especially if the tree was part of a conservation area, leading to additional administrative fees.

It’s best to discuss the details of your job with a professional near you. Just post your job on MyBuilder today, and you can get in touch with local tree stump removal specialists who can guide you through the logistics of your specific jobs. You can even upload images of your stump to make it clearer!

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Tips to save money on tree stump removal

If you’re looking to find ways to save money on your tree stump removal costs, just use this useful list of tips and tricks:

• Negotiate with multiple providers: Reach out to various service providers to compare rates and encourage them to offer competitive pricing.
• DIY chemical removal: For smaller stumps, consider using chemical stump removers as they are usually less expensive and can be a good DIY project.
• Time your project: Consider scheduling the job during off-peak seasons when tree service companies may offer more favourable rates.
• Clean-up Clearing the area around the stump before you get the professionals involved can reduce labour time, and possibly lower the cost of the overall services.

Find tree stump removal near you on MyBuilder

Are unsightly tree stumps ruining your garden’s appeal? Just post your job on MyBuilder today. It’s the quick and easy way to connect with tree surgeons near you, explore different options, read local customer reviews, and hire the right person for the job today!

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FAQs common questions about tree stump removal

What are the most effective methods for tree stump removal?

Stump grinding and stump removal (or excavation) are seen as the most effective methods for tree stump removal.

Stump grinding utilizes specialized machinery to grind the stump down into small chips below the ground level, leaving minimal environmental impact.

Stump removal, on the other hand, involves extracting the entire stump, including the roots, which can be more invasive but ensures complete removal. Other methods include chemical treatments and burning, though these may take more time and require regulatory compliance.

Are there any DIY options for removing a tree stump, and what do they cost?

Yes, there are DIY options for removing a tree stump, including manual digging, using a chainsaw, or applying chemical stump removers. Manual removal requires tools like shovels and axes, costing around £20 to £50. Chainsaw rental can be £30 to £50 per day.

How does the location of the tree stump on my property impact the cost of removal?

The location and accessibility of a tree stump can significantly impact your final removal costs. Stumps located in hard-to-reach areas, near buildings, or with restricted access may require additional equipment or labor, increasing costs.

What other services might be necessary after a tree stump is removed, and how much do they cost?

After stump removal, services like soil refilling, site leveling, reseeding, or planting new vegetation might be required to restore the area. Topsoil and reseeding might add around £50 to £100 to the overall cost.