If you’re ready to get on the grind of stump removal, here’s how to budget for it
The average stump grinder rental cost is $270 per day, with costs ranging between $90 and $440 per day, depending on the rental source. Many local home improvement stores offer various rental rates spanning a few hours, a day, or a week.
Even after you’ve successfully learned how to cut down a tree, removing the leftover stump is an entirely different story. While there are various ways to kill a stump, using a stump grinder is typically the quickest and most effective. However, renting a stump grinder also comes with a heftier price tag, plus the hazard of operating the machine, so it’s not ideal in every situation. Be sure to equip yourself with the proper knowledge and safety gear needed before you rent a stump grinder.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $90 per day | $270 per day | $440 per day |
Stump grinders are high-risk tools that can accidentally propel objects and debris. When using a stump grinder, equip yourself with protective clear and thoroughly clear the area. Alternatively, hire a professional stump grinder to ensure your personal safety and professional-level results.
A few different factors will play into your stump grinder rental cost. Here are the main points to consider when planning out your budget.
Some rental places offer different time slots for stump grinder rental at varying price points. Below are the average costs for these different time slots.
| Rental Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Hour | $60–$90 |
| Half-Day | $110–$220 |
| Day | $200–$400 |
| Week | $840–$930 |
Stump grinder rental costs can also vary based on the brand of the machine. Consider the average costs for these popular brands.
| Brand | Average Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| AAA Equipment Rental | $135–$250 |
| Herc Rentals | $250–$280 |
| Home Depot | $200–$300 |
| Lowe’s | $120–$150 |
| Sunbelt Rentals | $120–$350 |
Conventional stump grinders range from $200 to $400 per day, while mini grinders cost between $60 and $90 daily. Mini grinders are an economical option for small stumps measuring under 10 inches in diameter.
| Size | Cost per Day |
|---|---|
| Mini Grinder | $60–$90 |
| Regular Stump Grinder | $200–$400 |
Aside from the cost of stump rental, there are a few additional expenses to consider.
Many rental locations will require a deposit of around $150 to $200 to rent a stump grinder. This amount is refundable upon returning the machine as agreed upon by the rental provider. When comparing prices across stump grinder rental services, be sure to factor in the deposit cost and read the terms and conditions thoroughly before signing.
Renting particularly large grinders might also necessitate renting a trailer, adding an extra $50 to $60 to your expenses. If you have a tree larger than 12 inches in diameter, you’ll likely need a large grinder that will need to be transported by trailer.
Obtaining the proper safety gear is a crucial part of learning how to use a stump grinder. You’ll need hearing protection, safety glasses, protective gloves, and any other necessary safety gear specified in your stump grinder’s safety instructions. These materials typically cost less than $50.
Many rental providers will require you to refuel the stump grinder before you return it. Costs vary based on fuel rates in your area and the amount of gas consumed during use.
The average cost of professional yard cleanup is $360, but prices can range from $190 to $1,000. Stump grinders will leave a mess of wood and debris behind, so the cleanup afterward is another thing to consider. You can hire a landscape cleanup team to do it or invest your time to manually remove debris and wood chips.
The average cost of professional stump grinding is around $320. Prices may go as low as $150 for small stumps or reach upwards of $500 for hardwood or twisted trunks. All that considered, hiring a professional stump removal service is a good investment if you only have a single stump to remove, as prices for stump grinder rental are not much lower. Plus, there are also time and effort savings to consider—a professional stump grinder can typically remove a stump within minutes, whereas a novice DIYer might take a few hours. In any case, it’s wise to get quotes from several professionals and compare them against the cost of equipment rental.
Here are some strategies to help you cut costs when renting a stump grinder:
Compare rental prices from different suppliers or rental outlets to find the best deal.
Assess the job's scale and rent for the precise duration needed. Sometimes, a shorter or longer rental period may be more cost-effective.
If you have multiple stumps or neighbors need similar services, consider splitting the cost by renting together and bundling services.
Look for off-season discounts when rental providers may offer lower rates.
Look for online coupons or promotional codes that might apply to your rental, especially through the rental company's website or third-party discount platforms.
Leaving a tree stump in the ground poses several potential issues. Firstly, stumps can become a breeding ground for pests like termites or ants, which might spread to nearby healthy trees or structures. They can also attract fungi or diseases that could affect other plants nearby. Stumps left unattended could hinder future landscaping plans, obstructing new growth or making it challenging to mow. Additionally, as the stump decays, it might sprout new shoots, leading to unwanted tree growth. Removing stumps prevents these problems, enhancing the aesthetic and safety of the landscape.
There are a few different ways to kill a stump. Epsom salt or rock salt will work, as will glyphosate and other specialized herbicides meant for killing stumps. To use these, you’ll need to drill holes in the stump and fill the holes with your product of choice. Alternatively, you can cover the stump with a dark heavy-duty tarp and deprive it of sunlight until it dies.
Yes, a DIY stump burn is a feasible way to get rid of a stump. However, it can take upwards of a day or longer and may be difficult or even impossible to pull off. The stump needs to be completely dry, ideally at least one year old; otherwise the fire isn’t likely to burn continuously. Safety hazards are a serious concern—it’s crucial not to leave the fire unattended or burn a stump near any flammable structures.
The cost to buy a stump grinder can fall anywhere between $1,450 and $19,800, with the majority of models priced below $3,000. However, grinders designed for construction or extensive commercial use might exceed $100,000 in cost. Prices vary based on the type of grinder, the brand, features, and other factors.
