If you have a tree stump you want to take out, you can remove it by hand, digging down to the root ball of the tree and cutting out the roots supporting it. This is a difficult physical job that’s time consuming, but it’s an option for anyone with a strong back and shovel.
Another option is to rent a stump grinder, available where you’ll find heavy duty equipment for landscaping. The challenge can be getting the grinder to the stump, because it’s a wide machine and may not fit through a gate opening. Measure the width of the opening and access before considering this option. You can rent a gas-powered stump grinder for the day for $170 and do it yourself. Add the cost to have the grinder delivered and picked up if you don’t have a trailer hitch on your vehicle to transport it.
A third option is the easiest. Hire a tree service who probably has equipment to do the job. The contractor will charge $374, which includes labor and material, to remove a 14-inch- diameter tree stump.
You can expedite the job using an ax and a chainsaw to cut the stump down to about six inches from the ground. Remove any rocks or debris around the stump so they don’t dull or damage the cutting wheel of the grinder. Have a game plan for using or removing all the wood chips you created. Important: Always wear eye and hearing protection when operating a grinder.
Despite the savings you’d get by doing it yourself, this is a job we’d hire out to a professional.
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Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$374 — $170 — 1.7 — 3.0 — $204 — 55%
