The average cost to remove a stump
Do you have a tree in your garden that you would rather get rid of? For example, it may be that less sunlight comes into your garden because of the tree. Or that you want a different layout of your garden and that the tree no longer fits. Or maybe the tree is sick. Then you can cut the tree. It is then useful to immediately remove the tree stump. Then you can use that space for other purposes. If you have a landscape gardener do this, he will take special tools with him and it will take much less time than if you tackle this job yourself. How a professional tackles this job and what the costs are of removing a tree stump, we list for you in this article.
What is the average cost of having a tree stump removed?
It is possible that there is still a stump in your garden from a tree that has already been cut down earlier, for example by previous residents. Then you only have to remove the tree stump. However, it is more likely that there is a tree in your garden that you want to remove, stump and all. That is why we have put the prices for cutting down a tree and removing a stump in the overview below.
Permit required for tree felling
You can't usually just cut down a tree. Not even if that tree is in your own garden. Sometimes it is sufficient to only report it to the municipality, for example, if the tree is dead or ill, or if you are experiencing nuisance from it. If you want to remove the tree because you prefer to use the site for something else, chances are that you will need to apply for an environmental permit for this. Check whether this also applies to you via the Environment Desk or at your municipality. Only removing a tree stump grinding is usually without a permit. There are costs associated with applying for a permit and it often takes some time before everything is arranged. So keep that in mind in your budget and planning.
Cables and pipes in your garden?
Do you want to cut down a tree in your front yard? Then there may be cables and pipes in the ground from the utilities to your home, such as gas, water, electricity, and data. When removing the stump, you want to make sure you don't hit it. Do you want to know if there are cables and pipes near your tree stump? Then you can make a Klic application at the Land Registry. You will then receive a map showing the underground infrastructure. You will then need a Klic application for a house connection. So don't forget to check that box. The costs of a Klic report are €16.50. You can also leave the Klic report to the gardener. He will then pass the costs on to you. Are you going to machine dig? If you have the stump removed with the help of an excavator, the Klic report is even an obligation. The professional can advise you on this.Tree stump removal: why outsource?
Removing a stump or cutting down a tree is best done by a professional. A landscape gardener knows exactly how best to tackle this job, without causing damage to your home or garden. In addition, the professional has the right tools to remove the tree stump quickly and effectively. You can often also rent these tools, but the costs are not small. The question is also whether you know exactly what to do with those tools.In addition, a professional has knowledge about how deep to remove the roots of a tree stump. This depends on what you want to do with that place next. Before the professional starts removing the tree, it is smart to indicate this to him. This way you can be sure that he removes the roots far enough and that you will not be hindered by this later on. The guidelines for how deep to remove the roots are as follows:
Laying out a lawn: 20 to 30 centimeters deep
Planting: 30 centimeters deep
Laying garden paving: 30 centimeters deep
Place a fence: 40 to 50 centimeters deep
Planting a new tree: 50 centimeters deep
Cutting down a tree: this is how the craftsman works
If a gardener is going to remove a tree from your garden, he can work in different ways. Which method he chooses depends on the size of your garden, the size of the tree, and the accessibility of your garden for the machines.Tree felling: three options
The gardener can remove a tree in three ways:
Fall: This is the fastest and cheapest way to cut down a tree. The gardener saws the tree off at the ground in one go. The condition is, of course, that the tree has sufficient space to fall. To determine the direction of fall, the gardener makes a notch. Using an ax or chainsaw, he makes an oblique cut in the tree, to a little further than half the trunk. Then he makes a second cut from below. If the two points touch, the tree can already begin to slope in the chosen direction.
Climbing: If there is not enough space to drop the tree in one go, the gardener cuts the tree into parts. The cheapest method of cutting the tree into sections is with the climbing technique. The gardener climbs the tree and removes parts of the tree piece by piece. It starts at the top with small, thin branches. Then he removes the large branches. And finally, he cuts off a section of the trunk until it is near the ground, or until the tree is low enough to fall. Then he lets the tree fall in the desired direction with the help of a notch.
Aerial platform: If the tree is too sick or for other reasons not safe enough to climb, the gardener uses an aerial platform to cut the tree into parts. This is by far the most expensive method, because, in addition to labor costs, you also pay the rent of the aerial platform.
Removing a tree stump: that's how it works
Once the tree has been felled, the professional can remove the stump. This can often be done by the same professional. It also saves on costs if you have the tree stump removed immediately. For example, you only pay the call-out costs once.To remove a stump, the gardener often uses a stump grinder. This is the fastest and cheapest way to remove a stump. For an average tree, this takes about an hour of work. With the stump grinder, the professional mills out the stump and the roots. The stump and roots are removed with tremendous force and destroyed. Sometimes a shredder is also attached to the stump grinder. This chipper immediately makes the wood of the tree trunk and the roots small.
If milling is not an option because there is no space for the machine or it is not necessary because it is a smaller tree, the gardener can choose to dig out the stump. This takes more time, even with a small tree, because it is more manual work. That is also reflected in the price. If the craftsman removes the stump by digging it out, he exposes the stump and the roots as much as possible and then saws it off.
Felling a tree: removing wood
The tree has been removed, but what do you do with all the wood? Usually, the gardener offers you several options. For example, you can shred it, if that has not already been done by the stump grinder. The wood chips make a nice garden path or can serve as ground cover around a playground for the children. You can of course also have the wood removed by the gardener. Often there are costs involved. If you want to save money, you can also choose to dispose of the remaining wood yourself. Do you have a fireplace or woodstove? Then of course you also have excellent firewood with that felled tree. You can have it cut into logs by the gardener or you can get started with an ax or saw yourself.
Advice from a professional
Do you want to have your tree stump removed by a professional? Or do you want to cut down the entire tree? Werkspot puts you in touch with experienced and expert gardeners who can carry out this job for you. We already spoke with the gardeners of LAC Dienstverlening be about what you can take into account if you want to have a tree stump removed. Their advice: “Make sure there is enough space to get the machine into the garden. We work with a machine of 70 centimeters or 140 centimeters wide. When the machine is big enough for the work, we are done faster. The consumer notices this in the costs.
