Thinking of sprucing up your yard? Let’s not forget about removing trees and grinding stumps that have become a permanent part of your mini garden. Sometimes, trees on our property become a potential threat to our safety.
If you’re focused on removing the tree, don’t miss out on getting rid of the stump. The stump will soon become a home for ants, rodents, termites, and all those tree-loving insects.
When you consider tree removal and stump grinding, it’s important to look into the costs, time, and procedure. For homeowners on the Surf Coast, here’s a detailed guide.
Why Remove Trees and Stumps?
Sometimes, tree pruning and trimming work fine for the aesthetics. But it may eventually become necessary to protect your property from a tree that might fall.
Dead or diseased trees end up becoming unstable and pose a risk to your home, vehicle, and people nearby. They may interfere with the power lines, plumbing, and nearby structures.
Stumps are also quite deceptive. They may seem unproblematic on the surface but they become a tripping hazard and serve as a home for pests.
Sometimes, shoots that sprout encourage regrowth. Therefore, it’s wise to address tree removal and stump grinding on time to save yourself from potential problems in the future.
The Tree Removal Process
Tree removal is a detailed process.
- Assessment: A professional arborist assesses the tree’s condition, size, and location to decide if tree removal is necessary. They also suggest the safest way to proceed.
- Planning: Next, the arborist devises a plan that considers safety, accessibility, and any local regulations. If you’re on the Surf Coast, the Surf Coast Shire may need to be contacted for approval.
- Execution: The tree is removed in sections using specialised equipment for precision and safety. This step minimises damage to nearby structures and landscaping.
- Cleanup: All debris is cleared, leaving your yard tidy. Depending on your needs, stump grinding can also be included in this stage.
Why Is Stump Grinding Important?
Removing the tree only to leave behind the stump isn’t a smart move. Stumps present numerous problems, such as:
- Tripping hazard risks
- Attracting unwanted pests
- Encouraging regrowth shoots
- Damaging underground pipes
- Taking up yard space
This is why stump grinding is an important process. It is a quick and cost-efficient method. A stump grinder is used to turn the wood into little chips.
This leaves the area ready for repurposing. It’s also the most cost-effective solution for old and decayed stumps. The roots that are left behind naturally decompose over time.
What Affects the Cost?
Various cost-determining factors are involved when it comes to tree and stump removal.
Tree Size and Condition
Large trees are more costly to remove because they need proper equipment. Diseased and decayed trees make the process more challenging. Therefore, the size and condition of the tree influence the cost.
Stump Size and Location
Larger stumps are more difficult to remove. Besides that, tree species are also a cost-determining factor because some types of wood are denser, which makes them hard to grind. Due to this special machinery is required.
Root Spread
The complexity of the root system also drives up the costs. Roots on the surface are removed easily, while a more complex root system extends two to three times the canopy radius of the tree.
Access
Space constraints, the need for special equipment, proximity to the property, and ease of access are some factors related to the location of the tree that make it challenging to remove it. These factors affect the time it takes for tree removal.
Trees nearer to the fences, homes, and other structures also require extra care and precision, which drives up the tree removal costs.
Average Cost of Tree & Stump Removal in Surf Coast
| Tree Size | Examples | Average Price for Tree Removal | Average Price for Stump Removal |
| Small Trees (under 5m) | Ornamental or fruit trees. | $300 – $900 | $80–$150 (under 30 cm diameter) |
| Medium Trees (5 – 10m) | Species like maples or smaller eucalyptus trees. | $800 to $1,500 | $150–$300 (30–60 cm diameter) |
| Large Trees (20m+) | Gum trees or old pines. | $1500 to $2,800 | $300–$600+ (over 60 cm diameter) |
| Extra Large Trees (30m+) | Oak or fir trees. | $2,800 to $10,000 | $600 to $1,200+ (over 80 cm to 120cm diameter) |
Wrapping Up
Tree pruning and tree trimming are some processes you may be able to handle yourself. While these processes are the best for improving the tree’s health and appearance, they don’t always work for decayed and dead trees.
For that, tree removal is an ideal approach. With tree removal comes the hassle of getting rid of the big stump. Leave this to the pros.
At Stump Grinding, our team of qualified arborists based in Torquay uses state-of-the-art machinery and tools to execute the toughest of tree removal jobs! You can contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get an idea of the budget!