Do you have a tree stump on the property that you want to remove? You not only need detailed instructions for this, but also a root grinder that does the physical work for you. Since tree stumps are stuck in the ground and can only be removed with great effort, you must plan the project well and anticipate the associated costs. You can find an overview of the costs incurred here, as well as detailed instructions on how to remove the tree stump.
Remove tree stump
Root grinder: costs
A crucial point when removing a tree stump is the use of a root grinder. While there are other methods by which the stump is destroyed, the bur is one of the quickest and most effective methods. However, since this is heavy equipment that only a small proportion of domestic gardeners have available, you will incur certain costs. At first glance, these naturally include the procurement of the machine itself. You have two options here: buy or rent.
Buy
Purchasing a tree stump cutter is not affordable for many people because they are not really cheap:
- new: 2,500 to 6,000 euros
- used: 1,000 to 3,000 euros
Of course, hydraulic root cutters are significantly more expensive because you do not have to guide them yourself and sometimes they can be entire vehicles. You should generally take this into account when planning. For private customers, a hand-held root cutter is completely sufficient in most cases. A hydraulic variant can only be worthwhile if you are dealing with a huge tree stump or numerous tree stumps. But in themselves, the hand-held models are completely sufficient and are significantly cheaper.
Rent
If you rent a stump grinder, you have to expect the following costs, depending on the provider:
- Day: 30 to 250 euros
- Week: 250 to 750 euros
Are you wondering how the large price range is created? That depends on the individual providers, because you have a wide range of options at your disposal. These include:
- private individuals
- hardware stores
- online provider
- garden services
- Manufacturer
As you may have guessed, the rental costs are lowest when you rent a device from private individuals. If you're lucky and the provider lives in close proximity to you, the final cost will be less. Even better if you live in the country, as a majority of the devices can be found in rural areas.
Additional costs
In addition to the rental costs mentioned above or the actual purchase price of the machine, you also have to consider the following possible costs:
- maintenance and cleaning
- Fuel, for example petrol
- oil supply
- sharpen
- wear and tear
- transport
- equipment
- environmental taxes
- Surcharges for liability exemption regulations, fire regulations, theft regulations
Of course, these depend heavily on how intensively you use the milling machine, pick it up yourself from the supplier or need additional materials. It also depends on the type of milling machine. Note that if you want to remove a tree stump on your own, you should use machines with a maximum weight of around 200 kilograms. Heavier devices are mostly intended for the industrial sector. Of course, the machine is selected depending on the weight. Typically, the diameter of the blades is between 25 and 40 centimeters. They are suitable for residual limbs with a maximum diameter of 20 centimetres. After that, a heavier machine is necessary. You can usually save a lot of money if you transport the milling machine yourself. But you need a suitable trailer for this.
notice: If you are not yet familiar with the handling of a tiller, you should first get instruction from an expert, otherwise there is a high risk of accidents. You could also severely damage the soil or other plants around the tree stump if you do not guide the device correctly.
preparation
Before you can start milling, you need to equip yourself with the necessary materials and utensils, as well as do some preparation. These are important to work effectively and safely. Root grinders can be dangerous if you use them incorrectly or if you don't pay attention to your safety. At the beginning you should be clear about the protective clothing:
- safety goggles
- sturdy gloves
- ear protection
- sturdy work shoes
Safety goggles are essential as milling will throw up numerous splinters that could get into your eyes. Also, the machine isn't exactly quiet, which will not only affect your ears, but those of your neighbors. For this reason, be sure to select a period for milling when the use of heavy equipment is permitted. That is, refrain from using at the following times:
- Night rest: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m
- Sundays
- public holidays
Many people wonder if there is a statutory lunchtime rest in Germany. You can rest assured that, despite popular belief, it doesn't exist. If there is a midday rest, this is determined by the individual municipalities and usually takes place in a period from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. or shorter. Therefore, before using the milling machine, be sure to find out whether there is a lunch break in your area. In addition to the protective clothing and when you want to remove the tree stump, it is important to make enough space for it. The following points should be accessible to facilitate access and delivery, as well as to guarantee a smooth workflow:
- driveway or sidewalk
- Path to the tree stump
- Location around the tree stump
Find out the size of the tiller in advance and adjust the work area accordingly. Here you should make sure that the milling machine can be moved without any problems. So make sure the working area is about twice the length of the device to rotate and move it easily. Also, choose a dry day for this endeavor. The weight of the root grinder is not low and the device can sink into a wet, unpaved surface. You don't have to prepare more to effectively remove the tree stump.
notice: Of course, if you hire a professional, you don't have to prepare anything, just make the stump accessible. On average, professionals charge between 90 and 120 euros per hour or a fixed amount per centimeter, which can sometimes even be cheaper than the hourly rate.
Remove tree stump: instructions
Now the time has come. The preparations are complete, it's dry and the machine is ready. Using the root grinder is no problem with the following instructions:
1. Ensure security
Put on protective clothing and position the root grinder. It is important that you attach the wheels well according to the model so that the tiller can be operated without problems. Never use the tiller with loose wheels as the machine is very heavy and needs support to keep it from shifting during use.
2. Adjust the tiller
The working axis is now released for use by the milling machine. The device cannot be used without this function. Adjust the machine so that the milling disc hovers just above the tree stump for easy operation. A good starting position is two centimeters above the trunk, starting from one side of the bark. It is not milled directly from above, but from a gentle angle. This makes the work much easier.
3. Start milling
Switch on the machine and start milling the surface of the tree stump in quick strokes. To do this, move the milling disc calmly and not too slowly over the stump. This way you remove the first layer that often protects the tree.
4. Align again
Once you have removed part of the surface, you can start with the rest of the stump. This requires you to realign the axis so the cutter disc isn't hanging too far in the air and just needs to be lowered onto the wood as in the previous steps.
5. Remove layer by layer
Turn on the root grinder again and start removing layer by layer of the stump. Always keep an eye on the angle of the milling disc to guarantee the best performance.
As soon as you have removed several centimeters, you have to completely readjust the device. This way you can get lower and lower and you can even grind the roots. Continue doing this until the entire stump has been crushed.
6. Dismantling
Finally, dismantle the machine. Plant materials are disposed of as detailed below.
Discard tree stump and roots
Once the stump has been finally removed, all that remains is to dispose of the remains of the stump and roots. Disposal is highly dependent on the type of tree that was felled. When it comes to deciduous trees, the roots must be taken out of the ground and disposed of with them. Remaining roots of deciduous trees can sprout again in the coming years and lead to the formation of new specimens. With conifers, on the other hand, you can do without disposal, since the remains and roots simply rot. You have the following disposal options:
- professional removal
- disassemble yourself
If you hire a professional, the costs will be significantly higher. If you decide to do this, you can also have the entire tree stump professionally removed immediately. You can also remove the roots on your own with a tiller or chop them up with an ax or chainsaw and dispose of them. Since the majority of cultivated trees in Germany are not poisonous, you can easily let the remains rot on the compost. You can also use the wood to fuel a fireplace or your heating system. If you do not have space for the leftovers, you can dispose of them, for example, in bulky waste, waste wood collection or a waste collection point. If the wood is untreated, disposal is much cheaper.
notice: Of course, if you have cut down trees like a walnut, the root wood of which is quite valuable, you can try to sell the roots and parts of the stump. Walnut root wood in particular is very popular as a veneer and is often used by hobby do-it-yourselfers.