If you are looking for a way to remove a stump off of your property, one DIY option that you may want to consider is renting a stump grinder. However, before you go out and rent one, there are a few things you need to know so that you can determine whether a stump grinder rental is the best option. Not only can a stump grinder rental be dangerous if not handled properly, but depending on several factors, it may or may not be economical to rent.
You should first consider the cost of a stump grinder rental versus hiring a professional tree cutting expert. There are many different types of stump grinders so prices will vary. However, you can expect to pay on average $150 to $200 for one day. The cost of hiring a professional to do the work for you will also vary, but you can expect to get at least two to three stumps completely removed for under $150. Something else to consider is that the grinder removes any of the stump that is above the ground and about 6 inches of it that is underneath the soil. So if you want or need the entire stump and root system taken out, then you need to hire a professional. If you only need to take care of a few stumps, then it is cheaper to just let the professionals do the work. For some people using a stump grinder rental sounds exciting, whereas for others, it may sound like a nightmare. If your are one of those people who enjoy doing the work yourself, then consider asking a neighbor if he/she needs any stumps ground. It may be more economical to have two or more people split the cost, and you still get the most out of your stump grinder rental. If you are clearing a piece of property that has several stumps on it, then the cheaper route is definitely to rent.
The blades on a stump grinder rental are extremely sharp, so operating one should be taken very seriously. They are, however, relatively easy to operate as long as all the directions are thoroughly explained. Although the blades are sharp, not all tree types are alike. If you do not know what type of trees are on your property, then ask a tree cutting expert to look at your trees beforehand. If you do not have the right blade, or do not know how to best grind a particular tree type, then it may take you much longer than you expected. For example, Cottonwood is a softer wood, but due to the complex fiber arrangements that make up the trunk, they can be very difficult to grind. Ash trees have a much harder wood, but are easy to grind. You should know how easy or difficult it will be to grind the tree species that you have.
These are just a few of the things that you need to know before you decide if a stump grinder rental is your best option. Just be sure to talk to an expert and evaluate the cost in order to determine if renting a stump grinder is the right choice for you.