Stump Grinding for Chainsaws
Over time trees will either die or become damaged due to time and the elements and will need to be removed. When trees are cut down, the stumps are often left behind, and many individuals do not know what to do with the stumps. One solution to the stump problem is to have the stumps ground to the desired level allowing for new landscaping to be placed where the old tree and stump were. Individuals can either choose to rent a stump grinder and do the work themselves or hire a professional to come out and grind the stump. Listed below are some common questions and tips to help you better understand the stump grinding process as well as how and where to locate stump grinding rentals or stump grinding professionals in your area.
What is Stump Grinding?
Before determining whether you want to rent a stump grinder and perform the work yourself or hire a professional, it is essential to understand what stump grinding is. When a tree is removed, the stump is often left behind. Stumps are not only unsightly but can also become a hazard, so choosing stump grinding is an economical alternative to stump removal. The stump grinding process involves using a specialized piece of equipment called a stump grinder. Stump grinding consists of cutting down the tree stump without removing the roots. Stump grinders allow individuals to grind the stump to the height they wish and can be as low as 16 inches beneath the ground. A stump grinder utilizes a vertical saw blade that is moved slowly back and forth, cutting the stump into wood chips or sawdust. Once the stump is ground to the desired height, the wood chips or sawdust can be used to fill in the hole allowing for soil or sod to be placed over the area where the stump used to be.

Can I Grind My Own Stump?
For individuals who prefer to do their own landscaping, yes, you can rent a stump grinder and grind your stump. Stump grinders can be rented from local hardware stores, or online, a great resource to find stump grinders for rent in your area is chainsaws.com. Before renting a stump grinder, it is essential to know how big a stump grinder you will need based on the diameter of the stump that you are going to grind. It is important to understand that stump grinders are specialized pieces of equipment that utilize large saw blades to grind stumps and can be very dangerous to operate if you do not know what you are doing. When you pick up your stump grinder, you rented be sure to ask the store to demonstrate how to use the stump grinder properly and what safety equipment you should wear while using the stump grinder.

Advantages of Hiring a Professional for Stump Grinding
While many landscaping jobs can be performed without hiring a professional, it is highly recommended that when it comes to stump grinding, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Not only do professionals have the proper equipment to perform stump grinding properly, they also have the knowledge and experience to do it safely and efficiently. Stump grinders are large pieces of specialized equipment that can be dangerous to operate if you are not familiar with them. A professional service will not only know which size stump grinder to use, but they will also have the proper safety equipment and experience to help significantly reduce the risk of injury and potential harm to the landscape.
Cost Comparison
The cost of stump grinding can vary depending on which region of the country you live in and whether you choose to hire a professional or perform the work yourself. Listed below are the average costs involved in stump grinding:
Rental
Depending on the size of the stump grinder required and the amount of time needed, the average rental prices range from $75 to $400.
Professional
If you choose to hire a professional, their prices will vary depending on how they charge, listed below are the average costs based on various criteria:
- Hourly- Professionals charge on average $150 an hour depending on the size of the stump, larger stumps will cost more.
- Per Stump- Professionals charge from $100 to $200 for the first stump depending on size and then discount each additional stump.
- By Diameter- Professionals who charge by diameter often have a minimum $100 charge with an average of $3 per inch.

Conclusion
Whether you choose to grind stumps yourself or hire a professional, it is essential to always put safety first. Stump grinders are large pieces of specialized equipment that can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. When appropriately used, stump grinders offer an economical way to remove unsightly stumps from your property and allow for new landscaping to be put in their place. If you have any questions regarding stump grinding, whether it is to find a stump grinder to rent or a company to hire to grind stumps for you, the best resource is chainsaws.com. Chainsaws.com is an excellent site to locate local businesses for chainsaws, tree trimming, and rentals from businesses in your area, and they can provide you with an extensive list of expert dealers to visit when you need the best price and high-quality customer service.