Stump Removal Methods Overview

Three main methods exist for removing tree stumps in Australia: stump grinding ($150-$500, 30 mins - 2 hours), complete stump removal/excavation ($300-$800, 2-6 hours), and chemical treatment ($20-$80, 6-18 months). Stump grinding is the most popular choice for 85% of cases because it costs less, causes minimal ground disturbance, and leaves a level surface perfect for lawn or paving. Complete removal is required when building structures over the site, planting new trees, or dealing with aggressively resprouting species. Chemical treatment is the cheapest option but slowest, suitable for rural properties with no time pressure or inaccessible locations.

Stump Grinding: Process, Costs, and Pros/Cons

Stump grinding uses a rotating cutting wheel with carbide teeth to chip away wood in sweeping side-to-side motions, grinding the stump down to 20-30cm below ground level. Costs vary by size: small stumps under 30cm cost $150-$250, medium 30-60cm cost $250-$400, large 60-90cm cost $400-$600, and extra-large over 90cm cost $600-$1,000+. Multiple stumps receive 15-25% discount. What's left behind: main roots remain 30cm+ below surface and decompose naturally over 3-5 years, 50-200 litres of wood chips that can be used as mulch, and the area may sink 5-10cm over 6-12 months as roots decay. Advantages include fast completion, minimal ground disturbance, lower cost, and ability to plant grass over area. Disadvantages include roots remaining underground, potential resprouting for eucalypts/liquidambar, cannot plant new tree in same spot for 2-3 years, and not suitable for building foundations over site.

Complete Stump Removal (Excavation): Process and When Required

Complete removal excavates soil around stump exposing root ball, digs 1-2 metres deep, cuts major roots with chainsaw/axe, uses excavator or winch to lever out stump, removes stump and major roots from site, then backfills large hole with soil. Costs by size: small under 30cm $250-$400, medium 30-60cm $400-$650, large 60-90cm $650-$1,000, extra-large over 90cm $1,000-$2,000+. Complete removal is necessary when: building foundations (pool, shed, extension, retaining wall), planting new tree in same location, dealing with aggressive species (liquidambar, camphor laurel, bamboo), diseased stumps to prevent disease spread, or need complete root clearance for underground services. Costs more due to excavator hire ($150-$200/hour), disposal fees ($80-$200 per tonne), backfill soil purchase ($50-$150 per cubic metre), and labour intensive work.

Chemical Stump Treatment: Products, Process, and Timeline

Chemical treatment has two purposes: decay acceleration (6-18 months) and preventing resprouting. For decay, drill multiple holes 2-3cm wide and 20-25cm deep, fill with potassium nitrate or decomposer, cover with plastic to keep moist, wait 6-18 months for complete decay, then break up softened stump with axe or burn. For preventing resprouting, cut stump and immediately treat within 15 minutes, apply glyphosate or triclopyr to fresh cut, paint undiluted product on cambium layer (outer ring), chemical travels down into root system, retreat any new shoots that appear. Product options: Potassium nitrate/stump remover ($15-$35) accelerates decomposition and makes stump burnable, Glyphosate/Roundup ($20-$50) kills roots systemically to prevent resprouting, Triclopyr/Garlon ($30-$80) more effective on woody plants and persistent species. Advantages include extremely low cost, no machinery or noise, no ground disturbance, easy DIY project. Disadvantages include very slow timeline, stump remains visible eyesore, chemical safety concerns with children/pets, and may damage nearby plants.

DIY vs Professional Stump Removal: Cost Analysis and Decision Factors

DIY options include: chemical treatment ($20-$80, easy difficulty, 30-60 minutes active work, low risk), grinder rental ($150-$350/day, moderate-hard difficulty, 1-4 hours per stump, moderate risk of equipment damage $500-$3,000), and manual removal ($50-$200 tools, very hard difficulty, 4-12 hours labour, only for stumps under 30cm). Professional advantages include speed (30 minutes vs 3-4 hours DIY), expertise handling rocks/roots/difficult access, commercial equipment more powerful, insurance coverage for property damage, waste removal included, and no rental hassle. DIY makes sense when budget is very tight, stump is small under 30cm, no time pressure for chemical method, good access with no obstacles. Hire professional when stump over 40cm diameter, multiple stumps to remove, near structures or services, rocky or difficult ground, limited access through narrow gates, or want fast guaranteed results.

Which Method to Choose: Decision Framework by Situation

Choose stump grinding if: you want to plant grass or lawn over area, need fast same-day results, budget is moderate $150-$500, minimal ground disturbance is important, tree species not prone to resprouting, or general landscape maintenance. Choose complete removal if: building pool/shed/extension over site, planting new tree in same location, species prone to aggressive resprouting (eucalypts, liquidambar, camphor laurel), tree had disease to eliminate, budget allows $300-$800+, or complete root removal is necessary. Choose chemical treatment if: budget is very limited $20-$80, no time pressure and can wait 6-18 months, stump in inaccessible location, multiple stumps to treat economically, want to prevent resprouting on a budget, or rural property with fewer restrictions.

Resprouting Risks and Prevention by Tree Species

Resprouting risk is low for most species but high for eucalypts, willows, liquidambar, and camphor laurel. Grinding removes the stump to 20-30cm below ground but roots remain alive and can send up suckers. For aggressively resprouting species, either choose complete removal or treat the ground stump with glyphosate/triclopyr herbicide immediately after grinding to kill remaining roots. Species with low resprouting risk include most fruit trees, small ornamentals, and non-invasive natives. Species requiring herbicide treatment or complete removal include all eucalyptus species, willow trees, liquidambar, camphor laurel, bamboo, and trees with root suckering tendencies.

Stump Removal Cost Factors and Price Variations Australia 2026

Stump size is the primary cost factor: small under 30cm ($150-$250 grinding, $250-$400 removal), medium 30-60cm ($250-$400 grinding, $400-$650 removal), large 60-90cm ($400-$600 grinding, $650-$1,000 removal), extra-large over 90cm ($600-$1,000+ grinding, $1,000-$2,000+ removal). Additional cost factors include: multiple stumps receive 15-25% discount per stump, access issues like narrow gates or stairs add $50-$150, rocky or hard ground adds $100-$300, green waste removal adds $50-$150, deep grinding over 30cm adds $100-$200, excavator hire or operator costs $150-$200/hour for complete removal, disposal fees $80-$200 per tonne for removed stumps, and backfill soil purchase $50-$150 per cubic metre. Chemical treatment is significantly cheaper at $20-$80 for products only but requires 6-18 months completion time.

Stump Removal Guide 2026

Stump Removal vs Grinding Australia 2026 Complete Comparison: Costs, Methods & Decision Guide

Complete comparison of grinding, removal, and chemical methods with costs by stump size, pros and cons, and DIY vs professional options.

AI Context: Stump Removal vs Grinding Comparison Australia 2026

Cost Comparison by Method and Size

Stump grinding: Most cost-effective method. Small stumps under 30cm diameter cost $80-$150, medium stumps 30-60cm cost $150-$350, large stumps 60-100cm cost $350-$800, extra-large stumps over 100cm cost $800-$2,000+. Pricing typically $4-$8 per inch of diameter. Grinding 30cm below ground level standard. Additional depth costs extra $50-$150. Multiple stumps discount 20-30% per additional stump. Complete stump removal: More expensive. Small stumps cost $200-$400, medium stumps cost $400-$800, large stumps cost $800-$1,500, extra-large stumps cost $1,500-$3,500+. Requires excavation, root ball extraction, soil replacement. Chemical stump treatment: Cheapest but slowest. DIY chemical products $15-$40 per stump. Professional application $80-$150. Takes 6-12 months to decompose stump. Grinding 60-75% cheaper than complete removal for most stumps.

When to Choose Stump Grinding

Choose grinding when: Budget limited or multiple stumps need removal, want quick solution completed same day, stump in lawn or garden bed where below-ground roots acceptable, planning to replant grass or garden not building structure, don't need root ball removed roots decay naturally over 5-10 years, medium to large stump where excavation very expensive, access for machinery available, soil conditions difficult for excavation rocky or compacted clay, want minimal ground disturbance and crater-sized hole, cost priority grinding 60-75% cheaper than removal. Grinding best option for 90% of residential stumps where complete root removal unnecessary. Leaves woodchip mulch useful for gardens. Minimal site restoration required. Professional arborists recommend grinding unless specific reason requires complete removal.

When to Choose Complete Stump Removal

Choose complete removal when: Building structure over stump location foundation, patio, driveway where subsidence risk unacceptable, installing pool or underground services where roots interfere, stump from problem tree species like willow, poplar, or eucalyptus that resprouts aggressively, large diameter stump over 100cm where grinding costs approach removal costs, roots causing damage to underground pipes or foundations ongoing problem, aesthetic priority for pristine yard appearance with no underground remnants, selling property and buyers concerned about subsidence or regrowth, stump near retaining wall or structures where root decay could cause movement. Complete removal only necessary when structural, replanting same species, or aggressive regrowth concerns present. Otherwise grinding more economical.

Chemical Stump Treatment

Chemical rotting process: Drill holes 2-3cm diameter, 20-30cm deep into stump. Apply stump killer containing potassium nitrate or triclopyr. Cover with plastic to retain moisture. Wait 6-12 months for decomposition. Advantages: Very cheap $15-$40 DIY, no machinery needed accessible to any location, can treat multiple stumps simultaneously, eventually complete decomposition including roots, suitable for DIY with basic drill. Disadvantages: Extremely slow process 6-12 months minimum, stump remains eyesore during treatment, chemicals can affect surrounding plants if leaches, not suitable if quick result needed, may not work on very large or hardwood stumps, regrowth possible if treatment incomplete. Best for: Non-urgent situations, stumps in inaccessible locations machinery can't reach, multiple stumps on large properties, tight budgets under $50 per stump, secondary stumps after grinding priority stumps.

DIY vs Professional

DIY stump grinding: Stump grinder hire $150-$300 per day plus $50-$100 fuel and consumables. Physically demanding work requires strength and stamina. Steep learning curve risk of injury or property damage. Only viable for small stumps under 40cm. Large stumps require commercial-grade equipment not available for hire. Realistic assessment: save $100-$200 on small stump but 6-8 hours hard labor. Risk of damaged machinery deposits $500-$1,000 for repairs. Professional grinding: $150-$800 depending on size. Includes insurance, expertise, commercial equipment, site cleanup. Completed 30-60 minutes. Minimal risk. Better value for most homeowners unless very small stump and experienced operator. DIY removal: Not recommended. Requires excavator hire $300-$500 per day plus operator skills. High risk of damaging underground services, structures, or injury. Professional removal essential except tiny saplings under 15cm diameter.

Environmental Considerations and Disposal

Grinding environmental impact: Produces woodchip mulch 2-4 wheelbarrows per medium stump. Mulch can be reused in gardens, composted, or removed. Environmentally friendly minimal waste. Roots decay naturally over 5-10 years enriching soil. No harsh chemicals required. Complete removal: Generates large root ball that must be disposed of. Green waste facilities $40-$80 disposal fee. Excavation disturbs soil ecosystem. Requires imported soil to fill crater $50-$150. Higher environmental footprint. Chemical treatment: Uses harsh chemicals potassium nitrate or triclopyr that can leach into soil affecting nearby plants and groundwater. Not suitable for organic gardens or near vegetable beds. Chemical containers require proper disposal. Stump grindings beneficial: Hardwood mulch valuable for moisture retention, weed suppression, and soil enrichment. Many homeowners request mulch left on-site for landscaping.

Regrowth and Resprouting

Species prone to regrowth: Willows, poplars, eucalyptus, liquid amber, elm, and privets resprout aggressively from remaining roots. Grinding alone may not prevent regrowth. Treatment required: grind stump, apply herbicide containing glyphosate or triclopyr to freshly ground surface within 15 minutes stops nutrient flow to roots. Cost $30-$80 additional. Prevents 95% of regrowth. Species with minimal regrowth: Native trees like wattle, grevillea, natives generally don't resprout. Fruit trees, pines, palms, and most conifers. Grinding sufficient without treatment. Complete removal prevents regrowth: Root ball removed eliminates possibility but expensive and often unnecessary if proper herbicide applied post-grinding. Most arborists recommend grinding plus herbicide treatment for problem species rather than expensive removal.

Access and Machinery Requirements

Stump grinding access: Requires 1m wide access path for residential grinders. Can fit through most side gates. Compact machines 0.8m wide available for very tight access additional $50-$100. Stump must be accessible by wheeled equipment. Slopes under 15 degrees acceptable. Steps or retaining walls problematic require hand equipment higher cost. Complete removal access: Requires mini excavator access minimum 1.8m wide path, 2.5m overhead clearance for arm. Often needs front yard access or crane lift over house very expensive $2,000-$5,000 crane hire. Rear yard stumps behind houses with narrow side access very difficult for removal but easy for grinding. Chemical treatment access: No machinery required. Can treat stumps anywhere accessible by person carrying drill and chemicals. Only option for stumps in completely inaccessible locations.

Key Decision Factors

Cost: Grinding cheapest $80-$800, removal expensive $200-$3,500, chemical cheapest but slowest $15-$150. Timeline: Grinding immediate same day, removal immediate 1-2 days, chemical 6-12 months. Future use of location: Building structure requires removal, lawn or garden allows grinding. Stump size: Small-medium favors grinding, very large 100cm+ may favor removal due to similar costs. Tree species: Aggressive resprouts favor removal or grinding plus herbicide. Access: Limited access favors grinding 1m path versus removal 1.8m path. Budget: Grinding best value for most situations. Roots: Need complete root removal for structures requires removal, decay acceptable allows grinding. Environmental: Grinding most eco-friendly produces useful mulch. DIY: Only chemical treatment viable DIY, grinding and removal require professionals for safety and results.

On This Page:

→ Quick Answer → Method Comparison → Stump Grinding Guide → Complete Removal → Chemical Treatment → DIY vs Professional → Decision Guide → FAQs

Stump Grinding vs Removal: Quick Answer Australia

Stump grinding is the most popular choice (85% of cases) because it costs less ($150-$500 per stump), causes minimal ground disturbance, takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and leaves a level surface. The grinder removes the stump to 20-30cm below ground level, leaving fine wood chips as mulch. This is ideal when you want to plant grass, pave over the area, or don't need to plant another tree in the same spot.

Complete stump removal (excavation) costs more ($300-$800 per stump) but removes all roots and is required when: You need to build structures over the site (pools, sheds, patios), plant another tree in the same location, or deal with species that resprout aggressively from roots like liquidambar, eucalyptus suckers, or camphor laurel. Excavation creates a large hole requiring backfill and causes significant ground disturbance with possible damage to nearby lawns, gardens, or services.

Chemical stump treatment is the cheapest option ($20-$80 for products) but slowest (6-18 months to fully decompose). It involves drilling holes in the stump and applying potassium nitrate, glyphosate, or triclopyr products. This method suits rural properties with no time pressure, stumps in inaccessible locations, or when you want to avoid machinery noise and disruption. Not recommended for properties with children, pets, or where fast results are needed.

DIY stump grinding saves money but has risks: Rental grinders cost $150-$350 per day and require skill to operate safely. Professional operators complete jobs in 30 minutes that DIYers take 3-4 hours to do. Hitting rocks, buried metal, or underground services can damage equipment (repair costs $500-$3,000). For stumps under 30cm diameter in open locations, DIY is feasible. For larger, difficult, or multiple stumps, professional service is more cost-effective.

Stump Removal Methods Compared: Grinding, Excavation, Chemical Australia

⚙️

Stump Grinding

Cost:

$150-$500

Time:

30 mins - 2 hours

Best For:

Most situations, lawn restoration, general removal

Ground Disturbance:

Minimal

Most Popular Choice

🚜

Complete Removal

Cost:

$300-$800

Time:

2-6 hours

Best For:

Building sites, replanting trees, persistent species

Ground Disturbance:

Significant

Most Thorough Method

🧪

Chemical Treatment

Cost:

$20-$80

Time:

6-18 months

Best For:

Rural properties, no time pressure, budget constraints

Ground Disturbance:

None

Most Affordable Option

Stump Grinding Process: Complete Guide, Costs & Timeline Australia

How Stump Grinding Works

The Process:

  1. 1. Grinder positioned over stump with rotating cutting wheel
  2. 2. Carbide teeth chip away wood in sweeping side-to-side motions
  3. 3. Stump ground down to 20-30cm below ground level
  4. 4. Surface roots ground off in 1-2 metre radius
  5. 5. Wood chips left in hole or removed (your choice)
  6. 6. Hole filled with soil and turfed if required

What's Left Behind:

  • • Main roots remain: 30cm+ below surface continue to decompose
  • • Wood chips: 50-200 litres depending on stump size
  • • Settlement: Area may sink 5-10cm over 6-12 months
  • • Resprouting risk: Low for most species, high for eucalypts/willows

Stump Grinding Costs by Size

Small (Under 30cm diameter) Most fruit trees, small ornamentals
$150-$250
Medium (30-60cm diameter) Standard suburban trees
$250-$400
Large (60-90cm diameter) Mature eucalypts, large natives
$400-$600
Extra Large (Over 90cm) Heritage trees, old growth
$600-$1,000+

Additional Cost Factors:

  • • Multiple stumps: 15-25% discount per stump
  • • Access issues (narrow gate, stairs): +$50-$150
  • • Rock or hard ground: +$100-$300
  • • Green waste removal: +$50-$150
  • • Deep grinding (over 30cm): +$100-$200

Stump Grinding: Pros and Cons

✓ Advantages

  • • Fast completion (30 minutes to 2 hours per stump)
  • • Minimal ground disturbance and lawn damage
  • • Lower cost than complete removal
  • • Wood chips can be used as mulch
  • • Suitable for most residential situations
  • • Can plant grass or pavers over area
  • • Less risk to underground services

✗ Disadvantages

  • • Roots remain underground and decay slowly
  • • May resprout from roots (eucalypts, liquidambar)
  • • Cannot plant new tree in same spot for 2-3 years
  • • Ground may settle as roots decompose
  • • Not suitable for building foundations over site
  • • Noisy operation (ear protection required)
  • • Creates dust and flying wood chip debris

Complete Stump Removal (Excavation): When It's Necessary Australia

How Complete Removal Works

The Process:

  1. 1. Excavate soil around stump exposing root ball
  2. 2. Dig 1-2 metres deep depending on tree size
  3. 3. Cut major roots with chainsaw, axe, or root saw
  4. 4. Use excavator or winch to lever out stump
  5. 5. Remove stump and major roots from site
  6. 6. Backfill large hole with soil and compact

Equipment Required:

  • • Small stumps (under 40cm): Mattock, shovel, root saw, pry bar
  • • Medium stumps (40-70cm): Mini excavator, chainsaw, winch
  • • Large stumps (70cm+): Full-size excavator, dump truck for disposal

Complete Removal Costs by Size

Small (Under 30cm diameter) DIY possible with hand tools
$250-$400
Medium (30-60cm diameter) Mini excavator required
$400-$650
Large (60-90cm diameter) Full excavator needed
$650-$1,000
Extra Large (Over 90cm) Extensive excavation required
$1,000-$2,000+

Why It Costs More:

  • • Excavator hire or operator costs ($150-$200/hour)
  • • Disposal fees for stump and soil ($80-$200 per tonne)
  • • Backfill soil purchase ($50-$150 per cubic metre)
  • • Labour intensive (2-6 hours vs 30 mins grinding)
  • • Lawn and garden restoration costs

When Complete Removal Is Necessary

Required Situations:

  • • Building foundations: Pool, shed, extension, retaining wall
  • • Planting new tree: Same location needs clear space
  • • Aggressive species: Liquidambar, camphor laurel, bamboo
  • • Diseased stumps: Prevent disease spread to other trees
  • • Underground services: Need complete root clearance

Pros vs Cons:

Advantages:

  • • Complete root removal
  • • No resprouting risk
  • • Can build over site immediately
  • • Can plant new tree right away

Disadvantages:

  • • 2-3x more expensive
  • • Significant ground damage
  • • Takes much longer
  • • May damage nearby plants
  • • Risk hitting underground services

Chemical Stump Removal: Timeline, Products & Process Australia

How Chemical Treatment Works

Process for Decay:

  1. 1. Cut stump as close to ground as possible
  2. 2. Drill multiple holes 2-3cm wide, 20-25cm deep
  3. 3. Fill holes with potassium nitrate or decomposer
  4. 4. Cover with plastic or soil to keep moist
  5. 5. Wait 6-18 months for complete decay
  6. 6. Break up softened stump with axe or burn

Process for Kill (Stop Resprouting):

  1. 1. Cut stump and immediately treat (within 15 mins)
  2. 2. Apply glyphosate or triclopyr to fresh cut
  3. 3. Paint undiluted product on cambium layer (outer ring)
  4. 4. Chemical travels down into root system
  5. 5. Retreat any new shoots that appear
  6. 6. Stump decays naturally over 2-3 years

Chemical Product Options

Potassium Nitrate (Stump Remover)

Spectracide, Bonide brands

$15-$35
  • • Accelerates natural decomposition process
  • • Makes stump porous and burnable after 6-12 months
  • • Relatively safe around plants when used correctly
  • • Not effective at preventing resprouting

Glyphosate (Roundup)

Various brands, 360g/L or stronger

$20-$50
  • • Systemic herbicide kills roots to prevent resprouting
  • • Must apply immediately after cutting (within 15 minutes)
  • • Effective on most species including eucalypts
  • • Does not accelerate decay, stump remains for years

Triclopyr (Garlon, Woody Weedkiller)

Specialist woody plant herbicide

$30-$80
  • • More effective than glyphosate on woody plants
  • • Excellent for preventing regrowth of persistent species
  • • Can be mixed with oil for cut stump application
  • • More expensive but lower application rate needed

Chemical Treatment: Pros and Cons

✓ Advantages

  • • Extremely low cost ($20-$80 vs $150-$800)
  • • No machinery or noise required
  • • No ground disturbance whatsoever
  • • Easy DIY project (30-60 minutes work)
  • • Good for inaccessible locations
  • • Can treat multiple stumps easily

✗ Disadvantages

  • • Very slow: 6-18 months before removal possible
  • • Stump remains visible eyesore during process
  • • Chemical safety concerns with children/pets
  • • May damage nearby plants if not careful
  • • Not effective on all species (resistant natives)
  • • Still need to break up/remove decayed stump
  • • Burning restrictions in urban/bushfire areas

DIY vs Professional Stump Removal: Cost Comparison Australia

When DIY Makes Sense

Chemical Treatment (Best DIY Option)

  • • Cost: $20-$80 (products only)
  • • Difficulty: Easy (1/5)
  • • Time: 30-60 minutes active work
  • • Tools: Drill, paintbrush, chemicals
  • • Risk: Low (follow safety instructions)

Grinder Rental (Moderate DIY)

  • • Cost: $150-$350 per day rental
  • • Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (3-4/5)
  • • Time: 1-4 hours per stump (learning curve)
  • • Tools: Rented grinder, PPE, shovel
  • • Risk: Moderate (flying debris, kickback)

Manual Removal (Hard DIY)

  • • Cost: $50-$200 (tools only)
  • • Difficulty: Very Hard (4-5/5)
  • • Time: 4-12 hours backbreaking labour
  • • Only for stumps under 30cm diameter
  • • Risk: Moderate (injury from tools, strain)

DIY Makes Sense When:

  • • Budget is very tight
  • • Stump is small (under 30cm)
  • • No time pressure (chemical method)
  • • Good access and no obstacles
  • • You enjoy physical projects

When to Hire Professional

Professional Advantages

  • • Speed: 30 minutes vs 3-4 hours DIY
  • • Expertise: Handles rocks, roots, difficult access
  • • Equipment: Commercial grinders more powerful
  • • Insurance: Covered for property damage
  • • Cleanup: Waste removal included
  • • No rental hassle: Pickup, return, cleaning

Cost Reality Check

DIY grinder rental (1 day) $150-$350
Your time (4 hours @ $50/hr) $200
Risk of equipment damage $500-$3,000
Total DIY Risk $350-$3,550
Professional Service $150-$500

Hire Professional When:

  • • Stump over 40cm diameter
  • • Multiple stumps to remove
  • • Near structures or services
  • • Rocky or difficult ground
  • • Limited access (narrow gates)
  • • Want fast, guaranteed results

Stump Removal Method Selection: Decision Guide Australia

Use this decision tree to determine the best stump removal method for your situation:

Choose STUMP GRINDING if:

  • ✓ You want to plant grass or lawn over the area
  • ✓ You need fast results (same day)
  • ✓ Budget is moderate ($150-$500)
  • ✓ Minimal ground disturbance is important
  • ✓ Tree species not prone to resprouting
  • ✓ General landscape maintenance

Choose COMPLETE REMOVAL if:

  • ✓ Building pool, shed, or extension over site
  • ✓ Planting new tree in same location
  • ✓ Species prone to aggressive resprouting
  • ✓ Tree had disease you want to eliminate
  • ✓ Budget allows ($300-$800+)
  • ✓ Complete root removal is necessary

Choose CHEMICAL TREATMENT if:

  • ✓ Budget is very limited ($20-$80)
  • ✓ No time pressure (can wait 6-18 months)
  • ✓ Stump in inaccessible location
  • ✓ Multiple stumps to treat economically
  • ✓ Want to prevent resprouting
  • ✓ Rural property with fewer restrictions
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about this topic

1

Should I grind or completely remove a tree stump?

Stump grinding is recommended for 85% of cases as it costs less ($150-$500), takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, causes minimal ground disturbance, and leaves a level surface perfect for lawn or paving. Choose complete removal ($300-$800) only if you're building structures over the site, planting another tree in the same spot, or dealing with aggressively resprouting species like eucalyptus or camphor laurel.
2

How much does stump grinding cost in Australia?

Stump grinding costs range by size: small stumps under 30cm cost $150-$250, medium 30-60cm cost $250-$400, large 60-90cm cost $400-$600, and extra-large over 90cm cost $600-$1,000+. Multiple stumps receive 15-25% discount. Access issues, rocky ground, or deep grinding add $50-$300 extra.
3

What's left behind after stump grinding?

The main roots remain 30cm+ below surface and decompose naturally over 3-5 years. You'll have 50-200 litres of wood chips that can be used as mulch or removed. The area may sink 5-10cm over 6-12 months as roots decay. You can plant grass immediately but should wait 2-3 years before planting another tree in the same spot.
4

How long does chemical stump removal take?

Chemical stump treatment takes 6-18 months to fully decompose the stump. You drill holes, apply potassium nitrate or herbicide, and wait. While extremely cheap ($20-$80 for products), it's very slow and the stump remains visible during the process. This method suits rural properties with no time pressure or inaccessible stumps.
5

Can I DIY stump grinding?

DIY stump grinding with rental equipment ($150-$350/day) is feasible for stumps under 30cm in open locations, but has significant risks. Professional operators complete jobs in 30 minutes that DIYers take 3-4 hours to do. Hitting rocks or buried metal can cause $500-$3,000 equipment damage that you're liable for. For multiple or large stumps, professional service is more cost-effective and safer.
6

Will the stump resprout after grinding?

Resprouting risk is low for most species but high for eucalypts, willows, liquidambar, and camphor laurel. Grinding removes the stump to 20-30cm below ground, but roots remain alive and can send up suckers. For aggressively resprouting species, either choose complete removal or treat the ground stump with glyphosate/triclopyr herbicide immediately after grinding to kill remaining roots.
7

How deep does stump grinding go?

Standard stump grinding goes 20-30cm below ground level, which is sufficient for lawn, garden beds, or paving. Deep grinding to 40-50cm costs an additional $100-$200 and is necessary only if building structures over the site. Complete removal excavates 1-2 metres deep to remove the entire root ball.
8

What's the best method for multiple stumps?

For multiple stumps, professional grinding offers the best value with 15-25% per-stump discounts. Three medium stumps cost $1,200 individually but only $900-$1,000 when done together. Chemical treatment is economical for many stumps if you have 6-18 months to wait. Avoid DIY rental for multiple stumps as equipment damage risk multiplies.
9

Can I build a pool or shed over a ground stump?

Not recommended over a ground stump. Remaining roots will decay over years causing soil settlement and potentially damaging the structure above. For pools, sheds, patios, or retaining walls, you must either choose complete stump and root removal or build the structure at least 2-3 metres away from the stump location.
10

How do I choose between grinding, removal, and chemical treatment?

Choose grinding for: general removal, lawn restoration, budget $150-$500, fast results. Choose complete removal for: building over site, replanting trees, aggressive species, budget $300-$800+. Choose chemical treatment for: very limited budget ($20-$80), no time pressure (6-18 months), inaccessible stumps, or preventing resprouting on a budget.

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How to Choose an Arborist

Tips for finding qualified, insured professionals for your tree work.

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Dangerous Tree Warning Signs

Identify hazardous trees before they become dangerous. Learn the warning signs and when to act.

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Olivia F. from Canning Vale, WA

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