Do you have an unwanted tree stump in your garden? Getting rid of it can be a nightmare, involving a great deal of effort, hard work and frustration! Most people in County Durham don't have the right tools or equipment to get the job done, and few realise how difficult and dangerous it can be.
If you need a helping hand with removing a tree stump in County Durham, Tree Surgeon Pro has the expertise and equipment to do this efficiently and with minimal fuss.
A tree stump or two in your garden won't usually cause any harm, so removing them is entirely your choice. However, they can be a nuisance if they're in the way, especially if you have plans to extend your home, lay a patio/decked area, or simply want to redesign your outdoor space.
Here are the most common reasons why our customers use our stump removal service:
At Tree Surgeon Pro, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional tree care services tailored to your needs. With years of experience, certified expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re your trusted partner for all things tree surgery.
There are several different tree stump removal methods, although some are more effective than others.
The three main options offered by Tree Surgeon Pro's professional tree surgeons are as follows:
When it comes to removing large tree stumps, a stump grinder is definitely the quickest and most effective method.
These powerful machines use a rotating wheel with extremely sharp teeth that shred the stump into wood chips and sawdust. The remaining debris is transported from the site to a local green waste facility where it is composted or turned into organic mulch. However, we can leave this on-site for your own use if preferred. When considering the tree stump grinding cost, this method typically offers an efficient and economical solution, depending on the size and location of the stump.
It's common for some tree roots to remain, but these will eventually rot down over time and decompose naturally. Most of the larger roots will be ground down along with the stump. Bear in mind that these are just the immediate roots around the stump. If you would like all roots removed, this will entail extra work, probably involving manual digging.
We typically grind the stump down to between 6 and 12 inches below ground level, which should allow plenty of scope for your plans for the area.
This option is better for smaller tree stumps as it involves digging out the entire stump using mattocks, axes and spades. We will need to excavate enough soil to expose and sever the primary taproot along with all visible roots using an axe, saw or chainsaw.
Manual removal is generally more expensive as the process takes longer and requires more effort.
This method is usually reserved for projects where we are unable to get a stump grinder onto the site.
With chemical stump removal, we drill holes in the top and inject a stump-killer chemical, such as potassium nitrate, sodium hydroxide or magnesium sulphate deep into the stump. The chemicals react with the wood fibres and will slowly start to break them down.
This accelerates the natural decay process, making the wood rot down much more quickly.
If the stump removal is taking place as part of a recent tree felling project, and therefore the stump is still living, we may use a glyphosate herbicide instead.
When we take on your County Durham tree stump removal project, the first task is to inspect the site. This allows us to identify any potential problems with access or hazards, and to decide which method will be most effective.
We'll recommend the stump grinder if access allows, especially for larger stumps. This isn't usually a problem, as we have a range of different-sized machines available - the smaller ones can fit easily down narrow alleys or garden paths.
A protective barrier will be erected around the stump while grinding takes place. This prevents flying debris and wood chips from causing damage or injury.
All Tree Surgeon Pro specialists in County Durham are trained to use the grinder correctly and safely, and they will follow the regulations at all times.
Once the stump grinder has completed its work, the team will tidy up the site. We can also replant the area or place turf over the site once it has been filled.
It all depends on the method used and the conditions at the site.
For example, if we use a stump grinder on a small tree stump, we can usually complete the task in less than 20 minutes. For larger stumps, we generally allow up to three hours, maybe a little longer in tricky locations. Multiple stumps or extremely large projects can extend to several days.
For manual extraction, we allow between three and six hours on average.
However, with the chemical method the stump can take several weeks or even months to decompose fully.
When you hire Tree Surgeon Pro, we will always recommend the best method for your situation and budget.
Again, the total tree stump removal cost will depend on the method used and any other complications at the site.
Here's a basic price comparison for our three main methods of stump removal:
At Tree Surgeon Pro in County Durham, we offer three highly effective professional methods for stump removal, as mentioned above: stump grinding, chemical treatment, and manual removal.
Each method is tailored to suit specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for your outdoor space. Here's a comparison of these services to help you decide which option might be most suitable for your project:
Stump grinding is one of the most efficient, popular and cost-effective methods we provide. Using specialised equipment, we grind the stump down to below ground level, leaving the area neat and ready for replanting, landscaping, or other uses. This service typically costs between £100 and £300 per stump, depending on the size and accessibility of the area. Stump grinding is an excellent choice for those who need fast, professional results without disruption to the surrounding environment.
For clients who prefer to ensure a stump and its roots decay completely over time, we offer chemical stump treatment. This involves applying professional-grade chemicals that accelerate the natural decomposition of the stump and prevent any chance of regrowth. The cost of chemical treatment ranges from £50 to £150 per stump, with larger stumps sometimes requiring additional applications. This option is perfect for managing stumps in larger landscapes or areas where immediate removal isn’t essential.
Manual stump removal is the most thorough option, particularly when it’s important to remove both the stump and its entire root system. This method is ideal for projects involving construction or replanting, where the ground must be completely cleared. Prices for manual removal start at around £200 per stump and can vary based on the stump’s size and the complexity of its root system. Our team uses specialist tools and machinery to ensure the stump is removed efficiently and safely.
At Tree Surgeon Pro, our team of experienced professionals in County Durham is committed to providing exceptional service. Whichever method you choose, we will work with you to deliver a solution that meets your needs and leaves your space clear, tidy, and ready for future use. Contact us today to arrange a consultation or request a personalised quote.
As qualified professional tree surgeons and arborists in County Durham, we take pride in our role as providers of tree care and maintenance services throughout the UK. Our extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of tree care allow us to make sensible decisions and take decisive, positive action to keep trees healthy and help them live longer.
Our dedication and professionalism extend to tree stump removal, and while this might seem contradictory, it's all about using correct methods that limit any potential damage to the environment and ecology.
Finally, it's also about helping you to save time and effort, as we know exactly how much hard work is involved!
You may decide to attempt this yourself, which is fine. However, you need to take every precaution to avoid serious injury or worse. Always wear work gloves and protective eyewear, and ensure that the area is clear of other people before you start chopping or digging.
Here are a few points to consider:
When it comes to the DIY chemical method, always carefully follow the instructions on your particular stump killer, and wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. For a more natural method, you might also want to consider using Epsom salt instead of a patented stump remover, as this is classed as an eco-friendly way to remove tree stumps.
Drill the vertical holes at least 10 inches deep and set them at spaces of 6 to 8 inches around the perimeter. On the side of the stump, drill holes at 45º that meet the vertical holes at about the 6-inch mark.
Use a funnel to pour in the stump killer or Epsom salt (rock salt also works) and wait for it to take effect.
This method is often suggested online, and while it can effectively remove a tree stump, it is one of the most dangerous.
In the same way as above, use a power drill to make the stump holes (the larger the stump, the more holes will be needed). Pour in kerosene* and wait for it to be absorbed - it needs to be left for over an hour but can take a few days. When this is done, top up the holes with some extra fluid.
Next, use a long stick to light the stump and stand at a safe distance. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher to hand in case things get out of control.
Don't leave the fire unattended at any point during the burning process and make sure all flammable debris and other items are at least a couple of metres away.
*Petrol, diesel and motor oil are not suitable for this job! Petrol is highly explosive and the vapour will burn above the holes. Diesel is not effective enough and motor oil gives off toxic smoke as it burns. All of these fuels risk contaminating the surrounding soil.
This is the most labour-intensive option and by no means the fastest method! Be warned - you'll need a lot of patience, energy and tenacity. You'll also need a spade to expose roots, along with an axe or chainsaw.
Essentially, you need to keep digging and cutting until the stump is loose enough to remove, and then you have the task of lifting it out and disposing of it.
If you don't mind a longer wait, you could try covering the stump with organic mulch and a plastic tarp. This speeds up the process of decay, and the stump will rot naturally over time.
Finally, instead of using the chemical method above, you could try pouring boiling water into the holes, which has the same effect as using the tarp, although it will take several months for the stump to decompose naturally when you use either method.
Before tackling this job yourself, we strongly urge you to consider hiring a professional tree stump removal specialist, like Tree Surgeon Pro. We remove stumps on a regular basis and we have the equipment, knowledge and expertise to do the job quickly and safely.
When you need to remove a tree stump, why struggle with it yourself, when you can let the Tree Surgeon Pro experts do it for you?
Our team will get the job done efficiently and with minimal disruption, leaving the space free for you to carry out your plans, whether it's a smooth lawn, stunning patio or much-needed extension to your home.
Contact us now for a friendly chat, and we'll provide a reasonable price for your stump removal project. All it takes is one phone call, and you can leave the hard work to us!
Tree stump removal involves the removal of a tree stump and its roots, preventing future growth. It is crucial to avoid tripping hazards, improve aesthetics, and prevent disease spread.
You need tree stump removal if the stump is unsightly, causing safety hazards, or obstructing new landscaping projects. Stumps can also attract pests like termites.
Professional tree stump removal ensures safe and efficient removal without damaging your property. It also eliminates the risk of new growth and pest infestation.
The cost of tree stump removal can vary depending on the size, type, and location of the stump. On average, it ranges from £50 to £200 per stump, with larger stumps costing more.
Tree stump removal typically takes a few hours, depending on the stump's size and the equipment used. Larger stumps may require more time and equipment.
Yes, professional tree stump removal is designed to minimise damage to the surrounding area. Experts use specialised equipment to ensure the area remains intact.
