Renting or Buying A Stump Grinder

Some people just like to do the work themselves, and that is just fine.  The only question is really rent? Or buy?  The renting option makes sense if it’s just a one-time job. If you’re regularly performing yard work that involves cutting down trees and removing stumps, it’s worth your while to buy a stump grinder instead.

We recommend doing some number-crunching and determining if you will have enough jobs to pay for the stump grinder you want.  All you need to do is calculate the costs of time, rental costs, and fuel to determine if the cost of buying a stump-grinder is better than renting a stump-grinder.

Things to Consider when Buying a Stump Grinder

When renting a stump grinder, you don’t have to be as concerned about the available features; you just need something that will get the job done. If you’re going to buy this type of machine though, you’re going to want to make sure that it’s right for you. A few of the things to consider include:

  1. Horsepower – More horsepower means getting the work done faster and you can tackle bigger jobs.

  2. Size – The bigger the grinder is, the less maneuverability you have. You should look for a stump grinder that has a relatively slim profile. This will also make it easy for you to reach into tight places as well as help to keep fatigue at bay.

  3. Cutter Disk – Ideally, the cutter disk should be made out of carbide. Its teeth should be extremely sharp and show no signs of wear. Keep in mind that this component is sometimes called the cutter wheel.

  4. Depth – At the absolute minimum, your tree stump grinder should grind down to a depth of 20 inches below grade. That way, your yard won’t be riddled with lumps and bumps.

  5. Weight – If your stump grinder is too heavy, you’ll never want to use it. Try to get one that has a lightweight design. Otherwise, you should plan on how you will transport a heavyweight stump grinder.

Now, if you do not feel comfortable or simply don’t have the proper tools to perform a stump burning, we are happy to do any of this work for you.

Also, if you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs and maintenance in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.

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How to Burn a Tree Stump

You will find a list of materials you will need to burn a tree stump as well as directions on how to do this yourself listed below. Also, a few common-sense tips before you get started:

  • Always check with your fire department before you get started

  • never burn your stump during a burn or fire ban

  • make sure that you store your potassium nitrate in a safe location

Materials Needed to Burn a Stump

  • Drill with a one-inch spade bit or other wood-boring bit

  • 8-inch to 10-inch extender for the bit

  • Saltpeter or Potassium nitrate

  • Garden trowel or plastic scoop

  • A bucket of water

  • A cup with spout or a funnel

  • Pieces of dry scrap wood

  • Matches, lighter, or starter kit

  • A shovel

Step-by-Step Directions for Burning a Stump

  1. Attach the spade bit and the extender to your drill. Drill a hole from the top down into the center of the stump with your drill at a 30-degree angle. The hole should be about eight to 10 inches deep.

  2. Clean all of the debris out of the hole. Continue boring holes in the stump, leaving about one inch of space between each hole.

  3. Use the plastic scoop or trowel to scoop potassium nitrate into each hole.

  4. Pour hot water into each hole. You can either dip a cup with a spout into the bucket or insert a funnel into each hole and pour the water directly from the bucket.

  5. Continue pouring water into the holes until all of the potassium nitrate has dissolved. The hot water will help to distribute the substance through the stump.

  6. Place the scrap wood on top of the stump. Alternatively, you can construct a tepee-like shape with the wood, placing one end on the ground and bringing the ends together above the stump in a cone shape.

  7. Light the scrap wood and wait for the stump to ignite. Allow the stump to smolder until all of the wood has turned to ash.

  8. Use your shovel to break up any large roots or stump pieces that are left over. Bring in soil to fill the hole as needed.

Now, if you do not feel comfortable or simply don’t have the proper tools to perform a stump burning, we are happy to do any of this work for you.

Also, if you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs and maintenance in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.

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Factors That Affect Tree Removal Services

As noted throughout our website, the total cost of having a tree removed will depend on many different factors. Here is a recap of some of the biggest factors:

Size – The total height of the tree is one of the most critical cost factors. The size of the tree could affect the cost of removal due to the size of the tree in conjunction with the difficulty of the removal. If the tree is located very close to a structure, it will take a little more skill to get the job done.

Condition – If the tree is healthy and strong, then it will take more energy and time than if the tree is dead. If the tree is dead, dying, or rotting, the work should result in less time and energy.

Diameter – The diameter of the tree’s trunk is a big factor in the price of removal. This also comes into play when grinding a stump. You could pay more for a shorter, thicker tree than you would for a taller, slimmer one.

Location – It’s quite a bit easier to remove a tree if it is away from any structures. If there are risks for damages to happen, there could be some additional charges. It just all depends on the difficulty level.

Whether you have the equipment at home or even if you have a great neighbor, it’s going to take some time and effort to cut up the tree and get your home back in order. With the holidays coming up, you may not have all the time you would like to get this done. We at Top Tree LLC would be more than happy to do the heavy lifting for you.

Now, if you do not feel comfortable or simply don’t have the proper tools to do any tree removal, we are happy to do any of this work for you. Also, if you have multiple trees to remove or just don’t have the time to do it, we are here for you. We can handle all of your tree removal needs and maintenance in the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, Pasco) and even West Richland. We look forward to being your preferred tree removal service provider.

Factors That Affect Tree Removal Services Read More »

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