The Cost to Grind a Stump Yourself
Because a stump grinder is a piece of heavy-duty equipment, you also need the proper safety equipment to operate it. Stump grinders have a rotating blade that can cause injury and cause debris to fly everywhere. To protect yourself, you need gloves, safety goggles, earplugs, steel-toed work boots, and chainsaw safety pants. If you don’t already have this protective gear, then you’ll have to factor in the equipment with the cost to grind a stump.
Hidden Costs
The cost to grind a stump yourself doesn’t end with the equipment fees. When you’re crunching numbers, you need to consider the hidden expenses as well. These potential extra costs could include:
- Property Damage: A stump grinder is a piece of heavy-duty equipment that can cause some serious damage. If the area isn’t cleared out beforehand, or the stump grinder isn’t used properly, you could risk damaging your property. A rock can fly through a window or you could accidentally cut through a utility line. Property damage from mishandling equipment can far outweigh the cost of hiring a professional.
- Personal Injury: A stump grinder has a large, powerful blade that is designed to cut through wood. When mishandled, it can lead to serious injuries, which can quickly add up in medical bills. The stump grinder may also cause debris nearby to fly up and hit you or someone else.
- Cost of Labor: When you decide to DIY, you should also consider how much time you are willing to sacrifice for it. Stump grinding yourself may take anywhere from an hour to a day depending on your experience with it. If you don’t have the time to spare, it’s better to hire a professional and put your time towards the things that matter.
- Correcting Errors: Unless you have previous experience with stump grinding, there is a likelihood that you may get it wrong the first time. To prevent the roots from continuing to grow, you need to remove enough of the stump. If you don’t, it will end up costing you extra time and money to fix it.
Cost of Hiring Professionals
Is it Worth It?
When you consider time, safety, and experience, hiring a professional stump grinding service is a better financial decision, especially if you only have a small quantity of stumps to remove. A stump grinding service offers reliability and efficiency, so you know the job is done right without wasting your time.
