What is a tree stump removal business?
Very simply, when a homeowner or contractor cuts down a damaged, diseased or unwanted tree, the hardest part to remove is usually the stump.
Depending on the size and type of tree removed, the stump that is left behind can be anywhere from several inches to several feet in diameter. For the average homeowner and even many construction and landscape contractors these large stumps are just too much work to handle themselves.
Some people do take matters into their own hands and if the stump is small enough, will dig down around it and remove the whole thing. Depending on the size, this usually takes between several hours to several weekends of back-breaking work to get it done. Not to mention a trip to the local landfill and a large hole in the yard to be filled.
Most people just don’t want to deal with this part of the tree removal process. Even some Professional arborists and tree removal companies contract out the work of the stump removal because they would rather focus on their work and not worry about removing the stump.
And this is where you come in. With just a few key pieces of equipment and some know-how, you can become the company that everyone calls to take care of their tree stumps.
The steps involved in tree stump removal
There are a few reasons why people and companies avoid getting into stump removal. It is very hard work if you do not have the proper equipment. The proper equipment can be expensive and not worth it for companies who will not use it very often. Using the proper equipment takes some skill to operate and that comes with experience.
I can tell you, I have personally had to remove many tree stumps of all sizes over my years in landscaping and having the right equipment makes a world of difference.
Essentially, your job will be to arrive on site after the tree or trees have been cut down and removed. Using your stump grinder you then quickly grind down the stump, clear away the wood chips and fill in the hole with soil or prepare it for another planting if the client wishes.
Sometimes you may be working with another contractor who is taking down several trees on the same property and as they clear them out you will follow with the stumper and finish the job.
Equipment Needed
A Stump Grinder
First and foremost, the most important tool for your tree stump removal business is your Stump Grinder. When starting your business, money is usually a large factor and the purchase of the stump remover will most likely be your largest ticket item. I would suggest that for your first stump grinder that you purchase a good used one. eBay and Etsy are usually good places to start. Another good place to looks would be at a local rental shop. They usually try to cycle through their equipment every two to three years and chances are good that you may be able to get your hands on a reasonably good one for a decent price. This is true with all your equipment and hand tools as well.
And while we’re on the topic of rental companies, if money is tight and purchasing a stump grinder in the beginning is out of the question, renting is definitely an option to consider. Although you will have to factor the cost of renting the machine into the quote for the customer, if you line several jobs up at a time you will still be able to produce a decent profit.
The size of stump removers can range from a small walk behind one that you manually move around like a large two wheeled wheel barrel to large remote control operated machines on tracks all the way up to tractor/bob cat mounted versions that can be operated with the tractor’s controls.
Of course, these also range in the kinds of work they can do and the price range goes from a couple thousand dollars up to over 100K
Business Plan
You will also need a solid business plan before getting started with your tree stump removal business to ensure your success right from the start