Certified climbing tree experts
Tree stump removal
After cutting down a tree, a tree stump is often left in the ground, and it can get in the way quite a bit. Whether you have an old oak stump in The Hague or a conifer stump in Monster, removing such a stump yourself is a difficult task. A tree stump (also called stump or stub) is hard, heavy and deeply rooted. On this page we explain why it is wise to have a tree stump removed and how Tree Care Specialist can do this quickly and professionally for you in the Hague region.
Do you want to remove one or more tree stumps? Specialist Gert-Jan will visit you with no obligation for a cost estimate.
European Tree Workers
We work according to the rules and labels
Safety first
Safety for you and us is important to us
We clean up trimmings
No mess at your home, sustainably disposed of
Free tree inspection
We come to you for a tree inspection
Why remove a tree stump?
A leftover stump in your garden may seem harmless, but it can cause all sorts of problems over time. First, a stump takes up valuable space. You can’t plant anything new in that spot or build a patio while the old root ball is still there. Second, tree stumps can cause a nuisance: they pose a tripping hazard and can damage lawnmowers if they protrude just above ground level. In addition, rotting stumps attract insects and fungus. Pests such as woodworms, termites (in some cases) or mushrooms can descend on the stump and then move to healthy plants or even wooden structures in your garden. Moreover, in the case of certain tree species (such as willows or poplars), the stump can sprout again. You then get all new shoots around the old stump, which causes maintenance work.
In short, letting a stump sit is usually not a good idea. Removing a tree stump makes for a tidy, safe and reusable garden. You prevent unwanted shoots and halve the chance of pests. Moreover, it simply looks nicer – the garden looks sleek again without that sawed-off stump. Our specialists therefore recommend removing or milling the stump as soon as possible after cutting it down.
Cutting down a tree is not truly complete until the stump is also gone. Only then is your garden completely clear and ready for something new.
How do we remove a tree stump?
Stump removal requires strength and the right equipment. Trying to dig out a stump with a shovel and axe is a hell of a job, especially with larger trees. Tree care specialist uses efficient methods to remove tree stumps:
- Stump milling (mechanical milling): This is the most commonly used method. Using a special stump grinder (stump milling machine), we grind the stump and the main roots into wood chips. The milling machine has a rotating disk with carbide teeth that scrapes away the stump layer by layer. We typically mill to about 20 to 30 cm deep below ground level. When finished, a pile of chips remains that you can have filled in with soil. Milling is fast and causes minimal damage to the surrounding area. Even hard conifer stump removal is no problem with this.
- Excavation and removal: In some cases (for example, for very small stumps or if really everything has to be removed for construction reasons) we completely excavate the stump. This can be done by hand for a small shrub-stump removal, or with an excavator for larger stumps. Excavation is more labor-intensive and leaves a pit, but removes root and all from the soil.
Our preference is almost always milling, because it gives the fastest and most effective results without digging up your entire yard. We have different sizes of milling machines. For a city garden in The Hague where the gate is narrow, we have compact equipment that can still remove any tree stump. In wider gardens or yards, such as in Monster and surrounding areas, we can use larger machines for maximum speed. Whatever method is needed, our team will let you know clearly what the approach will be. Afterwards, the stump is gone and you can reuse the vacated area – for example, to sow grass or plant a new tree.
OUR team
The specialists
Who offer high-quality tree care services nationwide
Daniel
European Tree Worker (ETW).
Gert-Jan
Specialist
Frequently asked questions about tree stump removal
The cost depends on the size of the stump and how easily we can access it. For most average stumps in a garden in The Hague you can think of a few hundred euros or less. If you have several stumps to remove at the same time (for example after felling a row of trees), the price per stump can often be lower. We are happy to provide a custom quote. Often the price of stump removal is quite reasonable, especially when compared to the benefits of a stump-free garden.
We usually mill away the stump with a professional stump grinder. This grinds the stump to below ground level into wood chips. This is done quickly and without too much digging. In other cases, we can excavate the stump, for example with smaller stumps or if the entire root needs to be removed. Whatever method we use, our goal is that no annoying remains of the tree are left behind. We remove roots and stump in such a way that you can immediately use the spot again for something else.
In practice, this is difficult. Removing a small stump with hand tools may be doable, but with larger stumps it is almost impossible to do without a machine. Renting and operating such a machine requires knowledge and skill. Moreover, it will cost you a lot of time and energy. If you let us remove the stump, you are assured of a quick and safe result without having to toil yourself.
Letting a stump sit may not seem like a disaster in the short term, but in the long run it brings drawbacks. For example, the stump may sprout again or attract mold and pests. It also leaves an obstacle in your yard that you have to work around each time. Eventually, most people decide to have the stump removed after all. So it is usually wise to take care of this immediately after cutting it down, so that your garden is really completely neat and free of problems in the future.
Do you have another question about stump removal, logging permit application or your specific situation? Then feel free to contact us. Simply submit your question using the contact form and we will get back to you quickly with an appropriate answer.
On-site consultation
We assess your situation together and provide tailored advice.