Got a yard cleanup coming up? Storm damage? Overgrown branches? I’ve been there. Renting a wood chipper can make the job way easier—but what’s it actually gonna cost?
Don’t want to scroll?
Quick answer:
You’ll usually pay $75–$300 per day, depending on machine type, rental length, and location. If you want to avoid surprise fees and find the best deal, keep reading. I’ll break down how much to rent a wood chipper, what impacts the price, and how to save money without cutting corners.
Rental Costs at a Glance
Here’s a breakdown to make things easier:
What Impacts the Cost
| Factor | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Machine Type & Power | Bigger gas chippers = higher cost. Electric = cheaper but for smaller jobs. |
| Rental Duration | Longer rentals = lower daily rates. Weekly/monthly can save you big. |
| Seasonal Demand | Fall = peak pricing. Winter/summer = better deals. |
| Location | Big cities charge more. Rural areas often cheaper. |
| Extra Services/Fees | Watch for delivery, fuel, damage deposit, late return, and cleaning fees. |
What You’ll Likely Pay
| Rental Length | Average Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | $50–$100 (residential) | Quick yard jobs, storm cleanup |
| Weekly | $200–$350 | Bigger property cleanups |
| Monthly | Custom ($500–$1,000+) | Long-term or professional use |
What Actually Affects the Price
Machine Type and Condition
Gas-powered = more power, more cost. Electric = cheaper, quieter, but only for light jobs. Newer machines cost more, but they run smoother. Older ones might be cheaper—but may slow you down.
💡 Tip: Pay more for performance if you’ve got serious work—it’s usually worth it.
Whether you're processing limbs, large branches, or even yard log piles, the chipper type matters. These are built to be an efficient tool designed for clearing thick debris fast.
Rental Length + Timing
- Short-term: More expensive per hour. Great for fast tasks.
- Weekly: Often 30–40% cheaper than daily.
- Monthly: Best value for big or ongoing jobs.
- Seasonal demand: October? Prices spike. January? Bargains.
Need it just once or twice? Cart rent and clear rent services can also offer quick options at a lower rate.
Where You Rent
Same wood chipper, different prices—just because of the location. City = higher price. Rural = better deals. Delivery fees can sneak in too. If you can pick it up yourself, do it.
Real-Life Examples
- Small electric chipper (daily): $55 – cleared branches in 4 hours
- Heavy-duty gas chipper (daily): $100 – post-storm cleanup
- Weekly rental (gas chipper): $275 – saved $100 compared to 3 separate daily rentals
- Monthly rental (pro landscaper): $800 – 60% cheaper than repeat weeklies
These machines handle a range of landscaping needs—from light yard tasks to full-scale storm recovery. Be sure to check the unit’s weight if you’re hauling it yourself.
Extra Charges to Watch For
| Fee Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery/Pickup | $25–$75+ | More if you're far from the rental center |
| Fuel Surcharge | $15–$30 | Always return full if gas-powered |
| Damage Deposit | $100–$300 | Refundable if machine comes back in one piece |
| Late Fees | $25–$50+ per day | Ask about grace periods and return times |
| Cleaning Fees | $25–$75 | Return it clean—sap, leaves, gunk can cost you |
Don’t forget to ask the rental company for a full description of these potential charges before you sign anything. That one-minute chat can save you big.
Renting vs. Buying
| Best For Renting | Best For Buying |
|---|---|
| Light seasonal use | Frequent, ongoing use |
| Storm or one-off cleanup jobs | Landscaping pros or regular yard work |
| No maintenance headaches | Full control, custom equipment, long-term value |
| Need different machine types for jobs | Want one go-to chipper at home |
If you’ll use a wood chipper 1–2× a year? Rent it. If it’s monthly or more? Buying may save money fast.
Either way, you’ll want something ideal for the job. For one-time heavy-duty limbs and thick branches, renting is often the better short-term decision.
Tips to Save Money
Booking Smart
- Reserve early: prices can rise closer to weekends or busy seasons.
- Go off-peak: winter/summer usually cheaper than fall.
- Weekday rentals: cheaper than weekends.
- Watch for promos: newsletters and local ads sometimes offer great deals.
Negotiation Tips
- Ask about bundle pricing (chipper + another tool = discount).
- Ask if delivery fees can be waived (especially if you’re a repeat customer).
- Call multiple places — and don’t be shy about comparing quotes.
- Check if longer rentals lower the daily rate (they often do).
Some rental shops even offer loyalty programs, which can add extra value or even give you security deposits waived after multiple rentals.
FAQ Quick Recap
Q: How much to rent a wood chipper? A: Most daily rentals cost $50–$100, weekly $200–$350, monthly $500–$1,000+ depending on machine size and rental length.
Q: Are there extra costs? A: Yes—watch for delivery, fuel, cleaning, and security deposits.
Q: Can I rent for a few hours only? A: Yes. Some rental shops offer 4-hour blocks (great for fast landscaping jobs or light debris).
Q: Should I rent or buy? A: Rent if it’s occasional. Buy if you’re using it monthly or for professional landscaping work.
Q: What’s the best machine for home use? A: A light-duty electric wood chipper is often the ideal choice for branches under 2 inches in diameter and smaller tasks.
