Skip the guesswork. Find the right size, understand the costs, and get the job done in a single rental day.
Renting a wood chipper is one of the most practical decisions a homeowner or landscaper can make after a storm cleanup, tree removal, or large pruning project. Instead of hauling brush to the dump or renting a trailer for multiple loads, a chipper turns hours of debris into manageable mulch in a fraction of the time. This guide covers everything you need before you book: chipper sizes, what they can handle, typical rental pricing, safety requirements, and how to choose the right machine for your job.
Common Questions About Wood Chipper Rentals
- Is it worth it to rent a wood chipper?
- For most homeowners and contractors, renting is absolutely the better option. A quality wood chipper costs $1,500 to $15,000 or more to purchase, and you may only need one a few times a year. A rental typically runs $150 to $400 per day depending on the size, which means you get the same result at a tiny fraction of the ownership cost. You also skip storage, maintenance, and transport headaches. If you have a one-time cleanup, a seasonal yard project, or a post-storm debris situation, renting makes far more financial sense than buying.
- Does Home Depot rent a wood chipper?
- Home Depot's tool rental program does carry wood chippers at some locations, but availability varies significantly by store and region. Inventory at big-box rental counters is often limited to a single size, and machines book up quickly on weekends. For broader selection across 6-inch, 7-inch, and 12-inch chippers, checking a dedicated equipment rental marketplace like Rntr gives you access to multiple local providers and a wider range of machine capacities.
- Can you rent out a wood chipper?
- Yes. Wood chippers are available for rent through local equipment rental shops, landscaping supply companies, and online rental marketplaces. Rental terms typically run by the half-day, full day, or week. Most providers require a valid driver's license, a credit card for a security deposit, and occasionally proof of insurance for larger commercial-grade machines. Some providers offer delivery and pickup for an added fee, which is useful if you don't have a truck or trailer capable of towing the unit.
- Does Lowe's rent wood chippers?
- Lowe's does not currently offer a broad tool rental program the way Home Depot does, so wood chipper rentals through Lowe's are generally not available. Your best options are dedicated equipment rental shops, regional rental chains, or a marketplace like Rntr where you can browse wood chipper rentals from local providers near you, compare sizes, and check real-time availability.
- How much does it cost to rent a wood chipper per day?
- Daily rental rates typically range from $150 to $200 for a small 6-inch residential chipper, $200 to $300 for a mid-range 7-inch to 9-inch unit, and $300 to $450 or more for a 12-inch commercial-grade brush chipper. Weekly rates are usually 3 to 4 times the daily rate, making them cost-effective if your project spans more than two days. Deposits range from $100 to $300 depending on the machine.
- What size wood chipper do I need for my project?
- Chipper size refers to the maximum branch diameter the machine can accept. A 6-inch chipper handles branches up to about 6 inches in diameter and covers most residential yard work, garden pruning, and light brush clearing. A 7-inch to 9-inch unit is better for heavier tree limbs and contractor-level projects. A 12-inch brush chipper is designed for large tree removal jobs, professional land clearing, and high-volume debris. Match the machine to the largest material you plan to chip, not the average.
- Do I need a special license or training to operate a rented wood chipper?
- Most rental providers do not require a formal license to operate a residential or mid-size wood chipper. However, larger tow-behind units may require a vehicle capable of towing a certain weight, and some providers ask renters to sign off on a safety briefing. Regardless of requirements, always read the operator manual before starting, wear eye and ear protection, and never feed material by hand. Keep bystanders and children well clear of the feed chute and discharge area.
Wood Chipper Types: Which One Fits Your Job?
Residential 6-Inch Chippers
A 6-inch wood chipper handles branches up to 6 inches in diameter and is ideal for homeowners clearing yard debris, pruning trees, or managing storm damage. These units are typically electric or gas-powered, relatively compact, and easy to position in a backyard. If your project involves material mostly under 4 inches, a 6-inch chipper will move through it quickly. You can find 6-inch brush chippers available for rent and 6-inch wood chippers at locations across multiple states.
Mid-Range 7-Inch to 9-Inch Chippers
For contractors, landscapers, and homeowners tackling serious tree work, a 7-inch to 9-inch chipper handles larger limbs and higher volume. These are usually tow-behind units powered by 30 to 50 HP gas or diesel engines. They process material faster and are better suited for full-day projects with significant debris. The 7-inch wood chipper rental is a strong mid-range option for jobs that exceed what a residential unit can handle.
Commercial 12-Inch Brush Chippers
A 12-inch brush chipper is built for high-volume professional work: large tree removal, land clearing, utility line work, or municipal cleanup. These machines accept branches up to 12 inches in diameter and are powered by diesel engines in the 60 to 100 HP range. The Bandit 12XP brush chipper is a commercial-grade example that chews through large material at a high rate of production. The 12-inch Bandit 1090 XP wood chipper is another capable option for heavy-duty projects.
For most homeowners, a 6-inch or 7-inch machine will cover the job. If you are a contractor doing multiple-day tree removal, a 12-inch unit will save significant time.
Wood Chipper Rental Size Comparison
Use this table to match chipper capacity to your specific project. Pricing shown reflects typical daily rental rates and will vary by location and provider.
| Chipper Size | Max Branch Diameter | Best For | Typical Daily Rate | Power Source | Tow Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Inch Chipper | Up to 6 inches | Homeowners, yard cleanup, light pruning | $150 - $200/day | Gas or electric | Usually no (self-contained) |
| 7-Inch Chipper | Up to 7 inches | Heavy residential, small contractor jobs | $200 - $275/day | Gas (25-40 HP) | Yes (standard hitch) |
| 9-Inch Chipper | Up to 9 inches | Contractor use, medium tree removal | $275 - $350/day | Gas or diesel (40-60 HP) | Yes (standard hitch) |
| 12-Inch Brush Chipper | Up to 12 inches | Large tree removal, land clearing, commercial | $350 - $450+/day | Diesel (60-100 HP) | Yes (heavy-duty hitch) |
| 13 HP Brush Chipper (4-inch) | Up to 4 inches | Small yards, brush clearing, tight spaces | $100 - $150/day | Gas (13 HP) | No (standalone unit) |
Wood Chipper Rental Checklist: What to Do Before and During Your Rental
Before You Reserve
- Measure the largest branches you need to chip. Your chipper must be rated for that diameter or larger.
- Confirm whether the unit is a standalone or tow-behind. Tow-behind chippers require a vehicle with a trailer hitch rated for the machine's weight.
- Ask whether the rental includes delivery or if you need a truck and trailer. If you need to haul the machine yourself, check the towing capacity of your vehicle.
- Clarify the deposit amount and what condition the machine needs to be returned in. Most providers require you to clean out the chute and return it free of debris.
- Ask about fuel policy. Most gas and diesel chippers are rented full and must be returned full.
The Day of the Rental
- Do a walkthrough with the provider before accepting the machine. Note any pre-existing damage on the rental agreement.
- Test the feed chute and discharge direction before you start chipping. Confirm you can aim the discharge away from structures, vehicles, and bystanders.
- Feed material butt-end first and in manageable quantities. Overloading the feed chute is the most common cause of jams.
- Wear eye protection, hearing protection, and close-fitting clothing. Loose sleeves or gloves with dangling cords are serious hazards near a feed chute.
- Never lean over the feed chute or attempt to clear a jam with the machine running.
At the End of the Day
- Run a few clean branches through to clear any material stuck in the drum.
- Refuel to the level it was rented at.
- Inspect the chute and discharge for lodged material before returning.
If your project also involves hauling the resulting mulch or debris, you may want to pair your chipper rental with a dump trailer. The trailer rental guide on Rntr covers what to look for when selecting a trailer for landscaping or construction cleanup.
Wood Chipper Rental Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
Daily Rates
A small 6-inch residential chipper typically rents for $150 to $200 per day. Mid-range 7-inch to 9-inch units run $200 to $350. Commercial-grade 12-inch brush chippers are typically $350 to $450 per day, sometimes more for premium models like the Bandit or Morbark.
Weekly Rates
For projects spanning more than two days, a weekly rental often provides better value. Weekly rates are generally 3 to 4 times the daily rate, so a 6-inch chipper might run $450 to $650 per week, and a 12-inch unit $1,000 to $1,500 per week.
Deposits
Most rental providers collect a refundable security deposit of $100 to $300, held on a credit card. The deposit is released upon return of the equipment in good condition.
Delivery Fees
If you need the unit delivered to your property, expect an additional $50 to $150 depending on distance and provider. This is often worth it for heavy tow-behind models that require a capable tow vehicle.
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Fuel: Most chippers burn 1 to 3 gallons per hour depending on size and workload.
- Damage waiver: Optional coverage typically adds 10 to 15 percent to the rental rate.
- Overtime: Returning a machine late usually incurs a half-day or full-day additional charge.
For comparison, hiring a tree service that includes chipping typically runs $300 to $1,500 per job or more, depending on the volume of material. Renting a chipper and doing the work yourself is consistently the lower-cost option for those with the time and physical capacity to handle it.