How To Remove A Tree Stump

Some of you aren't going to like this but the easiest and most time efficient way to get rid of a tree stump is to pay someone with a tree stump grinder. These DIY methods can take days or even weeks without results. Renting a tree stump grinder is a bit crazy if you've never done it before. And it will cost more than just paying someone. We had two tree stumps removed for $200 cash. The guy came and left before I even woke up.

Tree stumps are eyesores. Not only that, but they are trip hazards, especially for kids and pets. If you don't remove the stump, it might worsen over time, ruining the aesthetics of your lawn. But, if it is out of the way - it probably won't bother you.

The easiest way is with a tree stump grinder. DIY stump removal is challenging but can be done by following the right steps. Lucky for you, we explain how to get rid of tree stumps both ways below.

Editors note: the content here was updated on January 18, 2025.

Removing a tree stump may not be as dangerous as removing the whole tree. But it still poses a risk to you and your surroundings. So, you should know how to remove tree stumps safely.

Safety First

To ensure tree stump removal is as safe as possible, you must follow these tips.

• Wear Proper Safety Gear: Wear proper protective gear like a hard hat, goggles, and gloves. Wear steel-toed boots to maintain balance so you don't topple over. They will also protect you from protruding branches and tree roots.
• Clear the Area: Before stump removal, clear the surrounding area of people and things. If your belongings are spread across the yard, remove them before you remove tree stump. Also, keep kids and pets away from the area.
• Secure the Stump: As an added safety tip, secure the stump with a rope or chain to ensure it does not move during removal.

The most important safety tip is to hire a professional. You may be able to remove a tree stump if you have some prior knowledge of pruning and tree removal.

But if not, it's best to leave this task to a professional arborist or stump removal company.

Tree Stump Grinders

A stump grinder grinds away at the wood, making stump removal cleaner and quicker. Its blade has a diameter of 10 or more inches that you can maneuver up and down.

A professional will operate the stump grinder, digging up the plant material around the stump, such as tree roots. The stump grinder weakens the foundation of the stump, allowing the professional to uproot it completely.

Remember that a stump grinder is designed to cut through plant materials only. It cannot handle the following:

• Brick, rock, or concrete in the area
• Fencing around the tree stump
• Nearby trees with roots under the stump you want to remove
• Swimming pools and patios that are in the way of the grinder reaching the tree roots
• Lawn sprinkler systems and lighting wiring

You should take on the grinder-mediated stump removal process yourself. Since you're not a professional, you may dig too deep and cut the buried cables and utility lines under your property.

A professional will know how deep it is safe to dig. They are prepared for unforeseen obstacles and deal with them accordingly.

A grinder is not the only way to remove a tree stump. You can also use stump removal chemicals or remove the tree stump manually. Here's how to use these methods.

Manual

If you want to learn how to remove a tree stump by hand, this method is for you. Here are the tools you'll need:

• Digging bar
• Shove
• Ax
• Mattock
• Work gloves
• Steel-toed work boots
• Bow saws

Once you've gathered the tools, follow these steps to remove tree stumps manually.

Step 1: Dig Around

Use the broad end of the mattock to dig around the tree stump. You should aim to loosen up the dirt in the area.

As the dirt comes up to the surface, move it away using a shovel. You'll have to deal with a lot of soil if the stump is bigger. But it's important to remove the debris to reach the roots underneath.

If there's too much dirt and you cannot see the roots, use a pressure washer or hose to remove the debris.

Step 2: Sever the Roots

Chop the visible roots using the other end of your mattock. You can also use a bow saw for the job. Keep uncovering and cutting roots as you dig deeper.

Step 3: Find the Tap Root

You're supposed to dig around the stump until you reach the proof. It is a strong root you must cut with a bow saw or an ax. You can use a mattock or your hands if the tree is very small. Make sure to remove the dirt off the taproot using a wet rag before you cut it off.

Step 4: Extract the Stump

When you aim your ax at the taproot, it should not strike the dirt. Otherwise, the blade will get blunt. Instead, aim it right at the taproot to sever it.

After that, pull the stump out using your hands. You can use a rope or a chain to pull it out if it's too big. Alternatively, you can tie one end of the rope to a vehicle and the other to the stump. Drive the vehicle away to yank the stump out of the ground. But clear the area before you do this.

Chemical

If the manual way is too tedious, you can use a tree stump removal product instead. You'll need the following for the chemical method:

• High-nitrogen fertilizer/Potassium-nitrate tree stump remover granules
• Drill with a large bit
• Plastic tarp
• Chainsaw
• Garden mulch

Here's how to remove a tree stump using chemicals.

Step 1: Cut the Stump

Use the chain saw to cut the stump to the ground level. Make sure it's as level with the ground as possible.

Wear steel-toed boots while you're doing this. Also, don't let the chainsaw's teeth touch the ground, or they'll get dull.

Step 2: Drill Holes

Drill holes in a few places around the stump. Use the largest bit and keep the holes at least a few inches deep. Wider and deeper holes will work better.

Add water to the holes. Then, put in the stump killer granules or nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Be careful when handling potassium nitrate since it's hazardous to humans.

Step 3: Cover the Stump

Water the ground around the stump until it's soaked. Put a plastic tarp over the stump to retain moisture.

Now, put organic mulch over the tarp and water it. The mulch will further help hold moisture to decay the tree stump fast.

Wet mulch will also ensure the tarp does not fly away with the wind. You can also add more weight with heavy stones.

Step 4: Remove the Stump's Pieces

In the next four to six weeks, remove the tarp periodically to put more nitrogen and water in the holes. Cover the holes with a plastic tarp and mulch again.

In a few weeks, the stump will become weak and spongy. You can break it apart with an ax. If the wood is still too hard to break, cover it with water and nitrogen again.

After a while, there won't be enough wood left to remove. You can bury it with dirt and let the decay process continue underground.

Burning

You'll need the following supplies to remove a stump with the burning method:

• Stump Out chemical
• Drill with a large bit
• Kerosene

Here's how to remove a tree using this method.

Step 1: Drill Holes

Like the chemical method, drill holes around the stump. Fill them with water and Stump Out chemical granules.

The chemical will take four to six weeks to make the wood porous to absorb maximum kerosene.

Step 2: Put Kerosene

After a few weeks, pour kerosene over the stump slowly. Do not let the fluid pool in your yard.

Pour it slowly so that it soaks into the wood properly. Do not use motor oil or gasoline for stump removal since they are smoky and highly explosive.

Step 3: Tend the Fire

Stand away from the burning stump and watch it closely. Even if the fire isn't visible on the top, the underground stump will still smolder for some time. So, keep everyone away from the area.

Before you use this method, check your local regulations and guidelines. Contact your local fire department and ask if the burning method is allowed. Alternatively, use physical removal methods.

Is DIY Stump Removal Worth It?

No, it's not worth removing a tree stump yourself. The right approach is to hire a professional to do the job safely.

Sweet New Earth's Final Word On Stump Removal

Stump removal is actually pretty easy... if you have a stump grinder. We don't really recommend the DIY methods as they are time-consuming, and not always effective. But to each their own.

Tree stumps in the front yard can be an ugly site. Consider getting them removed to increase the value and aesthetic of your home.

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