Related Guides: Stump Removal Cost Guide, Tree Removal Cost Guide, Stump Grinding

Although cutting down a tree may seem like a major project, it’s actually straightforward when compared with removing a stump. Stump removal is a lot more involved, which is why it’s not usually included in the cost of tree removal. It’s also why many people have old stumps in their yards. Stump removal isn’t easy, but it is doable. You’ll get the job done more quickly and easily when you use the right techniques and methods, and there are a handful of viable options available.

Reasons to Remove a Stump

After going through the trouble to have a tree removed, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to leave the stump sitting there. A few of the top reasons to remove stumps from your yard include:

• They are Eyesores – No one likes gazing out into the yard and seeing old stumps dotting the landscape. They look even worse when weeds and other plants start growing on them, which inevitably happens over time.
• They Take Up Valuable Space – Most people want the widest, clearest yards possible, and stumps really get in the way.
• They are Hazardous – Some stumps are obvious, but others get camouflaged by grass, weeds and other plants and become tripping hazards. Nothing is worse than stubbing your toe on an old tree stump.

Assessing a Tree Stump

Some stumps are easier to remove than others and therefore different techniques can be applied. Being prepared ahead of time and knowing which techniques and methods to use for which type of job will make things much easier for you in the long run. For example, pine tree stumps tend to be easier to remove than stumps from deciduous trees. The roots of pine trees tend to be wide, flat and relatively shallow while deciduous tree stumps’ roots tend to be long and deep.

What makes a stump easier to remove? Generally, the age and size of the tree are the best indicators of stump removal difficulty. Simply put, the older a stump is, the easier it is to remove. Likewise, small stumps are also easier to remove than large ones. Another good thing to keep in mind before choosing a stump removal method is to consider the total number of stumps that need to be removed. Do you really want to remove 100 stumps by hand? Or even 3? This guide will help you decide which stump removal techniques and methods are appropriate for you.

Removing a Stump by Grinding it Away Yourself

If removing a stump manually won’t work and you’d like to get rid of your stump (or stumps) quickly, you can always rent a grinder and grind the stump away yourself. These heavy-duty machines weigh around 1,000 pounds, and you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 to rent one for a single day (see our guide to Stump Grinding Prices & Costs) . Therefore, it only makes financial sense to do the job yourself when there are several stumps to remove.

In addition to the grinder, you will need a shovel, a mattock, a chainsaw and a rake.

1. Use a shovel or mattock to clear rocks away from around the stump.
2. Cut away as much of the stump as possible with a chainsaw. Try to get it as level to the ground as possible.
3. Using the hydraulic lever, raise the grinder wheel a couple of inches above the stump. After turning it on, lower it about 3 inches into the stump. Move it side to side with the lever.
4. After grinding down to about 4 inches with the grinder wheel, move it forward. Repeat the process until the entire stump is at least 4 inches below ground.

Keep in mind that a stump grinder is a dangerous piece of equipment and that you should always wear protective gear. Be especially diligent about wearing protective goggles or glasses because wood chips and other debris will fly everywhere. If you’ve never used a stump grinder before, it’s also a good idea to have someone at the rental place teach you how to use the machine before bringing it home or having it delivered.

If you only have one or two stumps, a professional company will probably only charge around $100 to $200, so that might be the way to go under those circumstances. As an added bonus, many companies will haul away the stump too.

DIY Method #1: How to Remove a Stump by Hand

People who set out to remove stumps by hand often go about it the wrong way. To do this successfully, it helps to be dealing with a relatively small tree stump. If it’s from an older or diseased tree, that helps a lot too.

To remove a stump yourself, it’s essential to have the right tools. You’ll need a chainsaw or limbing saw, a pick mattock, a shovel, a digging bar, an ax, a four-wheel-drive truck and some chain.

Follow these steps to remove a stump manually:

DIY Method #2: Tree Stump Killer and Chemical Stump Removal

If manual labor isn’t for you, you could always try the chemical route. To remove a stump chemically, you’ll need a drill, a chainsaw, potassium nitrate, an ax and fuel oil or kerosene.

Here’s a summary on how to remove a stump with chemicals:

Learn more about tree stump killer and chemical stump removal here.

DIY Method #3: Burn a Tree Stump

Let’s say you’ve chopped down a tree on your property and cleaned up all of the pieces except for that unsightly stump. Instead of trying methods that will either break your wallet or potentially break your back, you could also try removing the stump by burning it.

Learn how to burn a tree stump here.

DIY Method #4: Rot a Tree Stump

Very much the same as burning a tree stump, you can also remove a stump by rotting it and then filling in the hole after the process is complete.

Learn how to rot a tree stump here.

Disposing of Old Tree Stumps

It may not be easy to dispose of an especially large tree stump. The city may not pick it up along with the rest of your yard waste. Contact your city to find out whether it will be picked up or not. If not, ask if there are any additional options. In some places, local recycling centers will take large tree stumps.

If you have several tree stumps to dispose of, it may be worth it to rent a wood chipper and then use the wood chips for various projects around the yard. If it’s allowed in your area, you may also be able to burn your old tree stumps. If you do this, be sure to cover them with scrap wood first. If the stumps are especially large, it may take a long time for them to burn completely away.

Many companies will haul away old tree stumps for an additional fee or include it in the cost of the service, so make sure to ask before you hire a stump removal company.

How to Use the Space

After removing a tree stump, fill in the hole with topsoil, spread grass seed over the top, and then cover it with mulch hay. Water it well and monitor its progress. After grass has covered the spot, you can use it however you see fit. Even if you choose to just keep the spot grassy and clear, you will love how much better your yard looks.

Conclusion

If you’re going to remove one stump from your yard, you might as well remove all of them. You can do the job yourself, but you should weigh the time, cost and effort that are involved carefully before doing so. There’s a good chance that you’ll have to buy or rent tools to get the job done, so it may ultimately be best to let the professionals do it instead.