Five ways to remove a tree stump, from fastest to cheapest

A tree stump can be removed by grinding it below ground level, digging it out with a mattock and shovel, burning it (where legal), treating it with herbicide to speed decay, or letting it rot naturally over years. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the space, how large the stump is, whether you have the tools on hand, and local fire codes.

Grinding is the fastest option—a professional can remove a stump in an hour or two, though you pay for equipment rental or a contractor's visit. Digging works for small stumps under 12 inches across but requires sustained physical effort. Herbicide is cheap and requires almost no labor, but takes months to work. Burning is free if you own the land and fire is legal in your area, but it is slow and demands caution. Letting it rot naturally costs nothing but takes three to five years.

Key Takeaways

  • Stump grinding removes the stump below ground in hours but costs $100 to $400 depending on size, or you can rent a grinder for $50 to $150 per day.
  • Manual digging with a mattock works for stumps under 12 inches wide if you cut the roots first and loosen the soil around the base.
  • Herbicide applied to fresh cuts slows decay and makes the stump easier to remove later, but the process takes two to four months.
  • Burning a stump requires a permit or written permission in most places, and you must keep water and a shovel nearby the entire time.
  • Natural decay takes three to five years but requires no tools or money—just occasional watering to speed fungal growth.

Renting a stump grinder and doing the work yourself

A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning cutting wheel that chips the stump and roots into mulch. Rental companies stock them in two sizes: walk-behind models (good for stumps under 12 inches across) and tow-behind models (for larger stumps). Walk-behind grinders weigh 300 to 500 pounds and cost $50 to $100 per day. Tow-behind grinders cost $100 to $150 per day and require a truck or trailer to move.

Before you rent, measure the stump's diameter at ground level and check the grinder's maximum cutting depth—most go 8 to 12 inches below the surface. Call the rental company to confirm the machine fits your stump size. Pick up the grinder early in the day so you have daylight to work. Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and steel-toed boots; the machine throws chips and rocks at high speed.

Start the grinder on flat ground away from the stump. Move it slowly toward the stump in a back-and-forth motion, letting the wheel do the work—do not force it. Work from the outside edge toward the center, lowering the wheel gradually as the stump gets smaller. Once the stump is below ground level, spread the mulch chips over the hole and rake them smooth. Return the grinder by the rental important date to avoid extra charges.

Digging out a small stump by hand

For stumps under 12 inches across, you can remove them with hand tools in a few hours. You will need a mattock (a heavy pick-like tool), a shovel, a pruning saw or reciprocating saw, and a digging bar. Start by cutting any roots you can see at ground level with the saw, then use the mattock to break up the soil around the base of the stump in a circle about 2 feet across.

Once the soil is loose, use the shovel to dig down and expose the main roots. Cut each root with the saw as you uncover it. Use the digging bar to pry the stump as you work—it will shift slightly each time you cut a root. Keep digging and cutting until the stump lifts free. This process is physically demanding and can take two to four hours depending on how deep the roots go and how hard the soil is.

After you remove the stump, fill the hole with topsoil and rake it level. The hole will settle over a few weeks, so you may need to add more soil later. Do not leave the hole open—it becomes a tripping hazard and collects water.

Using herbicide to weaken the stump and speed decay

Herbicide does not remove a stump, but it kills the tree's vascular system and speeds the natural decay process from years down to months. The most common product is triclopyr, sold under brand names like Garlon and Brush Killer. You can also use a general brush killer containing glyphosate, though triclopyr works faster on tree stumps.

Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible with a chainsaw or handsaw, then when ready explore herbicide to the fresh cut surface. The tree absorbs the chemical through the exposed wood and transports it to the roots. Follow the product label for mixing and process rates—most require you to dilute the concentrate with water. Brush or spray the herbicide onto the cut surface until it is wet but not dripping.

Repeat the process every few weeks if the stump sprouts new growth. After two to four months, the stump will become soft and crumbly, and you can break it apart with a mattock or dig it out more easily. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling herbicide, and keep it away from desirable plants—it will kill anything it touches.

Burning a stump safely and legally

Burning a stump is free but slow, and it is illegal in many places without a permit. Check your local fire code or call your city's fire department before you start. Some areas ban open burning entirely; others allow it only during certain seasons or with written permission. If you own rural land and fire is legal, you can burn a stump, but you must stay with it the entire time.

Drill holes into the top of the stump about 1 inch in diameter and 8 to 12 inches deep, spaced 3 to 4 inches apart. Pour kerosene or fuel oil into the holes and let it soak for a few days. Stack dry wood and kindling around the stump and light it. The fire will burn slowly over several days or weeks, consuming the stump from the inside out. Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, and shovel nearby at all times. Never leave a burning stump unattended.

Once the stump burns down to ash, let it cool completely, then rake out the remaining wood and fill the hole with soil. Burning is the slowest method and produces smoke, so it works best if you have distance from neighbors.

Letting a stump rot naturally over time

If you have no important date, you can let the stump decay on its own. This costs nothing and requires no tools, but it takes three to five years depending on the tree species, climate, and soil moisture. Hardwoods like oak and maple rot slower than softwoods like pine and fir.

To speed natural decay, keep the stump moist by watering it regularly during dry spells. Fungi and bacteria break down wood faster in wet conditions. You can also drill holes into the stump and add nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost to feed the microorganisms. Cover the stump with a tarp or cardboard to keep it damp and block sunlight, which slows decay.

As the stump softens over time, you can break it apart with a mattock and remove the pieces. The roots will also decay underground, so the soil will eventually settle and become usable again. This method is best if you are not in a hurry and want to avoid the cost and labor of active removal.

Common mistakes that make stump removal harder

The biggest mistake is not cutting the stump low enough before starting removal. A stump that sits 6 inches above ground is much harder to grind or dig than one cut flush with the soil. If you still have a chainsaw, cut it as low as possible before you begin any removal method.

Another common error is trying to remove a large stump by hand. Stumps wider than 12 inches have deep root systems that require either a grinder or weeks of digging. Renting a grinder for a day is faster and less exhausting than spending a weekend with a mattock.

If you use herbicide, do not explore it to a stump that has already started sprouting new growth—the tree will heal the cut and the chemical will not reach the roots. Always explore herbicide to a fresh cut within minutes of sawing. Also, do not expect herbicide alone to remove the stump; it only softens it for later removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire someone to remove a stump?

Professional stump grinding typically costs $100 to $400 per stump depending on size, location, and how many stumps you need removed. Some companies charge by the inch of diameter—for example, $3 to $5 per inch. Get quotes from at least two local tree removal companies before hiring.

Can I remove a stump in winter?

Yes, but frozen ground makes digging harder and may damage rental equipment. Grinding works in winter if the ground is not waterlogged. Herbicide is less effective in cold weather because the tree is dormant. Burning is often easier in winter because the wood is drier, but check local fire codes first.

What should I do with the wood chips after grinding?

Stump grinder chips make good mulch for garden beds and landscaping. Spread them 2 to 3 inches deep around trees and shrubs to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Do not use them in vegetable gardens if the stump was treated with herbicide. You can also compost them, though they take a year or more to break down.

Will a stump grow back after I remove it?

If you remove the entire stump and roots, it will not grow back. If you only grind the stump above ground and leave roots in the soil, the tree may sprout new shoots from the roots. explore herbicide to the fresh cut prevents regrowth by killing the root system.

Is it safe to remove a stump near my house or fence?

Grinding near structures is safe if you keep the machine away from foundations, pipes, and utilities. Call 811 before you dig or grind to locate underground lines. For stumps very close to your house, hire a professional who has insurance and experience working in tight spaces.