The fastest way depends on stump size and what's underneath
A large tree stump comes out by one of four routes: grinding it below ground, digging it out with the roots, rotting it chemically over weeks, or pulling it with heavy equipment. Grinding is fastest for most homeowners — a stump grinder rents for $75 to $150 a day and takes two to four hours for a stump wider than 12 inches. Digging works if the roots are shallow and you have time and a strong back. Chemical rotting takes six to eight weeks but costs almost nothing. Pulling with a truck or tractor works only if you have access to the equipment and the stump isn't anchored by deep roots near a foundation or utility line.
Before you choose, check what's under the stump. Call 811 or your local utility locating service — they mark buried gas, electric, water, and sewer lines for free. A stump directly over a line rules out digging and pulling. Stumps within 10 feet of a foundation can damage it if you remove roots aggressively, so grinding becomes the safer choice.
Key Takeaways
- Stump grinding is the fastest method for large stumps and costs $75 to $150 per day to rent the equipment, or $200 to $500 if you hire a contractor.
- Always call 811 before digging or pulling to locate buried utilities, since hitting a gas or electric line creates a serious hazard.
- Chemical stump removal takes six to eight weeks but requires only herbicide and costs under $50, making it the cheapest option if you can wait.
- Digging out roots by hand works for stumps with shallow root systems but demands significant physical effort and time.
- Pulling with a truck or tractor is fast but only works on stumps with roots that aren't anchored deep or near structures.
Renting and using a stump grinder
A stump grinder is a wheeled machine with a spinning disc that chips the stump and roots into mulch. Home Depot, Sunbelt Rentals, and local equipment rental shops stock them. A small grinder (13 horsepower) handles stumps up to 12 inches wide and costs $75 to $100 per day. A medium grinder (25 horsepower) takes stumps up to 24 inches and runs $100 to $150 per day. Delivery adds $50 to $150 depending on distance.
Before you start, clear the area of rocks, metal, and debris — the grinder throws chips at high speed and can hit anything in its path. Mark any underground utilities with spray paint. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask; the grinder creates a cloud of fine wood dust. Start at the edge of the stump and work toward the center, moving the machine slowly so the disc grinds through the wood rather than bouncing off it. Grind at least 6 inches below ground level so the remaining chips settle and don't create a tripping hazard.
The rental usually includes a trailer to haul the grinder home. Return it with a full fuel tank and clean of dirt. Most rental shops charge a cleaning fee of $25 to $50 if you return it caked with mud.
Digging out the stump and roots by hand
This method works best on younger trees with root systems that spread sideways rather than deep. Dig around the stump with a shovel to expose the main roots, usually four to eight thick ones radiating outward. Cut each root with a pruning saw or axe as close to the stump as you can reach. Once the roots are severed, use a pry bar to rock the stump back and forth — eventually it will loosen enough to pull free or tip over.
For a stump 18 inches or wider, expect four to eight hours of work. Smaller stumps take one to three hours. The deeper the roots go, the longer the job. If you hit a root thicker than your wrist that won't cut, stop — you've likely hit a tap root that goes straight down, and pulling the stump risks damaging the soil structure or nearby foundations.
After the stump comes out, dig out the remaining root chunks. They'll rot on their own over two to three years if you leave them, but removing them prevents new shoots from sprouting and frees up space for replanting or landscaping.
Using herbicide to rot the stump from inside
This method requires a drill, herbicide (usually glyphosate or triclopyr), and patience. Drill holes 1 to 1.5 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep into the top of the stump in a circle around the edge, spacing them 2 to 3 inches apart. Pour herbicide concentrate into each hole — follow the product label for the amount, usually 1 to 2 ounces per hole. Cover the stump with a tarp or plastic sheeting to keep rain from diluting the herbicide.
The stump will soften over six to eight weeks as the herbicide kills the living tissue. Once it's soft enough, you can dig it out with a shovel in an hour or two, or leave it to rot completely over a year and a half. Herbicide costs $15 to $40 per bottle, and you'll use one to three bottles depending on stump size.
This method is safest near utilities and foundations because you're not disturbing the soil. It's also the cheapest option overall. The downside is the long wait and the need to keep the stump covered so animals don't drink from the holes or the herbicide doesn't wash away.
Pulling the stump with a vehicle
If you have access to a truck, tractor, or ATV with a winch, you can pull the stump out in 30 minutes to an hour. Attach a chain or cable to the base of the stump as low as possible, then pull at a low angle — pulling straight up tends to snap the chain. The stump will either slide out or tip over, breaking the roots as it goes.
This method works only on stumps with roots that aren't anchored deep or wrapped around rocks. If the stump doesn't budge after a few pulls, stop — forcing it risks snapping the chain, damaging the vehicle, or tearing up the surrounding soil and lawn. Pulling also leaves a large hole that you'll need to fill and level.
Renting a small tractor with a winch costs $100 to $200 per day. If you don't own the equipment, this can become more expensive than grinding, especially if you need to hire an operator.
Hiring a professional tree service
A tree removal contractor with a stump grinder can remove a large stump in two to four hours. Costs run $200 to $500 depending on stump diameter, depth of roots, and whether the stump is near structures or utilities. Get quotes from three services — prices vary widely based on local demand and equipment availability.
Contractors handle the utility locating, safety gear, and cleanup. They also haul away the chips or leave them for you to use as mulch. The main advantage is speed and the elimination of rental fees and your own labor. The main disadvantage is cost and scheduling — many services book out two to four weeks in advance.
What to do with the hole after removal
Once the stump is gone, you're left with a hole or a depression. If you ground the stump, the chips settle over a few weeks and the depression shrinks. Fill the remaining gap with topsoil and seed it with grass, or plant a shrub or small tree if you want something there.
If you dug or pulled the stump, the hole is larger. Fill it with topsoil in layers, tamping each layer to prevent settling. A 2-foot-wide, 18-inch-deep hole takes about 0.5 cubic yards of soil, which costs $20 to $40 delivered. Water the filled area after planting so the soil settles evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn a tree stump instead of removing it?
Burning works only if local fire codes allow it and the stump is at least 15 feet from structures and property lines. Drill holes in the top, fill them with potassium nitrate (available at garden centers), add charcoal, and light it. The stump smolders for several days. Check your city or county fire department rules first — many urban and suburban areas ban open burning entirely.
How long does it take for a stump to rot naturally?
A large stump rots in five to ten years depending on wood type, moisture, and whether insects colonize it. Hardwoods like oak take longer than softwoods like pine. You can speed this up by drilling holes and adding nitrogen fertilizer or herbicide, which cuts the time to one to two years.
Will a stump regrow if I don't remove the roots?
Yes. If you cut the stump flush with the ground but leave the roots intact, the tree will send up new shoots within weeks. Herbicide or grinding prevents regrowth by killing the living tissue. Digging removes the roots entirely, so no regrowth occurs.
What's the cheapest way to remove a large stump?
Herbicide is cheapest at $15 to $40 total, but takes six to eight weeks. Digging by hand costs nothing but demands significant labor. Grinding costs $75 to $150 to rent but is fastest. If cost is your only concern and you have time, herbicide wins.
Is it safe to remove a stump near my house?
Grinding is safest because it doesn't disturb the soil. Digging or pulling near a foundation can crack it if roots are large. Always call 811 first to locate utilities. If the stump is within 10 feet of your house, hire a professional who can assess the risk.