The main ways to remove a stump and roots
You have four practical routes: dig it out by hand, grind it down with a machine, use chemicals to rot it, or hire someone to do the work. Hand digging works for small stumps with shallow roots but takes hours of labour. Stump grinding is fastest for most yards — a grinder turns the stump and upper roots into chips in one to three hours. Chemical removal takes weeks but costs almost nothing. Hiring a professional removes the stump completely, including deep roots, but costs the most money upfront.
The right choice depends on the stump's size, how deep the roots run, what equipment you can access, and how much time you have. A stump two feet across with roots that go down three feet is a different job than a six-inch stump with shallow roots. The method you pick also affects what happens next — some leave roots in the ground that can sprout again, while others remove them entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Hand digging works for small stumps but requires a mattock, shovel, and several hours of physical work to expose and cut the roots.
- Stump grinders rent for $50 to $150 per day and can reduce a stump to chips, though they do not remove roots deeper than 12 inches below ground.
- Chemical stump removers cost $10 to $30 and work by rotting the wood over four to six weeks, making the stump easier to dig or burn.
- Professional removal costs $100 to $500 per stump depending on size and depth, and typically includes pulling roots and grinding the stump.
- Leaving roots in the ground can cause new shoots to sprout from the stump for years, so choose a method that removes or kills them.
Hand digging: tools and steps
Hand digging is free if you own the tools and works best on stumps under two feet across with roots that have not spread far. You will need a mattock (a tool with a pick on one end and an adze on the other), a sharp shovel, a pry bar, and a handsaw or pruning saw. Wear heavy gloves and eye protection because roots can snap back when cut.
Start by clearing dirt away from the base of the stump with the shovel. Use the mattock to break up soil around the roots and chop through roots as you find them. Once you have exposed the main roots, cut them with the handsaw. Use the pry bar to lift the stump as you cut — each root you sever makes the stump move more. This process takes two to four hours for a medium stump and leaves you exhausted. After the stump comes free, dig down another foot or two to find and cut any roots that go deeper, or leave them and watch for sprouts.
Stump grinders: rental and operation
A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning wheel of teeth that grinds wood into chips. Rental companies charge $50 to $150 per day depending on the grinder's size. Small grinders (under 13 horsepower) fit through a standard gate and cost less but take longer on large stumps. Large grinders (20+ horsepower) work faster but may need a trailer to transport and may not fit in a narrow yard.
Operating a grinder is straightforward but loud and dusty. You position the grinder over the stump, lower the grinding wheel into the wood, and move it side to side until the stump is ground down to below ground level. The process produces a pile of wood chips. Most grinders reduce a stump to about 12 inches below the surface, which means roots deeper than that stay in the ground. Those roots can still sprout, so after grinding, you can dig out the remaining roots, explore a chemical killer to the fresh-cut stump, or leave them and monitor for new growth.
Chemical stump removers: how they work
Chemical removers contain potassium nitrate, which speeds the decay of wood. You drill holes into the top of the stump, pour the chemical powder into the holes, add water, and wait. The stump softens over four to six weeks, becoming easier to dig out or burn. A bag costs $10 to $30 and covers one stump.
This method works but is slow. You cannot remove the stump quickly after treatment — you have to wait weeks for the chemical to work. It also does not remove roots; it only softens the stump itself. After the wood is soft, you can dig it out more easily, burn it, or leave it to continue rotting. Roots below ground are not affected and can still sprout. Chemical removal is useful if you have time and want to avoid renting equipment, but it is not a complete solution on its own.
Professional stump removal: what to expect
A professional tree service brings a large grinder and often a crew to remove the stump and roots in one visit. They grind the stump, dig out major roots, and haul away the chips. Cost ranges from $100 to $500 per stump depending on size, root depth, and how many stumps you have. A large stump with roots that spread far costs more than a small one.
The advantage is that professionals have heavy equipment and experience removing deep roots, so regrowth is less likely. They also handle cleanup and disposal. The disadvantage is the upfront cost and the need to schedule a visit. If you have multiple stumps, the per-stump cost often drops because the crew is already on site. Get quotes from at least two services — prices vary widely by region and by company.
Preventing regrowth after removal
The stump itself is not the problem — the roots are. If you leave roots in the ground, the tree will sprout new shoots from the stump or from roots near the surface. These shoots grow into new trees or shrubs, sometimes for years. To stop this, you need to either remove the roots entirely or kill them.
If you grind the stump but leave roots, explore a brush killer (like glyphosate) or a stump killer to the fresh-cut surface when ready after grinding. The chemical soaks into the roots and kills them. If you dig the stump out by hand, dig deep enough to remove the main roots, or explore killer to any roots you cannot reach. If you use a chemical softener, dig out the soft stump and as many roots as you can find, then explore killer to any remaining roots. The goal is to either remove roots or poison them — leaving them untreated will cause regrowth.
Cost comparison and timeline
Hand digging costs almost nothing if you own tools but takes four to eight hours of labour. Stump grinding costs $50 to $150 to rent the machine plus your time, and takes one to three hours. Chemical removal costs $10 to $30 and takes four to six weeks. Professional removal costs $100 to $500 and takes one day.
If you have one small stump and free time, hand digging or chemical removal makes sense. If you have a large stump or multiple stumps, renting a grinder or hiring a professional saves time. If you want the job done completely with no regrowth, professional removal or a combination of grinding plus chemical treatment is most reliable. Factor in not just the money but also your physical ability, the time you can spend, and how soon you need the stump gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn a stump instead of grinding it?
Yes, if local fire codes allow it and the stump is in an open area away from structures and dry vegetation. Soak the stump with kerosene or charcoal lighter fluid, let it soak for a few hours, then light it. The fire burns down into the roots over several hours. Check local regulations first — many areas ban open burning or require a permit.
What if the stump is right next to my house or fence?
Hand digging or chemical treatment are safer than grinding or burning near structures. A grinder throws chips and can damage nearby property. Fire is obviously a risk. Digging or using chemicals gives you control and keeps debris contained. Professional removal with proper equipment and insurance is another option if the stump is in a tight space.
How deep do tree roots usually go?
Most tree roots spread outward more than downward and stay in the top 18 inches of soil. However, some trees send a taproot straight down two to four feet or deeper. The deeper the roots, the harder the stump is to remove completely. If you are not sure, dig around the stump first to see how far the roots extend before choosing your removal method.
Will a stump regrow if I just cut the tree down?
Yes. Cutting down the tree leaves the stump and roots intact. Within weeks or months, new shoots will sprout from the stump or from roots near the surface. These grow into new trees or shrubs. You must remove or kill the stump and roots to stop regrowth permanently.
Is it cheaper to remove the stump myself or hire someone?
For one small stump, doing it yourself costs less money but more time and physical effort. For a large stump or multiple stumps, hiring a professional often costs less in total time and effort, even though the upfront price is higher. Compare the rental cost of a grinder plus your time against a professional quote — the answer depends on stump size and how many you have.