Use a chainsaw to cut the stump as low as possible, then dig out the roots

A chainsaw removes a tree stump by cutting it down to ground level or slightly below, but the real work comes after—you still need to dig out or grind the roots. The chainsaw is the fastest way to reduce what's left of the trunk to a manageable size, but it cannot pull out the root system on its own. Most people either dig out the roots by hand after cutting, use a stump grinder for the whole job, or leave the stump to rot and decay over time. If you own a chainsaw already and have a small stump, cutting it low and digging is the cheapest route.

The chainsaw handles the visible part of the job in under an hour for most stumps. The hidden part—the roots spreading underground—is what determines whether the stump will sprout again or stay dead. Cutting alone leaves the root system intact, so new growth will emerge from the same spot within weeks or months. That is why the chainsaw is really just the first step, not the complete solution.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut the stump as close to ground level as possible using a sharp chainsaw chain, making multiple passes if the stump is wide.
  • Wear safety gear—chaps, steel-toed boots, eye protection, and hearing protection—because a chainsaw can kick back or throw debris.
  • After cutting, you must dig out the roots with a mattock or shovel, or hire a stump grinder to remove them completely.
  • Cutting into soil dulls your chain quickly, so cut only wood and keep the blade above the ground line.
  • A stump grinder rents for $50 to $150 per day and removes roots completely, but a chainsaw plus digging costs less if you have the time.

Prepare the stump and your workspace

Before you start the chainsaw, clear the area around the stump of rocks, branches, and debris. Any stone or dirt that hits your chain will dull it when ready and can throw shrapnel at high speed. Mark the cut line on the stump with chalk or a marker—you want to cut as close to ground level as you can, ideally 2 to 4 inches below the soil surface if the stump is in a yard or garden where you want it gone completely.

Check that the stump is stable and won't roll or shift as you cut. If it's leaning or loose, wedge it with blocks or have someone hold it steady. Never cut a moving target. Make sure your chainsaw is fueled, the chain is tight and sharp, and the bar oil is full. A dull chain will bind and kick back; a loose chain can derail and throw the blade.

Wear the right safety gear every time

Chainsaws are among the most dangerous tools in home use. Wear chaps or chainsaw pants that cover your legs from waist to ankle—these are designed to jam the chain and stop it if you slip. Steel-toed boots protect your feet if the saw drops or rolls. Wear eye protection (a full face shield is better than glasses) and hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs; the saw is loud enough to damage hearing in minutes).

Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. Tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry. Never wear loose clothing that can catch in the chain. If you are tired, sick, or have had alcohol, do not use the chainsaw—your reaction time matters when something goes wrong in a fraction of a second. Chainsaw injuries happen fast, and protective gear is the only thing between you and a serious cut.

Cut the stump in horizontal passes

Start the chainsaw and let it warm up for 30 seconds. Hold it firmly with both hands, feet planted shoulder-width apart. Position yourself to the side of the stump, not directly behind it—if the chain binds and kicks back, it will throw the saw toward you. Make your first cut across the top of the stump, moving the blade slowly and steadily. Do not force it; let the chain do the work. If the stump is more than 6 inches wide, you will need multiple overlapping cuts to get all the way through.

After the first pass, reposition and make a second cut that overlaps the first by a few inches. Keep the blade level and parallel to the ground. Once you have cut through the top, you can angle the saw slightly to cut below ground level if the stump is in a location where you want it completely removed. Stop frequently to check that the chain is still tight and that you are not hitting soil—if the blade touches dirt, stop when ready and inspect the chain for damage.

The goal is to reduce the stump to a flat surface at or below ground level. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the stump's diameter. A stump 12 inches across might need 3 to 4 passes; a stump 24 inches across might need 6 to 8. Work at a steady pace and do not rush. Let the saw do the cutting; pushing harder does not speed things up and increases the risk of the chain binding.

Dig out the roots after cutting

Once the stump is cut down, you still have roots in the ground. Use a mattock (a tool with a pick on one end and an adze on the other) or a digging bar to break up the soil around the stump and expose the roots. Dig in a circle around the cut stump, going down 12 to 18 inches. As you expose roots, cut them with the chainsaw, an axe, or a pruning saw. Smaller roots can be pulled out by hand once the soil is loose.

This is the most time-consuming part of stump removal. A small stump (6 inches across) might take 30 minutes to dig out; a large one (18 inches across) can take 2 to 3 hours. If you do not want to dig, you can hire a stump grinder, which is a machine that grinds the stump and roots into chips. Rental costs vary by region but typically run $50 to $150 per day, plus delivery fees if you cannot pick it up yourself. A stump grinder removes everything below ground in one pass, which saves your back but costs more money upfront.

Avoid common mistakes that damage your chainsaw

The biggest mistake is cutting into soil or hitting rocks. Even a light touch with dirt will dull your chain in seconds and can damage the teeth beyond repair. Keep the blade above the ground line at all times. If you must cut below ground, do it only once the stump is fully exposed and you can see exactly where the soil is.

Do not let the chain bind in the wood. If the saw suddenly stops or pulls hard, release the throttle when ready and back out. Binding can cause kickback, which throws the saw or your hands toward your face. Never cut with the tip of the bar—always use the side of the blade, and keep your hands well away from the chain path. Kickback happens in a fraction of a second, so your only defense is staying alert and keeping your grip firm.

Do not run the chainsaw without fuel or oil. An empty fuel tank or low bar oil will overheat the engine and damage it. Check both before you start and refill during long jobs. Store the chainsaw with the fuel tank empty if you are not using it for more than a month, because old fuel can gum up the carburetor and make the saw hard to start next time.

When to hire a professional instead

If the stump is very large (more than 24 inches across), in a tight space, or near a building or utility line, hire a professional tree service. They have industrial stump grinders that remove the entire stump and roots in one pass, and they carry insurance in case something goes wrong. The cost is usually $100 to $400 per stump depending on size and location.

If you do not own a chainsaw and do not want to buy one, renting one costs $20 to $50 per day at most tool rental shops. Add that to the cost of your time digging, and a stump grinder rental might be cheaper overall. For a single stump, the math usually favors hiring someone; for multiple stumps on your property, owning a chainsaw and doing the work yourself becomes more cost-effective. A professional can also handle stumps in difficult locations where you would need special equipment or informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a chainsaw to remove a stump that is already at ground level?

Yes, but it is harder because you have less to grip and the saw is harder to control. You may need to dig a small trench around the stump first to give yourself room to angle the blade. If the stump is flush with the ground, a stump grinder is the safer choice.

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is sharp enough?

A sharp chain will cut through wood with light pressure and produce fine sawdust. A dull chain requires heavy force and produces large chips or bounces off the wood. If you are pushing hard and getting nowhere, the chain needs sharpening. You can sharpen it yourself with a round file or take it to a shop—sharpening costs $10 to $20.

What should I do with the wood chips and stump pieces after cutting?

Small chips can be left as mulch in a garden bed or composted. Larger pieces can be split for firewood if the wood is dry, or chipped with a wood chipper if you have access to one. If you have no use for them, contact your local waste management to see if they accept yard debris, or hire a junk removal service.

Is it safe to cut a stump in wet weather?

Wet conditions make the ground slippery and the stump harder to grip. Wet wood also clogs the chain faster. Wait for dry weather if you can. If you must work in damp conditions, wear boots with good traction and work slowly.

How long does it take to remove a stump with a chainsaw?

Cutting the stump itself takes 5 to 15 minutes for most stumps. Digging out the roots takes 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on size and root depth. Total time for a small stump is usually 1 to 2 hours; a large stump can take 4 to 6 hours of work.