How To Get Rid of Tree Stumps

Digging out a tree stump isn’t the easiest job. You’ll need to expose deep roots and make some tough cuts, but doing it yourself is very possible. Perhaps you’ve just had a tree cut down, or perhaps you’ve had a stump in your yard for a while and want to reclaim the space. Either way, learn the best techniques from Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook.

Tree Stump Removal Options

The two primary ways to get rid of a tree stump are manually and with a stump grinder.

Manual Removal

To remove the stump manually, you’ll use a few basic tools to dig around, cut the roots, and get underneath the stump to uproot it like a lever. Manual removal is best in these situations:

• You’ve got areas where heavy equipment can’t access
• You prefer a more hands-on approach
• Renting equipment isn’t cost-effective
• You only need to remove smaller stumps (less than 12 inches in diameter)

Manual removal isn’t without its cons. The process can take a lot of time, even for smaller stumps, and it may not be a great option if you have more than one to remove. 

The digging and lifting can also be very physically demanding, so pass on this option if you struggle with mobility or simply don’t want to do too much manual labor. If you’re up to the challenge, be sure to pace yourself and take breaks as you need.

Stump Grinding

A more popular approach these days is to use a stump grinder, a powerful machine that turns tree stumps into sawdust. “It’s a gas engine, and it powers carbide teeth which turn and eat away at the stump like a piece of corn,” Cook explains.

Stump grinding is a good option when:

• You want a quicker solution
• There are larger stumps or multiple stumps to remove
• You prefer minimal soil disturbance
• Complete root removal isn’t necessary
• You’d prefer less physical labor

Stump grinders are big, powerful, and professional-grade machines, but you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars buying one yourself. Many equipment rental stores across the country have at least one in their fleet. Expect to pay around $110–$220 to rent one for half a day.*

*Cost information is based on 2024 reports from Angi.

The Manual Stump Removal Process

For a manual stump removal project, you’ll need the following tools:

• Bypass loppers
• Digging bar
• Garden rake
• Leaf rake
• Pointed shovel
• Pruning saw or reciprocating saw
• Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, sturdy boots)

Cook starts the process by excavating the soil around the stump with a pointed shovel. Then, he cuts through the exposed roots. For smaller roots up to 1 inch in diameter, we recommend using bypass loppers. Larger roots need a pruning saw to get through, though you can also use a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade.

Once he’s cut enough roots, Cook pries around the stump with a digging bar. With enough leverage and roots cut away, the stump should lift out of the ground. He finishes by backfilling the hole with the soil he excavated.

You can add loam, organic matter, and compost as needed. You can then spread new grass seed, hydroseed, or lay down sod to get your yard space back.

Using a Stump Grinder

Using a stump grinder is relatively straightforward once you get a hang of the controls. But it’s still important to follow these safety precautions:

• Wear safety goggles and hearing protection as normal for working with heavy machinery.
• Put on a face shield to protect yourself from flying debris. 
• Remove any rocks or debris from around the stump so they don’t damage the grinder or fly toward you.
• Mark the location of pipes, gas lines, buried power lines, sprinkler systems, foundations, and other underground utilities and structures.

Once everything’s safe to proceed, move the grinder over to your stump. Some grinders push like a lawnmower, and others have a riding platform to stand on. The blade should be just above the edge of the stump, plus a few inches outward.

Start the blade and lower it onto the stump. Move it from side to side and gradually work your way down. Keep grinding until you’ve reached about 6–8 inches below ground level, then raise the blade, move forward, and repeat.

Once you’re done grinding, drive the grinder away from the site. Rake away the wood chips and fill the hole with loam. In the spring, we recommend planting some grass seed to restore the lawn.

Stump Removal Alternatives

If manual removal or grinding isn’t feasible, consider these alternatives:

• Burning: Some areas allow you to burn stumps, though it’s not allowed everywhere, and it can pose a serious fire hazard if you don’t know what you’re doing.
• Chemical removal: Chemical products can speed up a stump’s natural decomposition. However, they can take several months to work and are a serious safety risk around kids, pets, and wildlife.
• Natural decomposition: Stumps do naturally decompose over time, but it can take a long while.
• Stump repurposing: Repurposing is another safe alternative to stump removal and grinding. If your stump is healthy enough, you could consider giving it a second life as a planter or garden feature.

Dealing with Leftover Roots

After removing the stump, some roots may stay in the ground. However, they’ll eventually decompose and integrate into the soil. 

Cut any remaining visible roots flush with the ground, and fill the holes and depressions with soil. If you see any sprouts, remove them to keep your space yours.