Stump Removal and Grinding

Whether trees come down from a natural disaster, disease, or tree removal team, they always leave behind a bulky stump to deal with. Basic tree removal service does not typically include tree stump grinding or stump removal, so the process is a completely separate issue with its own set of considerations.

Below is more information on what to do with unwanted tree stumps.

Stump Removal Cost

The average cost of tree stump removal is around $450 with the easier jobs starting around $100 and more difficult jobs reaching up to $800. There are many factors that dictate where costs will fall in this range including size, tree type, location, roots, and condition of the surrounding soil.

Tree stump size

This one is a simple concept. The larger the tree stump, the more costly it is to remove. Bigger stumps require more manpower and more equipment to remove.

Location

The stump’s immediate surroundings can add to the difficulty of the removal job. If it is in a wide open space then location will likely not contribute to added costs, but if there nearby structures, power lines, or public spaces then costs could rise. In addition, more highly populated cities tend to have higher rates in general than suburban and rural areas.

Tree type

Certain tree types are more dense than others. Tree density can have a significant effect on how easily a stump can be cut through and removed. Trees with more density can require more equipment and longer hours to get the job done.

Roots

Tree roots can be extremely problematic and unwieldy. They can grow to be massive and spread out over a significant amount of space. They are also known to grow under structures, pavement, and concrete, which would make for a more complicated removal process.

Condition of the soil

Harder, more compact soil makes it more difficult for the stump grinding tools to get in and around the stump roots and function properly.

How to Remove a Tree Stump

Many have tried and failed to remove tree stumps on their own. It can be an extremely labor intensive process. You can hack at a stump with an axe, pick, and shovel all day and not get very far. Make sure that you are up to the task before taking on any tree stump removal project.

If you are attempting to remove a tree stump yourself, the key is to be patient. There are a few different effective approaches you can take in DIY stump removal. These approaches include using stump remover chemicals, burning the stump, and a power stump grinder respectively.

The stump remover chemicals and burning the stump approaches can take days to weeks before you see any significant changes and the stump grinder approach requires the handling of heavy equipment, which you absolutely do not want to rush and mishandle.

If you would like the stump removed quickly and want to avoid any safety concerns, the additional option is to call a stump removal service to bring in a team of professionals and handle the job for you. If a tree removal service is already coming to your property to take the tree out, be sure to ask about their stump removal process and pricing.

{Stump Remover Chemical Method}

  • First cut the stump so it is as short as you can get it to be with a saw or chainsaw.

  • Now, on the face of the stump, position the drill about four inches inward from the edge and drill a vertical hole down into the stump that is one inch thick and 12 inches deep. Then drill several other holes in this same manner around the stump about five inches apart from each other.

  • Use the drill to drill holes on the exterior of the stump that intersect with the original holes. Make sure these new holes are at a downward 45 degree angle. These will help aerate the stump and increase the effectiveness of the chemicals used.

  • Pour the stump removal chemical of your choice into the holes on the face of the stump. Only about four ounces is needed to do the job. Then add water until the entire hole is filled. Information on types of stump remover chemicals is below.

  • Wait four to six weeks and watch while the stump slowly rots away.

  • Then use an axe, shovel, or burning method (described in the second stump removal method) to remove what is left of the stump.

Safety Tips

  • Wear protective goggles, gloves, and a helmet.
  • Make sure you are well equipped to handle a chainsaw and axe before jumping into this project. If you have any health conditions that may affect safe usage of any of these tools then do not attempt this job.
  • Keep children away from the stump when you are preparing it and throughout the entire rotting process. You may want to set up a barrier around it.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the stump removal chemicals and avoid contact with your eyes before doing so.

Tools needed for the stump remover chemical method: Saw or chainsaw, drill, 12 inch bit extension, stump remover product, shovel, and safety equipment.

{Burn the Stump Method}

Whether you already got a head start on the removal process with chemicals or not, completely burning what is left of a tree stump can take some time. Here is how to burn a stump safely and effectively.

Step 1:

Consult your local fire department about any fire restrictions.

Step 2:

Set up a perimeter around the stump using stones, bricks, or rocks to help keep the fire contained.

Step 3:

Build a campfire setup on top of the stump with some logs and kindling.

Step 4:

Light the wood on fire and let the wood turn to embers. The embers are what will slowly burn the stump away. This process could take several days.

Step 5:

Mix the embers around with a rake if they start to look as if they are fading away.

Step 6:

Once the stump is burned out, use a rake or shovel to clear out the area and fill it with soil.

Safety Tips

  • If your area is experiencing dry conditions, there may be restrictions on building a fire. Call your local fire department before beginning this project.
  • Make sure the fire is a manageable size and that it is well contained so that it does not put nearby plants, structures, and people at risk.
  • Keep children far away from the stump throughout the entire burning process, which can last multiple days. A protective barrier may need to be installed as an added safety measure.
  • Keep a hose handy just in case the fire gets out of control.

Tools needed for the stump burning method: Fire-making materials, rake, shovel, and safety equipment.

{Power Stump Grinder Method}

Before attempting this, make sure that you are wearing the proper protective gear, which includes goggles, a helmet, ear protection, and gloves. Another thing to consider before taking on this task is the price to rent a stump grinder or stump cutter. It may come close to the price to have a trained professional do the job for you and save you the hassle and safety concerns, so be sure to do your research before diving in. Stump grinders are large machines that will need to be towed on a trailer in order to transport.

  • 1. Remove any rocks or debris that could damage the blades of the grinder with a shovel.
  • 2. Cut the stump as low as possible using a saw or chainsaw.
  • 3. Position the stump grinder on the edge where you would like to begin grinding.
  • 4. Turn it on and drive the grinder a few inches into the stump.
  • 5. Use the machine to knock the wood pieces away after they have been cut. Once the cut piece of wood has been cleared, cut down on the pieces below it in the same manner until you have cleared wood four inches below ground.
  • 6. Continue these steps as you move along the rest of the stump.
  • 7. Clear the wood chips using a shovel or rake.
  • 8. Fill in the hole with soil.

Safety Tips

  • Wear protective gear. Anyone standing nearby should also wear protective equipment.
  • A stump grinder is a large piece of machinery. Before handling any heavy machinery, do not consume any substances that may impair you.
  • Read all instructions and safety guidelines before using a stump grinder.

Tools needed for the power stump grinder method: Shovel, saw or chainsaw, power stump grinder, rake, and safety gear.

Types of Stump Remover

Potassium nitrate is considered the most effective and speedy chemical stump remover solution. Also known as saltpeter, potassium nitrate is a naturally occurring source of nitrogen. It can be purchased in its pure pellet form or appear as an ingredient in other stump remover products. Do not mix potassium nitrate with other chemicals.

Stump removers in powder form tend to be more effective than those in liquid form as liquids are prone to evaporation. Be sure to read all instructions before handling any stump remover chemicals. Stump remover products are available at most home and garden stores.

Below are some common choices for chemical stump removers.
  • Spectracide Stump Remover:

    This typically comes in granule form and does an effective job of removing stumps.

  • Bonide Stump-Out:

    The active ingredient in Stump-Out is sodium metabisulfite. It comes in powder form and it accelerates the natural decomposition of the tree stump.

  • Tordon RTU:

    If you are looking for a liquid option that gets rid of unwanted stumps, this is a common choice.