You eliminated the tree that just didn’t work in your yard, but now you have the stump to contend with. Surprisingly, removing it is no easy task. In fact, it’s left you, well — stumped. But never fear, if you need to know how to remove a tree stump, we’ve got you covered. And while you may ultimately decide to call in a professional, you do have options.
But before we go into the different options, let’s take a look at your tree stump and its unique characteristics. Does it have a deep root system? Is the stump small, medium, or large? Large tree stumps may not come out as easily as smaller ones with some of these methods.
And why do you want to get rid of it? Is it the remnant of a tree removal job? Is it an old stump that you are ready to take out … or perhaps an eyesore that you are ready to eliminate? If this is the case, then you may want to choose one of the fast tree stump removal methods.
Once you have the details and reasoning behind the stump removal, you’re ready to choose your tree stump killer. Here are the five popular methods, including your DIY options.
No. 1: Use Chemicals
Using chemicals to remove a tree stump is the least labor-intensive way to get rid of it. However, this process does take time, especially if the size of the stump is large.
In some cases, it could take up to a year for the stump removal process to be complete because you are literally rotting the pesky stump. But the good news is that this method is inexpensive if you already have a chainsaw and drill.
The materials you need to purchase will cost you less than $20. Here are a few of our picks for stump removal chemicals:
- Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover
- Gordon’s (PBI) Stump Killer
- VPG Fertilome 32295 Brush Stump Killer
- Bonide BND272 Ready to Use Stump-Out
To get your tree stump out this way, you’ll need the following:
- A chainsaw and a drill
- Potassium nitrate
- Plastic tarp
- Garden mulch
- An ax
How to Remove a Tree Stump Using Chemicals
Once you’ve got your materials, you can begin. But remember, when you use a chemical stump remover, be patient as it will take at least four weeks in most cases to see results. If you are looking for a way to rot a tree stump fast, this is it. Normally, it takes three to seven years for a stump to rot.
Step 1: Using your chainsaw, take off as much of the stump that’s above ground level as possible. Be sure to have protective safety gear on such as safety goggles and steel toe boots.
Step 2: Next, it’s time to drill holes through what is left of the tree stump. Space the holes closely together and use the largest drill bit that you can. Go as deep and wide as you can with these holes.
Step 3: Fill the holes using water first, then add the potassium nitrate. You could also use another type of fertilizer high in nitrogen, or even stump remover granules designed for this process.
Step 4: Soak the ground all around the tree stump with water to get it nice and saturated, then cover the area with a plastic tarp. The tarp will help to keep moisture in and accelerate the rotting process.
Step 5: Cover the tarp with mulch, preferably an organic variety and water again to help retain moisture and soak the area.
Step 6: Check on the progress periodically and add more water and nitrogen to your tree stump, then recover with mulch and more water.
Step 7: After four to six weeks have passed, your tree stump should become spongy. If so, you can use an ax to speed up the process and remove portions of the tree stump. If enough of it comes loose, you can cover what remains with dirt, and create a flower bed or even plant grass seed. If the stump is still firm, repeat the process.
If you discover that the old tree stump hasn’t progressed as far as you’d like, you can always move on to the burn method listed below.
Or, if you want to avoid harsh chemicals, fuel oil, or anything else that’s not natural, you could use the Epsom salt method. Follow the steps above but switch out Epsom salt for the potassium nitrate.
No. 2: Remove Stump Manually
If you don’t want to use chemical stump removal or wait too long to get rid of the tree stump, it may be possible to remove it manually. Again it’s not expensive to do it this way if you already have the tools. It may take around three to 12 hours to finish the project, but once you are done, that stump will be history.
The tools that you need to gather or purchase include:
- Digging bar
- Bow saw
- Ax
- Mattock
Be sure to wear safety gear such as work gloves and steel toe boots for this project.
How to Manually Remove a Tree Stump
Manually removing a stump is definitely more labor-intensive, but it will get the job done fast. This method is best used on small to medium-sized tree trunks. If your stump is larger, then you’ll probably need a stump grinder, which we will talk about later.
Step 1: Use the broad end of the mattock to dig around the stump and loosen the dirt.
Step 2: Remove the loosened dirt with a shovel so that you see the tree roots.
Step 3: With your mattock (or a small bow) sever the tree roots from your tree trunk.
Step 4: Continue to dig and chop until you reach the taproot and clear an area around it.
Step 5: Using an ax or bow saw, cut through the taproot.
Once you’ve cut through the taproot, you can wiggle the tree stump around and pull it out of the topsoil. This process will take hours, but when it’s over, your tree stump will be gone.
No. 3: Burn the Stump
Another do-it-yourself option is the burn method. This may be used alone or in conjunction with one of the two stump removal methods listed above. The supplies you’ll need to burn your stump include:
- A tree stump removal product such as Stump Out
- Kerosene or fuel oil
- Power drill
Step 1: Drill holes in the stump and sprinkle your powdered tree stump removal product inside. This will help to make the wood porous.
Step 2: Pour kerosene or fuel oil the holes. Soak the tree stump completely, allowing the porous wood to absorb the fuel.
Step 3: Ignite the tree stump and let it burn. Watch it closely and make sure that the flame smolders. Once it is just about finished, you can cover it with topsoil to help put out any remnants of the fire.
This is a fast method for removal, but if you live in a neighborhood, you may want to check first that it’s acceptable to use kerosene on your tree stump.
No. 4: Use a Stump Grinder
If you are dealing with a larger stump, or have multiple old tree stumps to remove, renting a stump grinder may be your best DIY bet. Stump grinders that are available at your local home improvement store generally cost between $150 and $300 to rent. You’ll also need a few extra tools including:
- Shovel
- Mattock
- Rake
- Chainsaw
How to Remove a Tree Stump With a Stump Grinder
Stump grinders are large machines that can weigh around 1,000 pounds. So before you rent one, make sure you have a vehicle that can transport it to and from your home, or that the rental company can deliver it and take it away.
Step 1: Clear dirt, debris and rocks away from the tree stump using your mattock or shovel.
Step 2: Using your chainsaw, cut as much of the stump as possible. Ground-level is ideal.
Step 3: Place the stump grinder wheel a few inches above the stump and turn it on.
Step 4: Lower it about 3 inches and move it from side to side using its lever.
Step 5: Grind it down about 4 inches using the grinder wheel and repeat until the entire perimeter of the stump is 4 inches below the ground.
Step 6: Fill the hole with the wood chips which are the remnants of your stump then cover with topsoil and/or grass.
While this is a home improvement project that you can do yourself, be sure to do your research before you begin. These machines can be a challenge to operate and you will need the proper safety gear and attire.
No. 5: Call in the Pros
If waiting weeks, working on it for hours, lighting fires, or operating heavy equipment don’t appeal to you, you can always hire someone who removes tree stumps for a living to help you. If you’re already getting a tree cut down, ask that company to remove the trunk. They will charge you an additional fee, but you may be able to negotiate a favorable rate since you are already working with them.
It generally costs between $100 and $350 per stump for removal, depending on the size and quantity to be removed. Clean-up is a major factor when checking around for pricing as well– without clean-up services, expect a very large pile of dirt/woodchips mix that you will need to then rake up and haul away.