Stump Removal – How to Get Rid of a Remaining Tree Stump

When a tree on your property dies or has to be removed, the stump that remains presents a problem. It’s a safety hazard for those walking or playing in the yard, and it can also interfere with your landscape plan. Leaving it to rot or using chemical methods to kill the stump are both options, but neither is optimal for the health of your garden or lawn. The most effective and most economical way to remove a stump is to grind it down, and that’s what professional stump grinding services do.

Stumps are a magnet for pests, from wood-boring insects like termites and carpenter ants to more invasive species like beetles and grubs. As they decay, they can spread disease that can infect nearby trees and other plants. The roots can also damage your property’s foundation and lead to structural problems, causing the need for costly repairs.

Stump grinding is the most effective way to remove any remaining tree stump and prevent future issues. It is more cost-effective than removing the entire tree, as it reduces the risk of costly future work and allows you to use the land for other purposes. It’s also safer, as a lingering stump can be tripping or falling hazards for children and pets.

Complete stump removal is time-consuming, difficult, and expensive, requiring special equipment such as a bobcat or mini track loader to dig up the root system and haul it away. It can also be hazardous, as the old stump and roots can tangle up underground pipes, cables, or sewer systems.

Alternatively, you can hire a professional to grind the stump down with a powerful machine that reduces it to mulch, effectively killing any remaining traces of the old tree. The machines are often heavy-duty and require professional training to operate, so it’s best to leave this option to professionals who have the right equipment.

There are some homeowners who prefer the hands-on approach to manual stump removal. The process is straightforward, but it requires a shovel, an axe or mattock, and a pair of gloves to dig around the stump, uncovering the roots. You can then sever the roots with an axe or mattock, and finally, with a chainsaw, cut down any sprouting new growth.

Homeowners who do not mind a rotting stump can opt to let it decompose naturally by digging around it and drilling several holes in the sides of the stump to expose more wood for fungi to consume. They can even add fertilizer to speed up the process. If this is your choice, make sure that it’s far enough from your house and any other plants to avoid contaminating them with unwanted chemicals. It is also a good idea to cover the area with sod as soon as possible. This is to prevent spores from spreading, as well as to keep out wild animals. If you do decide to use chemicals, be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions on dosage and to wear appropriate protective equipment.

from Rangeview Tree Services https://rangeviewtreesvic.wordpress.com/2025/02/24/stump-removal-how-to-get-rid-of-a-remaining-tree-stump/