How to Remove of Tree Stumps

Have you recently had a tree cut down and want to remove the leftover stump? Or maybe you’ve moved into a property that has a tree stump in the yard that you’d like to have removed. Either way, you might be wondering how to get rid of tree stumps. Good news—you’ve come to the right place!

At Jim’s Mowing, we can help you out with everything you need to know about complete tree stump removal.

Is Tree Stump Removal Necessary?

Before we jump into how to remove a tree stump properly, let’s take a second to go over the reasons why they should be removed. it’s usually about more than just aesthetics, and understanding the importance of complete removal will reinforce just how important the task is to your property’s health. No tree removal is truly complete if the stump is left in the ground. A stump in the ground not only signals a job half-done, but it also poses several risks.

Think about why you chose to get rid of the tree in the first place—was it dying, a hotspot for pests and infestations, or carrying a disease? If the answer to any of these is “yes”, then as long as the stump remains in the ground, the problem will remain in your yard! Complete removal is the only way to ensure against further issues. 

Safety is another concern our customers have around tree stumps left over after a tree being cut down. A stump sticking up out of the ground is an immediate tripping risk, especially for children running around. Even if the stump is cut in a way that appears safe, roots popping out of the ground aren’t always as easy to see. These roots can also continue to grow and wreak havoc on pavement and underground pipes, making tree stump removal all the more necessary.

Tree Stump Removal Methods

There are a few ways to get the job done, whether you’re hiring the professionals or opting for DIY tree stump removal.

Stump Removal with Herbicide

Another option is to remove the stump chemically using herbicides. There are a few different herbicides that can be used to rot the stump, such as fertiliser, or specific stump removal chemicals like potassium nitrate. For a more natural, chemical-free stump removal, try Epsom salts.

• Step 1: Drill into the stump

Use a long drill bit to create deep holes in the stump that you’ll pour the chemicals through. The holes should be at least an inch in diameter and a few inches deep—thick enough for liquid to be poured into them. Along with drilling holes into the top of the tree stump, you’ll also want to drill holes into the sides of it, so that the herbicide can flow throughout the stump.

• Step 2: Pour chemicals

Wearing appropriate protection and thick gardening gloves, pour your selected chemicals into the holes you’ve drilled. The amount you use will depend on the type of chemical you have chosen to go with and the size of the stump. Some chemicals may also require you to pour water into the hole after they have been inserted.

• Step 3: Cover with a tarp

After this, soak the area with water and cover it with a tarp. Soaking the area and covering it can help accelerate the rot process, which is especially helpful with stubborn stumps.

• Step 4: Remove the stump

The time it takes for a stump to soften from chemical removal will differ depending on the size and type of tree, along with the climate. Follow the guidelines on the product you used, and check on the stump regularly. Generally, it should take around a month or so for the tree stump to soften enough to be removed. Once ready, you can remove the tree using an axe, making sure you get the roots out, too.

Manual Removal

To begin manual tree stump removal, you’ll have to cut off the remaining stump as close to the ground as possible. Using either an axe or chainsaw, get as close to the ground as possible, then, you’ll have to dig up the stump to remove the root system entirely.

If you’re manually removing a particularly well-established tree that doesn’t want to budge, you could start by completing the herbicide removal steps to soften the stump before manual removal.

• Step 1: Dig around the stump

A mattock or shovel can be used to dig around the base of the stump, digging deep and wide to ensure you unearth all of the roots from the tree. Keep an eye on the stump itself and consider putting in support to ensure it does not fall during this step.

• Step 2: Remove the upper roots

Once you’ve dug around the tree stump and exposed the tree roots, you can begin removing the upper root system. This can be done with secateurs, a saw, or an axe, depending on the size of the roots and the equipment you have available.

• Step 3: Remove the taproot

Next, remove the lower roots, and finally the taproot. Once you’ve severed all the roots, you should be able to simply pull the stump out of the ground and dispose of it.

Use a Stump Grinder

If pests and disease aren’t a concern and you’re ok with leaving the roots in the ground, you could use a stump grinder.

• Step 1: Rent a stump grinder

The first step is to get your hands on a stump grinder. These can generally be rented from hardware stores or nurseries. These are large machines, so keep this in mind when sourcing one and bringing it home.

• Step 2: Clear the area

Before you begin using the stump grinder, clear any leaves, dirt, rocks, or sticks from the surrounding area. This is to avoid debris making contact with the grinder while it’s on, which could cause it to become airborne and pose a hazard to anyone nearby, as well as your windows!

• Step 3: Cut the stump down

Using a saw or chainsaw, cut the stump down as far as possible. Level with the ground is ideal, although you can leave a few inches of stump above the ground if needed.

• Step 4: Be safe with protective gear

Put on protective eyewear, ear protection, closed-in shoes, and gloves before turning on the grinder. Make sure there are no children or pets in the area during this process.

• Step 5: Grind down the stump

If you are unsure of how to operate the machine, do plenty of research before you begin. As a general rule, you should place the stump grinder over the tree stump and turn it on, then carefully lower it down so it can begin grinding the stump. Many grinders can be moved side to side using a lever on the machine. You’ll likely find that you’ll need to reposition the grinder as the task goes on. Continue grinding down the stump until it sits around 10cm below ground height.

• Step 6: Fill in the hole

Once the tree stump has been ground down, the hole can then be filled in using wood chips or soil and levelled out. Then all that’s left is deciding what to do with your new, smooth patch of ground!

Call in Jim’s

If you’re feeling a little intimidated by the thought of a DIY stump removal project, call in the professionals! Jim’s Mowing can provide assistance for tree stump removal, allowing you to simply sit back and relax while the job gets done. Our garden specialists can assess the tree stump and discuss options for how to proceed. We can also advise on anything else your yard or lawn may need to thrive, including aeration, hedge trimming, gutter cleaning, lawn mowing, and more!