How to Remove a Tree Stump
November 9, 2026
The fastest way to remove a tree stump is to grind it below the soil with a rented stump grinder. Most homeowners can clear a typical stump in an hour or two, then replant, lay sod or mow right over the spot. Digging and chemical methods also work, but they take far more labor or time.
Your options at a glance
| Method | Best for | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stump grinder | Most stumps, especially large or several | An hour or two per stump |
| Digging and cutting roots | Small stumps with shallow roots | Several hours of hard work |
| Mini excavator or skid steer | Pulling stumps and roots for new construction | Fast, but tears up the ground |
| Chemical stump remover | No rush, no machine | Weeks to months |
Step by step with a stump grinder
- Call 811 first. Roots often wrap around buried lines, and most states require notice before you dig or grind.
- Cut the stump low. Use a chainsaw to trim it close to the ground, and clear rocks and dirt from around it.
- Pick the right size. A walk-behind stump grinder handles most residential stumps. Very large stumps go faster with a self-propelled or towable unit.
- Gear up. Wear eye and ear protection, sturdy boots and long pants, and keep people and pets well back.
- Grind in passes. Lower the spinning wheel a little at a time and sweep it side to side, working down until you're 4 to 6 inches below grade.
- Chase the big roots. Follow surface roots outward and grind them too.
- Clean up and fill. Rake out the chips, fill the hole with topsoil and seed or sod it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the 811 call. Hitting a gas or power line is dangerous and expensive.
- Grinding over rocks. Stones chip the teeth and can be thrown hard.
- Going too deep at once. Small bites keep the machine under control.
- Leaving all the chips in the hole. Wood chips settle and rob nitrogen from new grass.
When to call a pro instead
Hire a tree service for stumps next to foundations, septic systems or fences, for hillside work, or when a stump sits on a buried utility.
Where to rent a stump grinder
Stump grinders are one of the most searched rentals in big cities. People search for one about 590 times a month in New York City and 480 times in Houston. Search your city on Jobsite Jockey to compare suppliers by location, delivery and rates.
In short: rent a stump grinder, call 811, cut the stump low and grind in small passes to 4 to 6 inches below the ground. See the stump grinder rental guide for sizes and safety tips.