How to Remove a Tree Stump Yourself: 4 Proven Methods

Removing a stump yourself can save a few hundred dollars, but the right method depends on the stump’s size and how fast you need it gone.

The fastest DIY way to remove a tree stump is to rent a stump grinder (about $100–$200/day); the cheapest is to dig it out by hand for small stumps, or to rot it with a chemical stump remover over several weeks. Big stumps with deep taproots are often worth hiring out.

Here are four methods, the tools each needs, and how to decide. To just kill it and stop regrowth, see how to kill a tree stump.

Compare the methods

Method 1: Dig it out

1. Dig around the stump with a spade to expose the main roots.
2. Cut roots with loppers, a root saw, or an axe.
3. Once the major roots are severed, rock the stump loose and lever it out.
4. Backfill the hole with soil.

Best for small stumps; hard work for anything large.

Method 2: Rent a stump grinder

A grinder chews the stump to 4–12 inches below grade in under an hour for most stumps. Wear eye and ear protection, clear rocks first, and keep bystanders back. Renting pays off if you have multiple stumps — see stump grinder rental costs and compare to hiring a grinding service.

Method 3: Chemical rotting

Drill holes, add a potassium-nitrate stump remover and water, and let the wood soften over 4–10 weeks. Then break the rotted stump apart with an axe and remove the pieces. Low effort, slow.

Method 4: Burning (check local laws)

Some homeowners burn out a rotted stump, but open burning is restricted or banned in many areas and is a real fire hazard. Always check local ordinances and never use accelerants like gasoline.

When to call a pro

Large stumps, dense root systems, stumps near foundations or utilities, or tight-access yards are usually faster and safer with a professional. Get the cost picture in our stump removal cost guide.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the easiest way to remove a stump yourself?

Renting a grinder is fastest; chemical rotting is lowest-effort if you can wait weeks.

Can I remove a stump without a grinder?

Yes — dig and lever out small stumps, or rot larger ones chemically, then break them apart.

How deep do I need to go?

Grind or dig 4–12 inches below grade so you can cover with soil and grow grass over it.

Should I remove the roots too?

For replanting or building, yes; for a lawn, grinding below grade and leaving roots to decay is usually fine.

Disclaimer: Follow tool safety guidance and local burning/disposal laws. General information, not professional advice.

Choosing the right stump removal method

The best method depends on the stump’s size and how fast you need it gone. Renting a grinder is the quickest DIY route and pays off if you have several stumps, while digging a small stump out by hand is essentially free but hard labor. Chemical rotting is the lowest-effort option — you drill holes, add a stump remover, and let the wood soften over several weeks before breaking it apart. For large stumps with deep taproots, or stumps near foundations and utilities, it’s usually faster and safer to hire a professional.

Safety and what to expect

If you grind a stump yourself, clear rocks and debris first because they damage the teeth and become projectiles, wear eye and ear protection, and keep bystanders well back. Never grind near buried lines — call 811 to have utilities located before you start. A typical stump grinds down in well under an hour once you’re set up, though large hardwood stumps take longer. Grinding removes the stump to a few inches below grade so you can cover it with soil and grow grass, but it leaves the roots to decay naturally.

When to just hire it out

Large stumps, dense root systems, and tight-access yards are usually cheaper in the long run to hand to a pro than to fight with a rented machine. If you only have one small stump, a professional grinding is often barely more than the rental cost and saves you the labor — so get a quote before committing to DIY.