Large stumps can be unsightly and hazardous for lawn maintenance and outdoor activities and some can take up to six years to decay. By removing tree stumps right away, you can re-purpose the area for new lawn or flowerbeds. The quickest and most reliable removal method is to use a stump grinder.
Warning
Always wear protective clothing while operating machinery with a sharp cutting blade. Work boots or closed toed shoes, gloves, face shield or goggles, and ear protection are advised when using a stump grinder. Request a demonstration when purchasing or renting a unit, including how to perform fuel and safety checks.
How a Stump Grinder Works
A stump grinder is a gas-powered machine with a sharply toothed, rotating circular blade. It reduces stumps to wood chips and shavings as the operator moves the blade back and forth across the stump. The grinder removes everything on above ground and 4 to 8 inches below ground to get rid of roots, leaving a clear, wood-free cavity in the soil.
They are used most often right after a tree is removed but are safer and less labor intensive and messy to use when the ground is dry and hard in late autumn and early winter. If you don't own a stump grinder, you can rent one from a home improvement store. Three basic types of stump grinders include:
- Walk-Behind Unit: Least costly and used most by homeowners, these are wheeled machines with handlebars, propelled like a lawnmower and manually maneuvered. Compact units are easy to transport and work best on smaller, softer stumps in tight places.
- Riding Unit: Large, heavy industrial equipment used by commercial tree removal and landscaping companies. Units are propelled by tracks or wheels, expensive, and not suited to tight spaces.
- Track Unit: Heavy equipment propelled by tracks, like on a tank. Most operate with a hydraulic control system that directs the drive and blade systems. Units can be rented but are expensive and difficult to transport.
Safety Considerations
Plan stump removal for a dry day when ground is firm. Wet, muddy conditions can cause the wheels to sink, making it hard to maneuver, and increase potential accidents due to slipping or falling. Clear the surrounding area of all items and yard debris. Remove rocks and hard material that might damage the blade or become flying hazards from the stump's base.
Note and mark off nearby underground systems like installed sprinkles and hoses, adjacent landscaping, and foundations to avoid damage. Keep pets and young children indoors while working. Stay well away from the blade until it completely stops spinning and allow the engine to cool before handling motorized parts.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Stump grinder
- Chainsaw
- Rake
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow (optional)
Materials
- Boots or leather close-toed shoes
- Protective eyewear/goggles or face shield
- Ear protection
- Fuel/Rated gasoline
- Ruler or tape measure
- Yard waste bags (optional)
Instructions
How to Use a Stump Grinder
Measure the Stump
- Measure the height of the stump from ground level to the tallest point. Tall stumps need to be cut down before removal.
Cut the Stump Down to Size
- Use a chainsaw to remove any part of the stump taller than 14 inches.
- Use a chainsaw to remove any part of the stump taller than 14 inches.
Start and Position the Unit
- Start the ignition and roll the grinder up to within a couple feet of the stump.
Raise and Position the Cutting Blade
- Using the blade lever, raise the blade. Move the unit forward to position the blade just above the edge of the stump.
Engage and Lower the Blade
- Use the switch to start the blade rotating and the lever to slowly lower the blade onto the top edge of the stump.
Move the Blade Back and Forth
- Move the blade back and forth across the cutting area as the wood begins to disintegrate.
- If you're working with a large stump, you may find it easier to turn off the blade, raise and reposition it and lower it onto the stump as needed.
- Repeat the action until the stump has been reduced to ground level.
Reposition the Blade and Continue Cutting
- Reposition the blade on top of the stump at ground level.
- Continue cutting and removing wood and roots to a depth of 4 to 8 inches or until all hard material has been reduced, leaving a clear cavity.
Raise the Blade and Turn Off the Unit
- Disengage the blade, turn it off and raise it, then power off the unit.
- Remove it from the working area.
Fill the Hole
- Rake wood chips into the hole. Excess wood chips can be re-purposed to mulch other landscaping such as flowerbeds, shrubs and trees.
- Bag excess mulch or use a shovel to remove it to a wheelbarrow or cart.
When to Call a Professional
Removing a stump with a walk-behind grinder can be labor intensive and requires physical strength to move the blade across the stump. Consider contracting with a professional service if any of the following apply:
- You aren't physically able to do the work yourself.
- The stump is in a potentially hazardous location, close to a structure or other large trees, or on a slope.
- The stump is from a large, hardwood tree.
- The stump is too tall and you don't own or have access to a chainsaw.
FAQ
How hard is it to use a stump grinder?
Walk-behind stump grinders are not hard to use as long as you understand how to operate the controls and have the necessary physical strength.
How long does it take to grind a stump with a stump grinder?
Time required using a walk-behind stump grinder depends on stump size, type of wood, and operator strength. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours. A commercial machine can eliminate a stump in as little as 15 minutes.
How deep should you go with a stump grinder?
Use the cutting blade until the area is free of solid wood, including roots, leaving a clear cavity where the stump previously sat.
Stump Removal: How to Remove a Stump Without a Grinder
