How to get rid of a tree stump?

Dee
by Dee

I just had a tree taken down. It has a 24 inch stump that is close to the grass. How do I get rid of the stump? My neighbor told me that Stump Rot compound that you get in the hardware store does not work.

Thanks in advance for your help.


  10 answers
  • drill holes in it and pour in salt. It will help break it down faster.

    • Dee Dee on Apr 02, 2020

      I tried drilling holes this afternoon. The center of the tree rotted out so that part was easy. The outer part of the stump was hard and I could not drill deep holes. I guess I am not strong enough. I am not going to try the burn method, one I am in the city and we are not allowed to burn. But more importantly I think that could be too dangerous.

      Guess I will need to find a company that does that sort of thing.

  • Unexpected Elegance Unexpected Elegance on Apr 02, 2020

    Here is a two part video showing how to use the salt method:


    Part One:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-XClLxx4s

    Part Two:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO-XClLxx4s

  • You could rent a tree stump grinder from your local home improvement store.

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Apr 02, 2020

    Hi Dee, this is Peggy. I hope this helps you get rid of your tree stump. Stay wellWhat can you put on a tree stump to make it rot?

    Most tree stump killer brands are made of powdered potassium nitrate, which speeds up the rotting process. You simply pour the granules into drilled holes and fill the holes with water. The stump will become pretty spongy after four to six weeks.


    How to Remove a Tree Stump Painlessly — The Family Handyman

    www.familyhandyman.com › landscaping › how-to-remove-a-tree-stum...


    • Dee Dee on Apr 04, 2020

      Thanks Peggy, I will get a different drill bit and try again.

  • If it’s that big, you might consider a stump removal service, otherwise it could take a very long time using other methods.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 03, 2020

    Hello. The approach may depend on the size and tenacity of your stump and your physical enthusiasm.


    Wack it out with sledgehammer, wedge, maul and or mattock. If its rotted it should be much easier than a new stump. Digging them out is the best solution. When we were placing an irrigation line in —we did find a reciprocating saw helpful with root removal in addition to the digging with pick ax and mattock.


    In the past we’ve tried drilling out the stumps, attempting to burn them, and using a Stump out root disintegrating chemical on a large willow tree and found it not to be very helpful. On subsequent sizeable trunks we’ve been calling a professional stump grinder and having the issue over and done with in less than an hour. On smaller cedar stumps we leave them for a matter of time and hack away with sledge hammer maul wedges till it breaks up.


    I did recently see they do rent out two different sized hp -stump grinders at my local Home Depot Tool rental. It can be pretty physically intense work, it’s easier to call professional unless you’re up for a challenge.


    Best wishes with your tree stump elimination efforts.

    • See 2 previous
    • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 04, 2020

      I agree —my gosh that’s excessive. We know of the fellow that lives outside our community that will rent the grinding machine when he has a bunch of jobs —and usually it is about $100-200 for several stumps. Actually if you can believe it he says to pay him whatever you think is fair.


      Perhaps dragging the machinery around for one single job it’s not cost-effective for professionals, if only there were a few more stumps in your neighborhood sharing the job at different locations might be beneficial. Or if you can pair up with someone having a tree taken down nearby.


      The only other suggestion I might offer is —if —you’re on Facebook or on the Nextdoor community websites floating out the idea they are if anybody knows a handyman that might do it in a cost effective way or if a group of people get to do it together the cost be shared. Last tree we had tree down it was $1000 and we made sure the stump grinding was in the price of the tree removal package.

      Sadly It really doesn’t take that long to grind up the stump.


      I hope you find the perfect solution for your stump situation. Take Care!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 03, 2020

    You can drill holes in it and pour epsom salt to accelerate the process.

  • If you have cash to burn, just hire out to a stump grinder. How big was the tree? Might be worth it for instant gratification. If you are patient, you can use agricultural strength vinegar.

  • Dee Dee on Nov 01, 2020

    I tried the stump rot and drilled into the stump. It did nothing, neither did salt.. I finally found a tree company that would grind the stump for $50. Well worth the cost