Should You Remove a Tree Stump? The Surprising Risks of Leaving It Behind

If you've cut down a tree and are left with a stump, you might be wondering whether you need to remove it. After all, it's a natural part of the environment. However, removing a tree stump from your garden can be beneficial for many reasons—even if it may seem like an unnecessary task.

Tree stumps take up valuable space in your yard, but they can also pose safety risks and may even attract termites. Ahead, experts share key reasons to remove stumps, along with natural, chemical-free methods for eliminating or relocating them.

Why Tree Removal Is Important

Removing a tree stump can enhance the safety and health of your garden.

“Old stumps often create a tripping hazard, get in the way of mowing and planting, and take up valuable space you may use for new flowers, shrubs, or landscaping features,” says Ankit Singh, an assistant professor at the University of Maine Extension.

As they decay, they can also attract insects and fungal growth.

Stump Removal Methods

These methods are the most effective ways to fully remove tree stumps from your yard.

Dig It Out

Smaller stumps can often be removed by digging them out manually, according to Singh. This method involves exposing the roots, cutting them with loppers or a saw, and then prying the stump loose.

What you'll need:

• A sharp spade, pickaxe, or mattock (for digging)
• A saw or axe (for cutting roots)
• Loppers (for small roots)
• A pry bar or digging bar (for leverage)

How to do it:

1. Dig a trench: Dig a 1 to 2-foot trench around the stump, digging down to locate the primary roots.
2. Expose the roots: Use a shovel to remove dirt from the trench.
3. Cut the roots: Use an axe, mattock, or saw to cut all the exposed roots. This will ensure the stump can be properly removed.
4. Leverage the stump and cut the taproot: After cutting all the roots, use a digging bar to pry the stump up. As the stump loosens, locate the central taproot directly underneath and cut it with an axe to free the stump.
5. Fill the hole: To prevent a hazard, fill in the hole using compost or soil.

Grind It Down

For larger or older stumps, a stump grinder is typically the fastest and most effective method. It will grind the wood below soil level, allowing the area to be filled and replanted. However, Emily Scott, the owner of Scott Farm, notes that this process can be labor-intensive, so be prepared to put in some work.

Before you start, rent a grinding machine that is rated for the tree stump. Be sure to read the manual thoroughly and seek guidance from the rental location's professionals on how to safely operate the grinder. Always wear any recommended protective gear when operating the machine.

How to do it:

1. Clear the area of debris: Before operating the machine, remove any yard debris to prevent high-speed projectiles from injuring yourself or others.
2. Follow the manual directions: Begin grinding the stump according to the directions until the anchoring roots are removed, then safely turn off the machine.
3. Fill the hole: After grinding the stump completely, collect the excess debris, such as wood chips and small roots. Fill the hole with compost and level it off to eliminate any tripping hazards.

Ultimately, while you can take on this task yourself, it can be dangerous—so hiring a professional is often the safest option.

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Let It Decompose

This method is best suited for low-traffic areas where time is not a concern, as it can take years for a stump to fully break down. By cutting the stump level with the ground and covering it with soil, this method promotes a more natural decomposition—without using any chemicals.

However, this method can attract unwanted pests such as beetles, termites, and carpenter ants.

How to do it:

1. Gather equipment: You'll need a chainsaw to get started, as well as some soil.
2. Cut the stump: Using the chainsaw, cut the stump so it's level with the ground.
3. Add soil: Cover the leveled stump with soil or compost. Add fertilizer to speed up the decomposition process.
4. Char the stump: Using a torch, char the surface of the stump, and seal it with linseed or tung oil. This will help minimize pest issues.

Using a chainsaw, cut the stump so it is level with the ground.