How to Kill a Tree Stump Safely and Effectively, According to Experts

You’ve lost a tree, and now the stump is all that remains. It may not seem particularly consequential, but leaving this remnant behind can lead to adverse side effects. Killing it not only improves your lawn's overall appearance—it's also beneficial for safety and landscape health.

However, killing a tree stump can feel a bit daunting, and it's hard to know where to begin. To help you get started, we spoke with certified arborists about how best to get rid of them, and some of the precautions you should take when doing so.

Benefits of Eliminating Stumps

Tree stumps can create long-term problems for your yard. “As the stump decays, it becomes a habitat for pests like termites, ants, beetles, and borers,” says Katie Watkins, certified arborist for Miller's Tree Service. “If you don't get rid of the stump, a lot of species can re-sprout, leading to constant suckers or new shoots.” 

If the tree was removed due to disease, then it’s especially important to grind the stump to reduce the chance of pathogens spreading.

“Leftover stumps also harbor fungi and decay organisms that can spread root disease,” Watkins says. “Removing the stump allows the soil to be restored so the area can be replanted and landscaped. The sooner you address it, the cleaner and easier the process will be.”

Safety is another important reason to eliminate tree stumps from your yard, as they can become serious trip hazards.

“They don’t have to be large to present problems,” says Ben Team, a certified arborist with ORB Tree Service Marketing. “In fact, small stumps are arguably more likely to trip people, given that they’re harder to see. They can also damage lawn equipment.”

How to Grind a Stump

Professional stump grinding is generally the best approach. However: “Homeowners can grind stumps down themselves with a rented grinder,” says Team. “Manually cutting the roots and removing the stump is possible—but extremely labor intensive.”

Levi Williams, an ISA-certified arborist, recommends following these steps. Make sure to prioritize safety, and if at all in doubt, hire a professional.

1. Rent or buy a stump grinding machine that's rated for the size of stump. 
2. After acquiring the equipment, read through the manual so you can safely operate the machine. 
3. Make sure all personal protection equipment is on your person while using the machine. 
4. Make sure all underground utilities are marked. 
5. Make sure equipment can safely reach the stump. 
6. Set barriers up to block possible flying debris from hitting surrounding objects. 
7. Begin grinding the stump. 
8. Grind until the anchoring roots are gone.

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Alternative Methods

Cut-Surface Herbicide Treatment

One effective method is cut-surface herbicide treatment, Watkins says. To apply, cut the stump as low to the ground as you can with a saw.

“Immediately after cutting, drill several holes 1 to 2 inches deep into the top of the stump,” she says. “Apply a concentrated stump-killing herbicide labeled 'for woody plants’ into the holes and across the cut surface.”

Let the chemical absorb into the stump and root system. “Over the next several weeks, the stump will die and begin to break down naturally,” she says.

Natural Decomposition

You can always cut the stump flush and let it rot. “This is the cheapest option, but it can take years, and often results in issues with pests or fungus,” Watkins says. 

You can also speed up decomposition by covering the stump with a black tarp as well as dirt or mulch. “This will effectively starve the stump by preventing it from photosynthesizing,” Team says. “However, while this will kill the stump, it will stick around until it decays naturally."

Safety Precautions

When using a stump grinder, always set up barriers for flying debris, read safety manuals, use proper personal protective equipment, and check for underground utilities.

“If you do use chemicals, always read the safety instruction label, use proper PPE, and make sure you are following state and federal laws,” says Williams.

If you're using herbicides, Watkins suggests following the label carefully and not applying it near edible plants, ponds, or drainage areas.

Finally, keep in mind: “Chainsaws and stump grinders can be dangerous or deadly,” she says. “We strongly suggest homeowners hire a professional.”