Rent a stump grinder
A walk-behind grinder rents for about $106 to $135 for four hours or $150 to $400 a day. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes per stump once you get the hang of it.
DIY stump removal and grinding guides
Thinking of handling a stump yourself? Here are the main do-it-yourself options, what each costs and how long it takes.
Use a chemical stump remover
Drill holes, add potassium nitrate granules and water, then wait 4 to 6 weeks for the wood to soften. Cheap, but slow.
Dig it out by hand
Practical for stumps under about 10 inches. Expect 2 to 16 hours of work with a mattock, shovel and root saw.
Fill the hole
Rake out the grindings, then fill the hole with topsoil and pack it down. Grindings left in the hole settle and rob nitrogen from new grass.
Grow grass back
Seed or lay sod once the soil settles. Water daily for two weeks and the patch will blend into the lawn within a season.
All DIY guides
Chemical Stump Removal: Step-by-Step
How to remove a tree stump with chemicals: drilling, applying potassium nitrate, timing, safety and costs. Plus when grinding is a better choice.
How to Use a Stump Grinder
Learn how to use a rental stump grinder safely: prep, safety gear, grinding technique, how deep to go and cleanup. Plus when to hire a pro instead.
Best Stump Removers (2026)
The best stump removers for softening and rotting tree stumps in 2026: potassium nitrate granules, stump killers for regrowth and the tools to apply them.
How to Fill a Stump Hole
How to fill a stump hole after grinding or removal: what soil to use, how much you need, how to stop sinking and how to get grass growing again fast.
How to Remove a Tree Stump by Hand
How to dig out a tree stump by hand with a mattock, shovel and root saw. Step-by-step method, tools, time needed and which stumps are small enough to try.
Stump Grinder Rental Cost (2026)
Renting a stump grinder costs about $106 to $135 for four hours or $150 to $400 per day in 2026. Compare rental vs. hiring a pro and what fees to expect.
What to Do With Stump Grindings
What to do with stump grindings: using them as mulch, composting, path material, when to avoid them and what professional chip haul-away costs.
What to Do After Stump Grinding
What to do after stump grinding: clearing the grindings, filling the hole, regrowing grass, handling roots and stopping sprouts, step by step.
DIY vs. Professional Stump Grinding
DIY vs. professional stump grinding compared: rental costs, time, effort, safety and results. Find the break-even point for one stump vs. many.
How to Plant Grass After Stump Grinding
How to grow grass after stump grinding: remove grindings, add topsoil, choose seed or sod, water correctly and fix sinking patches so the lawn blends in.
How to Get Rid of a Tree Stump
How to get rid of a tree stump: grinding, digging, chemical removal, natural rotting and full removal compared by cost, time and effort, with the best pick.
How to Remove Tree Roots From Your Yard
How to remove tree roots from a yard: cutting with a mattock, root saws, grinding, chemical options and costs, plus how to protect pipes and paving.
How to Rot a Tree Stump Fast
How to make a tree stump rot faster with potassium nitrate, water, nitrogen and a tarp. Timelines, costs and what to do once the stump is soft.
Potassium Nitrate Stump Remover Guide
How potassium nitrate stump remover works, how much to use, how long it takes and safety tips. Plus the best potassium nitrate products for tree stumps.
Stump Grinding Safety Tips
Stump grinding safety tips for DIYers: protective gear, 811 utility locates, clearing rocks, safe distances, kickback and what to do before you start.
Types of Stump Grinders
Types of stump grinders explained: walk-behind, self-propelled, tracked, tow-behind and skid-steer attachments, with rental prices and which to choose.
Will a Tree Grow Back After Stump Grinding?
Will a tree grow back after stump grinding? Which species resprout from roots, how to stop suckers and when deeper grinding or a stump killer is needed.
Not sure DIY is worth it? Compare with the cost of hiring a pro.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get rid of a tree stump?
Chemical stump remover is the cheapest at about $10 to $30, but it takes 4 to 6 weeks or more. Digging out small stumps by hand costs only your time and basic tools.
Is it worth renting a stump grinder?
For one to three small or medium stumps, renting at about $106 to $135 for four hours can save money. For large hardwood stumps, hiring a pro is often similar in cost and much faster.
How long does DIY stump removal take?
About 45 to 60 minutes per stump with a rental grinder, 2 to 16 hours digging by hand, or 4 to 6 weeks with chemicals.
What tools do I need to remove a stump myself?
A mattock, shovel, root saw and digging bar for digging, or a drill with a 1-inch bit for chemical removal. Always wear gloves and eye protection.
Can I burn a tree stump?
Many areas ban open burning, and stump fires can smolder underground. Check local rules first; grinding or chemicals are safer.
Does Epsom salt kill tree stumps?
It can dry out a stump over many months, but potassium nitrate stump removers work faster and more reliably.
Do I need to call 811 for DIY stump removal?
Yes. Digging or grinding below ground can hit buried lines. Calling 811 is free.
When should I hire a pro instead of DIY?
Hire a pro for stumps over 24 inches, dense hardwoods, stumps near buildings or utilities, or several stumps at once.