Tree Stump Removal Showdown: Exploring the Best Methods

I recently had a tree cut down and was left with an unsightly tree stump. This blog covers how I tackled tree stump removal and the trials, tribulations and huge surprise along the way. Part 1 of 2.

We recently had a tree cut down at the back of our garden. The tree had been dead for a while and had likely succumbed to the ivy strangling it. We attempted to remove the ivy to give it a second chance, but the tree was already gone.

As cutting down a 30ft tree was significantly beyond my capabilities, we got the professionals in. This left us with a stump approximately 2ft wide.

Removing this tree made a huge hole in the row of trees at the back of the garden which meant we were now overlooked. Our plan was to replace this tree with a couple of smaller fruit trees. Who doesn’t like a fresh apple or pear? Perfect from a British garden.

Unfortunately for me, the tree stump would either be in the way of where we’d want to plant the new trees, or look rather unsightly in front of them.

Cue exploring options for tree stump removal.

There are many possible ways to effectively remove a tree stump.

Hiring a professional is for most people the best option. For a tree stump like mine – 6ft across, you can expect to pay £150-250+. This is undoubtably the safest and easiest approach, but not the best if you are wanting to save money.

The quickest method for tree stump removal is with a stump grinder. You can hire one for approx. £120 for the day, but remember you need a van to transport it and you’ll have to pay for fuel.

Stump grinders work by spinning a large metal cutting disk, quickly nibbling away at the tree stump and converting it to wood chippings. Grinders are available in a variety of sizes.

Stump grinders are loud but effective, although with smaller grinders you might not be able to reach down more than 30cm. If you are turfing over the stump then that’s fine, but if you want to plant a tree it might not be the best option as it may stop proper root development.

Probably the most fun option for tree stump removal.. setting fire to it!

Make sure to prioritise safety. Ensure there is a clear area around the stump with nothing flammable within 2m.

Drill a series of holes in the stump and over the course of a few days repeatedly will with vegetable oil, kerosene or diesel. Build a fire over the stump and light from a safe distance.

It may take a few days for the stump to burn completely, and you may have to re-light the stump.

I wouldn’t recommend this method unless you are far away from any other vegetation and you have prior experience. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy if you go down this route.

By far the easiest method if you have time on your side. Simply cover the stump with compost of mulch, keep well watered and let nature take its course.

It could well take many years for the stump to properly rot away, especially if it is a large stump. You can accelerate the process by drilling holes in the stump to allow water in.

You can speed up the decomposition process by filling holes in the tree stump with epsom salt. This process will still take a few months at least.

Epsom salt is the best bet as if you use normal or rock salt you won’t be able to grow anything else for a long time!

You could also use chemicals to speed up this decomposition process. Usage will vary depending on the chosen chemical so please follow all instructions and make sure it is suitable for your own purpose.

Resolva Xtra Tree Stump Killer is an option that kills the tree stump and starts the decomposition process.

If a live tree is cut down it is possible for the tree to grow back! It takes time, but if given the right conditions a tree stump may start growing new shoots. If you do not want the tree regrowing then chemicals can be a good option.

With a bit of physical excursion, it’s possible to remove a tree stump by hand.

The approach is to dig around the stump, uncovering the roots as you go. For any small routes, simply cut them off with secateurs or loppers. For larger routes use a bigger tool such as a tree pruning saw.

Most trees will have a system of 4-5 roots fanning out and one central root going deeper, a tap route. You’ll have to dig quite deep to get to the bottom of the stump but with some determination it’s a fairly straight forward, if physical process.

I decided to remove the tree stump by hand.

I wasn’t prepared to take unnecessary risks with power tools, fire or chemicals and felt like trying a cost effective solution first. If I didn’t succeed using the hand tools I already owned, all I would really have lost was my time. Even then I’ll have had a good workout!

To remove the tree stump I gathered the following tools:

• Trowel
• Seceteurs
• Loppers
• Pruning Saw
• Space
• Pick Axe
• Safety Glasses
• Safety Gloves

I started by clearing the area around the tree stump. Pushing back wood chippings to ensure I had access to the soil. The stump was also covered in some ivy which I cut back as best I could.

Once I’d got clear access to the stump I used a trowel to remove the surface level soil covering the roots – progress was not quick.

I also drilled a few holes in the stump with the vague hope of it encouraging the stump to rot away in a week or two.. rather ambitious I know.

After an hour of slowly removing soil with a trowel, my bare hands and some gentle swings with the pick axe I’ve uncovered some of the roots, both from the ivy and the tree stump itself.

Most of these roots were pretty solid, making it hard work. This was going to be a challenge.

So haven’t lost more than my time and a few drops of sweat so I’m still content with my choice to go at the tree stump by hand!

In part 2, we’ll see how I got on and reveal the mysterious surprise!