How to Remove a Tree Stump with a Stump Grinder

After cutting down a tree, you will have a tree stump left in the ground. You can leave the stump in the ground, burn it out or use a stump grinder to grind the stump away. Using a stump grinder is safer and quicker than burning to remove the stump; it can take several days to burn the stump completely, but about one hour with a stump grinder.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Chainsaw

Instructions

1. Rent a stump grinder from a local equipment store. Most rental stores have the stump grinders on a trailer. You need a vehicle that can accommodate the trailer hitch and pull the trailer. Some equipment stores will deliver the stump grinder for a fee if you don't have a vehicle to haul it.

2. Put on goggles when cutting on the tree stump to protect your eyes from flying sawdust and wood chunks.

3. Use the chainsaw to remove as much of the stump as close to the ground as you can get it safely.

4. Remove any rocks and debris from around the tree stump. These objects will go flying if the grinder hits them. Flying debris can break windows and dent cars. Ask all bystanders to move far away from the work area.

5. Read the operating directions on the grinder so you know what lever controls the wheel, forward and backward, and stop.

6. Move the stump grinder to the edge of the stump. Raise the grinding wheel to just above the stump. Move the grinder forward so it is positioned over the edge of the tree stump. Start the grinder.

7. Lower the grinder onto the stump slowly. Move the grinding wheel back and forth over the stump until you remove about 3 inches of the stump.

8. Move the grinder forward to the next edge with the wheel spinning. Continue moving the wheel back and forth to grind this part of the stump. Keep repeating this step until you have ground the entire stump down at least 3 inches. When you are done, raise the wheel up.

9. Pull the grinder back to the front of the stump where you began grinding. Lower the wheel and grind on the stump to remove another 3 inches of the stump. Repeat this process until the stump is entirely ground into wood chips. The stump should be ground down at least 4 inches under the surface of the ground.

10. Remove the wood chips and get the hole ready for new dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Flying debris can cause injury to people in the near vicinity. Always keep people away from the work area.

References

• Popular Mechanics: Do-It-Yourself Tree Stump Grinding
• National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior: Clippings
• University of Minnesota Extension; Removing Trees and Shrubs; Beth R. Jarvis; October 1998