Several Methods for Tree Stump Removal

According to Eric Hammond with Colorado State University, tree root systems are often wider than the canopy of the tree they support. Also, a general rule of thumb for tree root depth 'in clayey, compacted, or perpetually wet soils is that 90-95% of roots will be in the top twelve inches and 50% will be in the top four inches of soil. In favorable soils conditions 90-95% of roots will be in the top thirty-six inches and 50% will be in the top twelve inches of soil.'  When trees are cut down and removed from a property, the root systems are often left in the ground. This is a huge part of the tree that still remains on the property. Several methods for tree removal exist, each with their own benefits. Root decomposition, Digging out, Burning, Stump grinding.

We will first discuss root decomposition. Naturally the root system will decompose overtime, but this can take over a decade for many species. Insect and fungi activity will all aid in this process. This can be inconvenient when the stump site is in an area that sees a lot of human activity.

A second method of removal involves digging out the stump. Even the largest of root systems are primarily located in the top thirty-six inches of soil. Physically digging them out can be a difficult process due to the shear volume that the root system takes up. Using hand shovels is often impractical as the root itself is irregularly shaped and has grown in order to anchor the tree in the ground. Getting underneath the roots can be a further challenge when stones and debris are grown in the way. Specialty equipment like excavators are expensive to operate and hard to maneuver in residential areas.

Burning out a tree stump is a classic. Maybe the tree was cut down for firewood. Why not burn the remaining roots where they lie? Depending on the season, stump burning is a risky business. Trees that are still full of sap will not easily dry and burn. It may take several weeks for the roots to dry enough to readily light. Once again, time is a factor. One should always tend fires to ensure they do not grow out of control and become an uncontrolled safety hazard. It is nearly impossible to track the path of a fire when it burns underground into the root system. Fires can potentially smolder for weeks when on the surface they appear to have burnt out.

Finally we will briefly discuss stump grinding. Specialty machines with carbide teeth attached to a flywheel can grind up the stump inch by inch until nothing remains. Stump grinders are meant for reaching beneath the surface, many going eighteen inches or more. It is important to have a healthy respect for power equipment. Operator safety is of paramount importance, observers should not be near the machine while in use. Grinding away the largest sections of the stump and roots and leaving their wood chips in the hole accelerates stump decomposition. Construction can begin immediately after the stump is removed. A small sixteen inch diameter stump can be removed with around an hour of work. This is much quicker than burning the stump, or waiting a decade for it to disintegrate. Efficiency, safety, and quality are benefits of choosing stump grinding to remove the root system of a tree.

References:

Hammond, Eric. 'Understanding Tree Roots'. https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/understanding-tree-roots/. Accessed 05/19/2026