How to Burn a Stump: 8 Steps for DIY Stump Removal

Sadly, the triumphant “Timber!” of an unwanted tree falling doesn’t always signal the end of wood-related woes—the tree may be gone, but the unsightly stump remains. And, whether you cut down your own tree or had the pros leave the stump behind, there’s still the matter of getting rid of it before you can reclaim the space in your yard.

While it’s not always a safe or viable solution, learning how to burn a stump is one option to consider for stump removal. Here’s what to know about burning a stump to tackle the project successfully.

Why Should I Burn a Stump?

Learning how to burn a stump is an efficient and cost-effective stump removal method. Stumps left behind after tree removal are unsightly at best and a potential tripping hazard or breeding ground for pests at worst. Burning a stump is far less hazardous than letting it be and less costly than hiring a professional to grind it away. It’s also a handy tool for integrated pest management, as it eliminates a potential pest habitat before it becomes an issue.

However, you should strongly consider the legality and safety hazards involved with burning a stump on your property. While it’s possible to DIY this stump removal method, it’s best to hire a stump removal professional to handle a live burning.

How to Identify When a Stump is Ready for Burning

Identifying a stump suitable for burning involves examining its size, composition, and surrounding area. First, you should not attempt to burn a stump that’s more than four feet in diameter. Second, stumps should be allowed to completely dry (ideally at least one year after being cut). If the stump is even slightly damp, you risk the fire getting out of control and spreading dangerously across your yard. You should also ensure there aren’t any underground utilities or flammable structures nearby that could be affected by the burning process.

Prepping to Burn a Stump

Before you kill a tree stump, confirm the local laws for burning stumps in your area. In many areas of the United States, burning stumps and other organic materials is illegal, so it’s essential to confirm that you can legally do it in order to avoid fines and other legal complications.

Once you’ve determined that you can legally burn the stump, clear the area of all debris and potentially flammable materials. Move birdhouses and other wooden structures away, and rake up any leaves and branches to remove them. The burning process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours or more, so start as early as possible.

You should also prep by bringing a hose connected to a water source to the stump in case of emergency. Be sure to wear fire protection gloves, eyewear, and a face mask when working through the stump-burning process. Lastly, since you should never leave a burning stump unattended, prepare to have at least one adult monitoring its progress for the duration of the project.

How to Burn a Stump

Follow these steps to  remove a stump efficiently and effectively.

1. Dig Around the Stump

First, grab a shovel and dig around the perimeter of the stump, uncovering as much of it as possible. Ideally, you want to reach all the way down to the roots.

2. Drill Holes in Top of the Stump

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Using a power drill equipped with a one-inch spade bit or similar wood-boring bit, drill a hole at roughly a 30-degree angle in the center of the stump from the top, aiming for a depth of 10 inches. If your stump is shorter, drill down until you reach the roots or a minimum depth of roughly three inches.

Continue the drilling process by creating additional holes of the same size across the stump's top, maintaining a spacing of about one to three inches. Remove the debris from each hole after drilling.

3. Add Fuel to the Stump

Next, fill each hole with either kerosene or potassium nitrate. If using the latter, pour hot water into the holes to dissolve the potassium nitrate.

4. Surround the Stump With Charcoal and Wood Pieces

Before lighting the fire, surround the stump with charcoal. Then, put scrap wood pieces on top of the charcoal, creating a tent-like structure around the stump.

5. Light the Scrap Wood to Ignite the Stump

Now, use kindling to light the scrap wood from the bottom—do not add any additional fuel. Opt for any dry, easily combustible material for kindling, such as cardboard, dry leaves, or dryer lint. Once it’s lit, wait for the stump to catch fire. This step can take up to an hour, so be patient and keep a close eye on it.

6. Monitor the Stump Until It Burns to Ash

Continuously add wood to sustain the fire as necessary. Keep the fire active and closely monitor the stump until it is reduced completely to ash, ensuring that the fire remains controlled and doesn't pose a threat to the surrounding area.

7. Dispose of the Remaining Ashes

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Once the fire has stopped smoldering, use a shovel to extract any remaining roots and break down any sizable root or stump fragments still in the hole. If the roots prove challenging to remove, consider using an ax to chop them. Transfer all burned remnants to a fireproof container or bucket. 

8. Fill the Area With Fresh Soil

Finish by filling the hollow spot left by the burnt-out stump with fresh soil after removing all of the debris. You can now use it for a DIY grass seed planting project or turn the bare spot into a new flower garden. Building your own fire pit is another excellent way to quickly and efficiently transform the space into something useful.

Safety Tips for Stump Burning

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to burning a stump. Follow these guidelines when preparing for and carrying out this project.

• Wear safety goggles and protective gloves to prevent injury.

• Wet the surrounding area to help keep the burn under control.

• Always use caution when handling ashes, as lingering embers can cause burns.

• Visually monitor the fire at all times from a safe distance. 

• Be ready with a water hose or a fire extinguisher to control any unexpected flare-ups.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

While learning how to burn a stump is the most cost-effective solution to stump removal, it’s not always the safest. The process also requires ample time and patience, as the stump must always be monitored. All in all, it can feel intimidating or downright impossible, especially if the stump is too damp to stay lit.

Hiring a local stump removal professional may come with an extra investment, but it’s the safest and most efficient way to remove a stump. The cost of professional stump grinding is typically around $320 and worth the extra cost, especially if safety concerns are involved. Costs vary based on factors such as your location and the size of the stump, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a pro for an estimate.