How to Use a Stump Grinder

Using a stump grinder is a serious task that requires proper safety precautions. Wear long sleeves and pants, as well as protective gear like gloves, boots, safety glasses, and hearing protection, and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines. Keep kids and pets far from the work area, and shield nearby cars or windows with plywood if grinding within 75 feet, as flying debris is common for this project.

Tree roots may have grown over underground utility lines, so be sure to call 811 or your local dig line to have underground utilities in your yard marked so you don’t accidentally hit them while you work.

Next, clear the area of anything that could damage the stump grinder or create a safety hazard, such as rocks, branches, debris, or outdoor furniture. Rocks are especially hazardous, as they can dull the grinder’s blades and slow down the process. Use a shovel to remove any stones around the base of the stump before getting started.

Before you begin grinding, it's best to cut the stump as close to the ground as possible to make the process faster and more efficient. A chainsaw is the most common tool for this job, offering power and speed with less manual effort (though it does come with added risk, especially when dealing with large-diameter stumps).

For smaller stumps that are six inches or less, a bow cut saw is a safer manual alternative that can still get the job done. You can also use a felling ax, although it may be harder to achieve a low, even cut compared to other methods.

Carefully position the stump grinder by first reviewing the machine’s instruction manual to ensure proper setup. Use the brake lever to raise the grinder wheel a few inches above the stump, then slowly lower it until the cutting teeth are just above the surface. Once in place, power on the machine to begin grinding.

Begin grinding the stump by following your machine’s specific instructions. 

1. For most grinders, you’ll start by releasing the clutch to engage the grinder.

2. Then, lower the cutting wheel onto the stump to shave off the surface. 

3. Gradually lower the wheel about three inches into the stump and move it in a sweeping, side-to-side motion. 

4. Repeat the process in sections, grinding no deeper than three inches at a time to protect the blades.

Continue until the stump is ground six to eight inches below ground level, then power off the machine.

Fill the hole in with the wood chips that accumulated from the stump grinder or use soil to cover it. This is also a good time to plant grass seed on the site and give it a good watering if that’s the route you’ll be going.

You can use the wood chips in your yard to make mulch, create compost, or fill the hole. However, if none of those options work for you, you’ll need to eliminate the debris. If you have a truck, you can easily transport the mulch to a green recycling facility. Alternatively, check with a local community garden to drop off excess wood chips.

If you don’t have ample transportation, consider working with a yard waste hauling service to easily remove debris from your yard.