How to Remove a Pesky Tree Stump With a Chainsaw
Say goodbye to that stump in a few steps
There are many reasons to remove a tree stump from your property. You may find it unsightly, or perhaps you’re hoping to do some landscaping in that area, and the stump is in the way. But before you fire up that chainsaw and get to work, know that this is a dangerous DIY for the inexperienced.
Unless you're skilled and confident handling a chainsaw, it's best to hire a pro for this job. After all, you’re dealing with sharp angles and awkward positions that take precision and experience. Meet those qualifications? Follow the steps below to remove a stump with a chainsaw.
5 Reasons to Remove a Tree Stump
From improving aesthetics to making your space a safer place for kids to play games with their friends, there are several reasons you might consider removing tree stumps from your yard.
Common reasons to remove a tree stump include:
Decay: Rotting tree stumps can grow bacteria and fungi, which could affect other nearby living plants/trees.
Pests: Termites, ants, and other critters like to dwell in old stumps. These could spread and cause issues elsewhere in your yard or home.
Safety hazards: Stumps are easy to trip over and could be a dangerous obstacle, especially for young kids.
Curb appeal: Most prospective home buyers find tree stumps unsightly. If you're trying to sell your home, it might be worth getting rid of stumps.
Yard maintenance: You won’t have to mow around pesky stumps once they’re gone. You also won’t have to pick weeds or other plants that tend to pop up around old stumps.
Safety Tips
When working with a chainsaw, safety is of utmost importance. If you’re uncomfortable using a chainsaw, you should hire a tree service pro.
Always wear hearing and eye protection, gloves, long pants, work boots, and a long sleeve shirt. If you’re only cutting stumps, you don’t need to worry about clearance, but if your stump still actually has a tall base of tree leftover, a hard hat and necessary space for a tree to fall are also paramount for safety.
Always check to make sure your chainsaw is properly lubricated. If any strange noises or problems arise when you start the chainsaw, stop it and troubleshoot before continuing.
Prep the Stump for Removal
To ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, only take on this DIY if you've done similar projects in the past and have handled a chainsaw before. Otherwise, hire a pro who can get the job done quickly and without issue.
If you do have the experience, you'll know that you need gloves, hearing protection, a face shield, and safety goggles. You'll also want to wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and steel-toed boots.
You should also prepare the following tools:
Chainsaw
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Garden trowel
Gardening gloves
Garden shears
Machete
Saw
Prepare the area to safely and efficiently remove the tree stump. To do that, you're going to want to clear as much dirt from around the stump as possible using a shovel. Once you've removed most of the dirt, get a small garden trowel and remove even more dirt between the roots until you have exposed as much of the roots as possible.
You should also be sure to clear the area of any obstacles, including rocks, garden tools, and toys.
How to Remove a Stump With a Chainsaw
This project is a lot of effort, but the actual process is fairly straightforward.
1. Make the Initial Cuts
After putting on protective gear, fire up the chainsaw and cut deep slices into the stump using a criss-cross pattern. This step will break up the stump as much as possible to make removal a bit easier.
Be careful! Going in too hard and too fast may break the chain on your chainsaw. Do this step slowly and methodically.
2. Cut Up the Roots
Use the chainsaw to slice through and break up the roots as much as possible. Be careful not to make contact with the ground, as the dirt can cause damage to your chainsaw. (That’s why it’s important to dig out as much dirt as possible.)
3. Remove the Stump With Other Tools
With the stump and roots in pieces, it should be a lot easier to pry them out with the shovel and put the debris in a wheelbarrow for disposal. If you are still having trouble, you might try more precise cuts using garden shears, a saw, or a machete.
Keep in mind that you may never be able to remove all of the pieces of the stump or roots entirely, but you should be able to get enough out of the ground to cover the rest with dirt.
Tree Stump Removal Alternatives
If you don’t want to use a chainsaw—whether it’s an access issue or you’d prefer not to cut with one—there are other alternatives you can use to remove a tree stump.
Tree stump digging: Use a shovel to cut out roots, then dig around the stump and remove it with a crowbar. This process can be time-intensive work. Cutting tree roots with a chainsaw can save you time.
Tree stump grinding: You can rent a chainsaw stump grinder from home improvement stores. It’s always easier to start with a level stump, so a chainsaw or hand saw can be useful here if you’re willing to use one. Stump grinding costs $320 on average when you hire a pro.
Chemical rotting: Using high concentrations of store-bought stump killer or Epsom salts, you can rot a stump in as little as one or two months. Keep in mind, these chemicals are generally not kid or pet-safe, so keep an eye on your children and furry friends.
Burning: Soak kerosene into a tree stump at every angle so it penetrates the roots and sides, then set fire, making sure to have contingency plans on the perimeter in case something else catches fire. Keep in mind these are just the general steps. It’s probably safest to hire a pro if you’re unsure exactly how to burn a tree stump.
DIY Tree Stump Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have experience using a chainsaw, this is a perfectly good project to tackle. However, there are good reasons to consider hiring a tree removal professional near you.
For one thing, this project may take up your entire Saturday. So if you’d rather be doing something else with your weekend, this is a good project to pass on to someone else. There are safety concerns; you’re dealing with chainsaws here, so if you’re not 100% confident, hiring an experienced professional may be a better idea.
Another good reason to hire a pro is you’re really not saving much money doing it yourself. The cost of tree stump removal is only about $100 to $150.
Frequently Asked Questions
Probably the most cost-efficient way to remove a tree stump is to use Epsom salts, which help accelerate the rotting process making it easier to remove by hand once nature has taken its course. Burning a tree stump doesn’t tend to cost much either, but is a riskier DIY method.
Grinding is a more efficient way to deal with a tree stump, although it won't remove it entirely. Even if you grind your tree stump down, the root system will still remain in place, though that will likely eventually rot. Grinding a stump will also produce chips that you can use as mulch or to cover up the hole that the process leaves behind.
What tools you’ll need to remove a tree stump will depend on the method you choose. Generally, a shovel, mattock or pickax, chainsaw, garden shears, and a wheelbarrow will help, but do your research once you choose your DIY strategy. You should also be sure to add safety supplies like goggles, ear protection, gloves, and more to your list, no matter which method you choose.