A bush stump is the remaining portion of a shrub or small tree left in the ground after the upper growth has been removed, consisting of the trunk base and attached root system. While leaving a stump to decay naturally is an option, this process can take years, especially for dense hardwood species. Stumps present several problems, acting as tripping hazards and obstacles for lawn maintenance equipment. They are also unsightly and can harbor pests like termites or host diseases that could spread to other plants. Removing the stump is often the preferred solution to reclaim garden space and improve the property’s appearance.
Manual Removal: Digging and Pulling
Removing a bush stump manually is a low-cost method that relies on physical labor and is best suited for smaller, younger stumps with less developed root systems. Begin by thoroughly clearing the soil immediately surrounding the stump to expose the lateral roots. Use a shovel, mattock, or digging bar to dig a trench around the base and reveal the root structure.
Once the roots are visible, sever them one by one using a bow saw, loppers, or the axe-side of a mattock. Cut the surface roots (feeder roots) first, working around the entire perimeter. Continually digging and cutting allows you to reach the deeper taproot, which is the stump’s primary anchor.
After severing most major lateral roots, attempt to rock the stump back and forth to loosen it from the soil. If the stump is stubborn, you might use a high-leverage tool, such as a farm jack with a chain, to pull it free. This technique is physically demanding but completely removes the stump and its root ball, eliminating the possibility of regrowth.
Accelerating Decomposition with Chemicals
Chemical treatment offers a less physically strenuous alternative by accelerating the natural decay process that breaks down wood fiber. This method softens the stump over time, making it easy to break apart and remove manually later. The most common commercial product is potassium nitrate, which supplies a high-nitrogen nutrient source to the wood-rotting fungi and bacteria.
To apply the accelerant, drill several deep holes into the top surface of the stump, using a half-inch or one-inch bit. Space the holes a few inches apart and extend them several inches deep to maximize chemical penetration. Pour the potassium nitrate granules into these holes, often followed by water to help dissolve the compound and carry it deeper.
Household items like Epsom salt or high-nitrogen fertilizers can serve a similar purpose, though they work more slowly. Epsom salt dehydrates the wood while providing nutrients that support decay organisms. Covering the treated stump with a tarp helps retain moisture, which is necessary for the decay organisms to thrive. Complete softening can take several months to a year or more, depending on the stump’s size and wood density.
Mechanical Removal: Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is the fastest and most efficient method for removing both small bush stumps and large tree stumps. This process involves a specialized machine called a stump grinder, which uses a rotating cutting wheel with hardened steel teeth to chip away at the wood. The operator maneuvers the wheel across the stump, systematically reducing the material to wood chips.
The depth of the grind is adjustable based on the intended use of the area afterward. A typical grind goes 6 to 12 inches below the surrounding soil level to ensure the main roots are severed and prevent regrowth. If the area is only being re-sodded, a shallower grind of 4 to 6 inches may suffice. However, a depth closer to 12 inches is advisable if a new tree or fence post is planned.
A benefit of grinding is that it handles stumps of almost any size and density, including those too large for manual extraction. The primary drawbacks are the cost of renting the heavy machinery or hiring a professional service, and the safety risks associated with operating such a powerful tool. The process creates substantial wood chip debris, which can be used as mulch or must be removed to fill the resulting hole with topsoil.
Essential Preparation and Safety Precautions
Before starting any stump removal project, confirm the location of all underground utilities. Contacting the national “Call 811” service is a mandatory first step to have local utility companies mark the position of buried gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Disturbing these lines poses a serious risk of injury and can result in costly property damage.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary for every method to protect against injury. For manual removal, sturdy work gloves, steel-toed boots, and safety glasses protect against sharp tools and physical strain. Mechanical grinding requires a higher level of protection due to the high-speed rotating cutter and flying debris.
When operating a stump grinder, operators must wear hearing protection, a face shield or safety goggles, and thick gloves to guard against projectiles. The resulting wood chips and debris require careful handling; they can be repurposed as landscape mulch or disposed of. Always maintain a clear safety zone around the work area to prevent bystanders from being struck by wood fragments.