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It can be bad to leave a dead stump in the ground. A stump becomes a hefty piece of dead wood in time and eventually (especially with the help of rain) starts to rot. That makes it a locus point for diseases and pesky insects, as well as a bit of an eyesore. It’s best to remove a tree stump completely before it starts to decay, especially before it starts to fall apart. If the tree was removed because of disease, it’s even more important to fully remove the stump if possible.

Most tree surgeons cost around $100 per hour or between $70 and $200 per hour for their services. You might get flat fees for more straightforward services, like a tree assessment, tree removal, stump grinding, and one-off treatments, but many times, treatments for tree diseases or pests will be charged based on an hourly rate or a per-visit rate. Since the cost of a tree surgeon can vary widely, it’s best to speak with an arborist near you to get an idea of what your particular issue will cost to correct.

For trimming trees, your best tool is a pair of pruning shears or loppers. Both options work best for branches that are under 3 inches in diameter. Trimming trees with a larger diameter may require a robust tool like a small chainsaw or a handsaw, so take into account your tree’s diameter when deciding between tools.

The fastest ways to remove a tree stump are by grinding it or burning it.

Stump grinding is often the quickest method, with professionals able to chip away a stump and its roots within a single session. You have the option to hire a professional stump removal service or rent a stump grinder to do it yourself. However, it's important to note that these machines can be large, difficult to transport, and dangerous to operate without prior experience. For safety reasons, hiring a local arborist or landscape specialist is often recommended.

Burning is another fast option. Before you begin, check your local burn laws. The process involves drilling holes into the stump, filling them with vegetable oil, and waiting 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you can add charcoal bricks to the surface and light the fire, which must be attended at all times.

For a more affordable but much slower alternative, you can use potassium nitrate pellets to accelerate the natural decomposition process. This method typically takes four to six months.