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The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

It is possible to remove a stump yourself, but it’s an extremely labor-intensive job and often requires special equipment that is expensive to rent. Instead, you could pay a stump removal professional $200, while you’d pay around the same price to rent a stump grinder for the day. Stump removal also takes DIYers hours in most cases, so paying for a specialized company to remove it quickly and accurately is almost always worth it.

Stump removal often includes a good portion of the roots, but not always. It ultimately depends on the method of removal. If you’re paying for chemical rotting or stump burning, then the roots will generally not be included. If you opt to pay more for manual removal or stump grinding, your stump removal professional will usually remove or grind down the larger roots. Root removal is important if you plan on placing landscaping features over the area in the future, as roots will gradually rot and collapse, leaving unlevel land behind.

Grinding down a tree helps reduce the risk of foundation damage and pests and even helps your home’s curb appeal. Stumps can also be a safety hazard. If grass grows above the stump and someone else mows your yard, they may be in for a rude awakening when they accidentally hit it.