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If a disease has attacked and destroyed the roots, then the tree may fall over as soon as it has died or while part of it is still alive. Trees that die with their roots left in place tend to stay standing for much longer, but those roots will decay eventually, allowing gravity to do the rest.

You don’t always need a permit to grind a stump, but you might need one depending on your location and the stump’s surroundings. Permits are often needed if the stump is part of a protected tree species, near public areas or utility lines, or close to environmentally sensitive zones like wetlands. Some cities also regulate noise and work hours. Always check local rules before grinding, and contact your city or county office if you're unsure.

Whether it's better to grind or remove a stump depends on your professional tree service’s advice and what you intend for the landscape to look like after removal. Grinding is faster and likely more affordable, but manual removal unearths the root system and leaves the potential for a clean slate for landscape design. 

Stumps can decay, spread rot, attract insects, and make it easier for fires to start in your yard, so when you remove a tree, you should also make plans to remove the stump. Stump removal costs an average of $360 depending on the size and method of removal. On that note, you should avoid burning out a stump on your own—not only can it start a dangerous fire, it may also be illegal in your area.