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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.

The speed of your tree root removal process depends on a few different factors, including the size and type of tree. However, the fastest method of killing tree roots is applying chemical herbicide, which starts working quickly and efficiently. But this removal method has its drawbacks, such as having a negative effect on the surrounding vegetation and landscaping. Other options like rock salt and stump grinding work relatively quickly and cause less damage to your yard.

If you have a strong back and a lot of patience, you can dig out a tree stump. You'll need to use a pointed shovel to dig out the soil around the stump, cutting away roots with a pair of clippers as you go. You’ve removed enough soil when you can access the taproot at the bottom of the root ball. After you cut that major artery with a saw or loppers, you should be able to roll the stump over and haul it away.

Stump grindings are usually safe to use in soil, but in some cases, it’s not recommended. Wood chips in particular can bind nitrogen in the soil, which will make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why it’s important to remove most wood chips and use healthy garden soil if you want to cover the stump spot with grass. Large wood chips may attract beetles and could encourage the growth of fungi when they decay, so you may want to remove them when using the grindings.