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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.

The main disadvantage of stump grinding is that it requires use of heavy and dangerous machinery, meaning you should hire a professional to tackle it, increasing the removal cost. Another drawback of stump grinding is that it can cause root decay in the root system left behind. The remaining wood may develop this type of decay, making it difficult to replant a new tree or plant in that spot in the future.

Manual removal is the only method that includes removing the tree’s roots. Otherwise, root removal is considered a separate job—and depending on the complexity of your root system, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour for a tree professional to remove roots safely.

Epsom salt kills tree stumps by drying out the root system and preventing it from receiving the nutrients and water it needs to live. Over time, the salt dries out the stump, allowing it to rot and break down. You can often dig out the stump once it’s deteriorated or cover the area with soil or mulch to allow the stump to rot away naturally.