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Salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, and burning can all help dissolve a tree stump. You can also bury the tree stump in soil or mulch to help it rot naturally. Killing a tree stump prevents future regrowth, but you may also remove it by digging it out or grinding it.

Whether tree roots will regrow after the tree has been cut down depends on the species. Some eventually tree roots die, as they lack photosynthesis; however, others can resprout from the roots and even produce new growth for up to seven years or more, if they belong to a species that reproduces through root sprouts.

The cost for a professional tree service runs anywhere between $200 and $760, depending on the size and type of the tree. It might also cost more if you live in a remote area or if the tree is difficult to access, though a pro might offer a discount if you have multiple trees to trim.

If you’re wondering whether you can plant a tree where the stump was removed, know that the soil conditions won’t be ideal, so you should avoid it. The soil beneath the previous tree will likely be depleted of nutrients, plus there may be roots left behind that will seriously hinder the growth of a new tree. Also, if you use salt or other chemical solutions to kill the stump, these can linger in the soil for months or even years and prevent healthy growth. It’s best to choose a different spot that’s at least three feet away for a new tree, or wait at least a year and thoroughly amend the soil before you plant.