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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.

Land-clearing projects often take professionals one to two days to complete, but your timeframe can get much longer—sometimes up to a week or more—if you need your pros to clear a large section of land, grind down multiple large trees below the ground, or clear especially dense or heavy materials, like landscaping boulders and brush. A land-clearing expert will usually give you an accurate timeline along with your quote to help you better plan your project.

The fastest way to remove a tree stump is by burning it or grinding it. You can rent a stump grinder and do the job yourself or hire a local arborist or landscape specialist. Before burning a stump yourself, be sure to check local burn laws. Drill holes in the stump, fill them with vegetable oil, and wait 24 to 48 hours. Add charcoal bricks to the surface, then light the fire. Attend the fire at all times.

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.