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Using a stump grinder is no walk in the park. You’ll need to feel confident using some heavy and dangerous equipment. You’ll also need to know what size chainsaw you’ll need. Factor in the labor for clearing out the debris and filling the hole, and your project becomes quite a laborious one. If you don’t have experience with operating a stump grinder, it might be best to call a professional to do the job for you.

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.

Trees don’t usually grow back after being cut down. Some particularly robust tree species may start sending up new stems from a stump to recover, but those stems won’t become a “tree” like before. Generally, trees don’t recover from being entirely cut down, which is why it’s important to be careful when making a decision. When you cut down a tree, it’s a good idea to make plans to remove the stump, even if it’s unlikely to grow back.

Hiring an arborist is usually more expensive than hiring a standard tree company, but it’s typically well worth the investment. If you suspect a tree is infested or diseased, hiring an arborist can help avoid the same fate for nearby trees, and prevent removal. Arborists might also be necessary if you’re dealing with tree removal or trimming near power lines, as uncertified removal companies often aren’t permitted to service these trees. Finally, if your aim is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is absolutely worth the money.