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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’re planning on keeping the tree, unless the roots are invasive, there’s no need to remove them, as doing so can cause damage to the tree. If the tree has been cut down and the stump and roots are left, grinding and removing the stump can cause root decay for some species. For other species, the stump and roots will need to be removed to prevent pests, disease, and possible tree regrowth.

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.

Yes, stump removal is worth the investment. It costs an average of $400 to remove a stump, but you will likely avoid other more expensive issues, such as termite and carpenter ant infestations, which can cost upward of $1,500 to treat professionally. If termites or ants attack the rotting stump—and they likely will—they could move to your primary structure after the stump is consumed. So, you could incur structural damage to your home as a result, which is even more costly and potentially dangerous.