Stumped by the stump in your backyard? We’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive tree stump removal guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to use a chainsaw to remove that stubborn stump. We will go over all the tools and safety equipment you will need and what kind of chainsaw to choose. Finally, we will walk you through some easy, step-by-step instructions for finishing off that sad sycamore’s base. This article will cover the different methods for both smaller tree stumps and thick tree stumps.
Keep in mind that removing a tree stump is an extremely labor-intensive and potentially dangerous job for the inexperienced. If you lack experience with the tools in this guide or have never done landscaping work, it may be better to call a professional to remove the tree stump for you.
Why You Should Remove a Tree Stump
First of all, if you’re reading this because you’re simply wondering if you should remove that tree stump, you definitely should. There are many reasons why you should remove a tree stump from your backyard.
It’s Dangerous to Keep It Around
Unlike a living tree, which is so obviously visible that it would be hard not to notice, a tree stump blends in easily with the ground. Children playing in the yard can easily trip over one and seriously hurt themselves, or you might stub your toe something awful when you walk out at night to grab something from the tool shed.
It Can Encourage Infestations
A dead tree stump needs insects and other pests to decompose. If you leave the stump hanging around too long, it will attract all sorts of vermin that may eventually make their way into your home. It can also sprout mushrooms that, if eaten, could be deadly to children or pets.
Continued Growth
Even though the tree is dead, the roots under the stump may continue to grow. If that happens, the roots can cause property damage by cracking pipes and concrete. The stump can even grow into a new tree which will be even harder to remove.
It’s Ugly
Don’t let your homeowners’ association see that stump! A tree stump sitting in your yard is not only hazardous but also unpleasant to look at.
Preparation
Removing a stump with a chainsaw is a task that requires a lot of caution and safety, as it can be a precarious job. You also need the right equipment to ensure safe removal.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw
Most chainsaws will do fine, but since a stump is thicker than a simple branch, you should opt to use a gas-powered chainsaw instead of an electric or corded one. Gas-powered chainsaws are more powerful and can run longer, making them more suited for big jobs like this. Since they have more power, they can come with long guide bars. Your tree stump removal chainsaw’s guide bar should be, at the very least, 12 inches long, but the longer the bar, the easier the job will be. Ideally, you want your bar to be longer than your tree stump is thick.
- 14 INCH BAR: 120 Mark III Chainsaw with 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauage is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient cutting tool
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT: 38-cc Husqvarna chainsaws with X-Torq engine delivers a great power and torque thanks to highly efficient combustion
- INERTIA ACTIVATED CHAIN BRAKE: intertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
- LOWVIB TECHNOLOGY: Dampeners between the engine and chassis significantly reduce vibrations so you can work more comfortably
- SEPARATE CHOKE/STOP SWITCH CONTROLS: Stop switch automatically resets when the choke is pulled out to help prevent accidental flooding
Tools and Safety Equipment
You will need the following:
- Safety goggles
- SMOOTHLY FIT OVER YOUR PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES - Want to wear your safety goggles over eyeglasses? These eye goggles for glasses easily fit over most regular eyewear. They are great as work goggles for men, as lab goggles over glasses, or as safety goggles for chemistry lab.
- CLEAR GOGGLES WITH WRAPAROUND DESIGN - Featuring a premium UDC anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, these safety goggles anti fog also provide 100% UV protection. The wide-angle lenses of these dust goggles that fit over glasses are impact resistant up to 260 mph, ensuring top-notch protection.
- SO COMFORTABLE YOU CAN WEAR THEM ALL DAY - The frame molds to your face and the soft TPR seal blocks out dust and debris. These safety goggles for men and women are great as science goggles or over glasses safety goggles for nurses and doctors, and as construction goggles as well.
- ANTI FOG GOGGLES FOR CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISION - The unique angled vents promote airflow, minimizing fogging, and sealing the inside of these protective goggles for glasses wearers from splashes. If your safety goggles for women and men do mist up, readjust them slightly to allow air flow.
- CONNECTS WITH THE 6X3F FACE SHIELD - These ANSI Z87.1 Certified Over Glasses Goggles,, when combined with the NoCry 6X3F face shield, provide full-face protection. Plus, these lawn mowing goggles are backed by a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
- Steel-toed boots or shoes
- Full-grain waterproof leather
- Rubber outsole to provide extra traction
- Cushioned footbed for all day comfort.
- Ear protection
- Affordable packed: You will get 100 pairs of foam earplugs. 32dB Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs, Lake blue
- Effective Noise Reduction: Our foam earplugs are designed to provide effective noise reduction. They can reduce the noise level by up to 32 decibels, effectively protect hearing or set a quiet environment for sleep in noisy events
- Widely Applicable: It is good ear plugs for sleeping noise cancelling, snoring blocking, swimming, concerts, studying and working, etc
- Soft and comfortable: Our earplugs are made of ultra-soft nontoxic foam, which is comfortable and skin-friendly. The adoption of slow rebound technology helps the earplug to be inserted into the ear, so as to better fit the ear canal. Even if it is used for a long time, it will not cause any pressure or pain, giving you a comfortable experience
- Customer Service: We prioritize your satisfaction with prompt, professional support. Your concerns are resolved efficiently through continuous service refinement, exceeding expectations
- A pair of gloves
- Multi-use, left-hand protection safety gloves for loggers and homeowners – comfortable enough for all-day work
- Extra thick material on the left hand provides chainsaw protection up to the EN ISO 11393-4 safety standard
- Palms reinforced for maximum control when gripping chainsaw; Close-fit wrist protection – stays put, won’t catch, and keeps out rain, dust, and dirt
- Smooth leather conforms to user’s hands for a natural fit and more dexterity while working
- Highly visible material for extra safety, in size large
- A helmet
- Impact resistant helmet with 6 ventilation holes for high breathability
- 6 point easy adjust harness for precise snug fit. Detachable sun peak. Articulated cap-mounted ear cups
- Wider, durable stainless steel mesh visor, with flip up/flip down functionality
- Helmet tested according to ANSI standards and meets ANSI Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class E, G, and C requirements
- Lightweight, impact resistant chainsaw helmet from Oregon. Complete with mesh visor and ear muffs with easy to adjust configurations.
- A shovel
- High-Quality Material: The heavy duty digging shovel blade is made of high-strength steel, sturdy and sharp to cut through soil quickly, the surface is coated with rust-resistant coating to ensure long-lasting use.
- Professional Design: The larger head of this digging shovel makes digging faster and more efficient, and the metal shovel head comes with non-slip treads that help your feet exert a more consistent force on the shovel when using it for digging.
- Non-Slip Handle: The digging shovel handle is made of fiberglass for lightweight and durability, with 2 non-slip zones on the handle to provide a firmer grip and leverage while digging.
- Suitable Length: The heavy duty shovel has an overall length of 56 inches and weighs 4.4 pounds, suitable for adults, the longer size reduces the pressure on the back and does not fatigue with prolonged use.
- Reliable Tool: When you need a professional and reliable gardening tool for your gardening, Dikuyeel shovels are easy to use, whether for digging, gardening, landscaping, or building construction!
- An axe
- MULTI-USE AXE: Sharp blade wood splitting axe or gardening axe that is an ideal wood chopper designed for firewood, yard work, and lawn cleanup, with maximum efficiency for more one-strike splits; Perfect for medium to large size logs
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Advanced bevel convex blade geometry adds power and makes the blade easier to remove from wood
- EFFICIENT AND COMFORTABLE USE: Perfected balance and power-to-weight ratio increases swing speed of the wood splitting maul to multiply power, much like an aluminum baseball bat
- QUALITY TOOLS: Splitting maul with shock-absorbing FiberComp handle is lightweight yet stronger than steel to prevent overstrike damage; Designed to help you embrace the outdoors, Fiskars axes and hatchets are equipped with smart technologies
- INCLUDES: One 28-Inch Fiskars X25 splitting axe with protective sheath; Backed by a lifetime warranty
- A Sawzall or a pruning saw
- 4-position blade clamp of DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw allows for flush cutting and increased positional versatility with tool-free blade changes
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides increased blade control and fast cutting speed
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut control
- Rubber comfort grip delivers optimal comfort and control
- A solid chainsaw
- 14 INCH BAR: 120 Mark III Chainsaw with 3/8 Pitch, .050 Gauage is built for the homeowner who needs a lightweight and efficient cutting tool
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT: 38-cc Husqvarna chainsaws with X-Torq engine delivers a great power and torque thanks to highly efficient combustion
- INERTIA ACTIVATED CHAIN BRAKE: intertia activated chain brake for safety while operating
- LOWVIB TECHNOLOGY: Dampeners between the engine and chassis significantly reduce vibrations so you can work more comfortably
- SEPARATE CHOKE/STOP SWITCH CONTROLS: Stop switch automatically resets when the choke is pulled out to help prevent accidental flooding
- Wedges (if the tree stump is thick)
- UNCO tree felling wedges package offers a versatile assortment of 4 high-quality wedges (2 small, 2 large) perfect for loggers, arborists, or DIY enthusiasts needing control in wood splitting or felling trees.
- Crafted with resilient, impact-resistant ABS plastic, these wedges are designed to withstand forceful hammering, providing reliable support for tree felling and splitting without bending or breaking.
- The large and small wedges provide excellent grip and leverage, ensuring maximum control in driving the wedge into the log, while the unique serrated edges prevent the wedges from slipping out during use.
- Accompanying the wedges is a durable carry bag, providing ease of transport and storage, keeping your wedges organized and protected when not in use.
- Suitable for both professional forestry and personal use, this set is a must-have tool for tree felling, bucking, or splitting firewood, giving you the efficiency and safety needed for a variety of outdoor timber tasks.
- A stump grinder (for very thick, stubborn stumps)
- Powerful Motor: Equipped with a high-torque motor, this stump grinder effortlessly grinds through tough stumps and roots.
- Wide Cutting Swath: With a cutting width of 13.5 inches, it can quickly clear large areas.
- Adjustable Cutting Depth: Adjust the cutting depth to suit your needs, allowing for precise stump removal.
- Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty materials, this grinder is designed for long-lasting performance.
- Safety Features: Includes safety guards and emergency stop for added protection during operation.
Precautions
As you can imagine, any job involving a chainsaw is going to need serious amounts of precaution. You’re going to be operating at awkward angles and positions with a loud and potentially dangerous machine.
Pieces of the tree and rubble may fly around, so you will need safety goggles, a helmet, gloves, and [protective clothing that covers most of your skin. If you own a pair of chaps, wearing them would be helpful. Otherwise, a sturdy pair of jeans or other thick clothing will do.
Top-of-the-line ear protection is required as well. Since you will be kneeling, your face is going to be close to the very loud chainsaw.
Removing Small-to-Moderate-Sized Tree Stumps
1. Soak the Ground
This step isn’t required, but it is helpful. Soaking the ground around the tree stump with water will soften the dirt and make it easier to remove in the following step.
2. Dig Around the Tree
Use your shovel to dig around the tree. Remove all the dirt, rubble, and shrubbery, and dig down until the roots of the tree are exposed.
3. Strip Off the Tree Bark
Use your ax to chip away at all the bark on the tree. This will make it easier to cut through the tree stump and will prevent bark chips from flying everywhere from the force of the chainsaw. Use your shovel and hands to remove the bark from the hole you’ve dug.
4. Cut the Tree Stump Down to Ground Level
Get down to the base of the tree stump where it meets the roots. If the stump is thick, do not try to saw straight through the whole stump. The weight of the stump will press down on the chainsaw and damage its blades. If the tree stump is thin, this won’t be a problem, and you can cut straight through it.
For thicker stumps, start sawing on one side and gradually move your saw in a diagonal pattern, making your way to the center. Be absolutely certain that rocks and pebbles are cleared from the area, as these could dull your chainsaw’s blades and send the debris flying toward you. As you’re sawing, start shifting yourself around the circumference of the stump until you’ve cut about halfway through it.
Take your wedges, and use the back of your ax to hammer them into the side of the stump you’ve cut through. Continue sawing on the other side of the stump in the same manner until you’ve cut through the whole stump. Remove the stump.
5. Sever the Roots
You are now left with the base of the stump and exposed roots shooting from it. You will need to sever the roots to ensure that there will be no continued growth. For thin trees, you may be able to remove the roots from the ground altogether, but the roots on thicker trees can grow several feet deep. Wondering how to remove tree roots like these? It may require professional landscapers who know how to extract them. For our purposes, severing the roots will do the job.
Once you’ve ensured that all the dirt around the roots is cleared and the roots are exposed, cut through the roots. You can use your chainsaw to sever the thick roots and an ax to chop the smaller ones. If you don’t have enough space to saw through the roots, now is the time to pull out your Sawzall or pruning saw. If you’re a fan of hard labor and brute force, you can use your ax to chop the roots.
6. Remove the Stump’s Base
For small and moderate-sized tree stumps, you can remove the base along with its severed roots using simple leverage. Wedge your shovel under the remains of the stump and use your body weight to pull it from the ground.
Removing Thick Tree Stumps
Want to know how to remove a stump fast? The following method is the easiest way to get rid of a tree stump, and it works well on small stumps.
You will follow the same steps listed above for removing small stumps up to step No. 5 where we sever the roots. You will notice that big tree stumps have stunningly thick roots underneath them. Severing these roots will require a ton of space, which will mean digging up a lot of your yard. Instead of destroying the entire yard to get down under the tree stump’s roots, use a stump grinder to destroy the remains.
You can use a chainsaw as a chainsaw stump grinder, but unfortunately, a chainsaw cannot shred up the stump as a grinder can. Stump grinders are usually about the size of a lawnmower, and they come with a hefty price tag, so a good option is to rent the machine from your local hardware store. Speak with a professional at the shop and ask them which grinder is best for your particular stump.
Stump grinders can be complicated, and their controls will vary from model to model. Familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your stump grinder, and read its manual.
Grind the Stump and Its Exposed Roots Down
Push the stump grinder up to the stump’s edge. Always stand vigilantly behind the control panel of the stump grinder.
Start up the grinder, and lift the blade a few inches above the edge of the stump. Engage the cutting wheel, and lower it down onto the stump. Move the wheel back and forth across the stump and its exposed roots in a slow and controlled manner until you have shredded the entire stump.
With a stump grinder, you can safely dig through the stump and a few inches into the ground, ensuring that the roots are destroyed. This heavy-duty machinery can handle more than a chainsaw, which can easily dull if pushed too much into the ground.
Other Methods for Removing a Tree Stump
While removing a tree stump with a chainsaw and stump grinder is the most fun (Who doesn’t like obliterating things with a chainsaw?), there are other methods as well. Some of them don’t require as much manpower or equipment.
Other ways to remove a tree stump include:
- Chemical decomposition (an easy method that anyone can use)
- Burning
- Dynamite (Yes, really, but you’ll need to check your local laws.)
- Brute force using only an ax or minimal equipment
- Pulling it out with a truck (This is not recommended, as it can damage your truck or cause the chain to snap.)
- Calling professionals to do it for you
Final Thoughts
Removing a tree stump is a labor-intensive activity that will take time and comes with certain dangers. But using this guide, you will know how to remove a stump with a chainsaw and a few other tools.
Always have the proper safety equipment, and remember these key points:
- Tree stumps are a hazard to keep around; remove them as soon as you can.
- Use a gas-powered chainsaw with a guide bar at least 12 inches long. For the best results, get yourself a chainsaw with a bar that is longer than the tree is thick.
- Dig up the dirt and rubble around the tree to expose its roots, and make sure you have enough space to move around the circumference of the stump.
- Strip the bark off the stump.
- Cut the stump down to ground level.
- Saw in a diagonal pattern on thicker tree stumps, and use wedges to hold up the first half you cut through.
- Sever the roots.
- Use a tree stump grinder if the stump is too thick to remove with just the chainsaw and the other listed tools.