Stump grinding vs. stump remover: which is right for you?

Got a stump in the yard? You can grind it out in an afternoon or break it down over a few weeks. Here is how the two options compare.

Option 1: Stump grinding

A stump grinder is a machine with a spinning cutting wheel that chews the stump into wood chips, usually a few inches below the ground. You can rent one or hire a tree service to do it.

• Speed: done the same day.
• Effort: heavy, loud equipment. Rentals need a truck or trailer and some care to use safely.
• Cost: the highest of the two, especially if you hire it out or have several stumps.
• Best for: when you need the stump gone right away, or the stump is very large.

Option 2: Stump remover (potassium nitrate)

Potassium nitrate speeds up the stump’s natural decay. You drill holes in the stump, fill them with the powder, add water and keep it damp. Over a few weeks the wood softens until you can break it apart with an axe or mattock.

• Speed: usually 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the stump’s size, age and moisture.
• Effort: a drill, a bag of powder and a little patience.
• Cost: the lowest of the two. One bag can treat a stump or more.
• Best for: when you are not in a rush, the stump is hard to reach with a machine, or you want to do it yourself.

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Which should you choose?

If you need the yard cleared this weekend, grinding is the way to go. If you can wait a few weeks and want to spend less, a stump remover does the job with almost no equipment. Many people use a remover on smaller stumps and save grinding for the big ones.