Removing a small tree stump usually means digging it out by hand. In general, you dig a trench around the stump to expose its roots, cut through the roots, and then lever or pull the stump out of the ground. This method uses simple tools like a shovel, mattock, and saw, and works well for stumps under about a foot wide. Below we’ll walk through the step-by-step process and also mention other options and safety tips.
Tools you’ll need: A sturdy shovel or spade and a mattock (a pick-hoe) are essential for digging and loosening soil. Loppers or a pruning saw will help cut small- to medium-sized roots. For very thick roots, a bow saw or an axe can work (but use an axe only if you’re comfortable with it and wear eye protection). A long pry bar, digging bar, or even a tow strap/winch can give you extra leverage to lift out a stubborn stump. Remember gloves, boots, and eye protection whenever you’re chopping or digging near roots.
Dig around the stump. Start by clearing debris and plants from around the stump. Use your shovel or mattock to dig a trench about 1–2 feet deep (or deeper if needed) in a circle around the stump. As you dig, remove loose soil and expose as many of the large roots as you can. Spraying the area with a hose can wash away clumps of dirt and make the roots easier to see. The more roots you expose, the easier the removal will be.
Cut the roots. As you uncover roots, cut through them with your tools. For small roots, loppers or a pruning saw work well. For larger, thicker roots, use the pick end of the mattock, a hand saw, or even an axe (carefully) to chop them. It helps to start by cutting the outer, smaller roots first to make room to reach the bigger ones. Continue digging and cutting until most of the visible roots around the stump are severed.
Expose and cut the taproot. Once the outer roots are cut, keep digging under the stump toward its main taproot (the thick central root). Bob Vila recommends working downward and inward from all sides toward this taproot. Once you see the taproot, clean off excess dirt and then chop through it at its base. You can use the mattock, an axe, or a bow saw for this step. Cutting the taproot frees the stump from the ground. (If you’re uneasy with an axe, a saw is a safer choice.)
Pull out the stump. Now that the roots are cut, grab the stump and rock it back and forth. It may come out by hand if the roots are fully severed. Often you’ll need extra force: wrap a strong rope or chain around the stump and have a helper pull, or attach it to a vehicle or come-along winch. Bob Vila suggests using a digging bar to pry and lift as you go. Work slowly and steadily; once the stump breaks free, lift it out of the hole.
Fill the hole and finish up. After the stump and root ball are out, fill the hole with soil or compost. Tamp it down and cover with topsoil or mulch to level the ground. You can plant grass seed or another plant there later. Dispose of or repurpose the cut roots and wood chips – they can be used as mulch in other garden beds or composted if clean (free of disease).
Other Removal Methods
If digging it out sounds too hard or slow, there are alternatives. For example, you can let the stump rot: drill several deep holes in it and fill them with a high-nitrogen fertilizer or common salt (Epsom salt or rock salt) to encourage decay. Cover the stump with a tarp to keep it moist. In a few weeks to months, the wood will soften and you can break it apart and remove it. The Iowa State extension also notes that fertilizers or stump-removal chemicals (often containing potassium nitrate) do the same job of speeding up decay.
Burning is another approach but requires caution. If local laws allow open burning, you can drill holes, soak the stump with kerosene, and light it—stumps smolder a long time. However, this can be dangerous (smoldering roots may ignite, and embers can spread), so many homeowners avoid it. Always follow fire safety rules and keep a water source nearby.
For a quick, guaranteed result (and if budget permits), hire a pro or rent a stump grinder. As Iowa State Extension points out, “the quickest, easiest, and safest way” to remove a stump is with a mechanical grinder. A grinder will shred the stump to wood chips below ground level. While costly, it lets you remove the stump in hours with no digging.
In summary, small tree stumps (around a foot across or less) are often removed by hand: dig around them, cut their roots, and pull them out. Use sharp tools and safety gear, and take your time. If you prefer not to dig, you can accelerate the stump’s decay with chemicals or hire equipment. Whichever method you choose, you’ll end up with a stump-free yard.
FAQs
How long does it take to remove a small tree stump by hand?
For most stumps under 12 inches wide, expect 1–3 hours of steady work. Softer wood (like alder or cedar) comes out faster than dense hardwoods (like oak or maple), and wet Portland soil is usually easier to dig than dry, compacted ground.
Is it better to dig out a stump or let it rot naturally?
Digging gives instant results but requires more effort. Letting a stump rot with chemicals or Epsom salt is easier physically but can take several months (sometimes over a year) before the stump is soft enough to remove.
Can I use Epsom salt to remove a stump in Portland’s rainy climate?
Yes, but heavy rainfall can wash the salt out of the drilled holes. To make it work, cover the stump with a tarp after applying salt to keep rain out and moisture in—this helps speed up the rotting process.
Do I need a permit to remove a stump in Portland?
Generally, no permit is required for stump removal on private property. However, if the tree was in the right-of-way (near the street), Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry may require a permit for tree removal. Always check local guidelines if you’re unsure.
Will a tree stump grow back if I don’t remove the roots?
Yes, especially if the tree was a fast-growing species like maple or poplar. The stump can send up new shoots from the roots. To prevent regrowth, either remove the stump completely, grind it down, or apply a stump killer.