Stump Grinding vs. DIY Removal: Which Is Best?

When a tree comes down, many homeowners are left with the same question: what to do about the stump that’s left behind? Some people consider digging it out themselves; others try chemicals or even burning. But more and more are turning to professional stump grinding.

So, which is best for you: tackling it yourself or hiring a professional? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each option so you can make the right choice for your garden.

Why Stumps Are So Stubborn

Tree stumps may look harmless, but removing them is far from easy. Most stumps are anchored by a complex root system that extends several feet underground. Even if you dig or chop away at the surface, the hidden roots hold the stump firmly in place. That’s why stumps are often described as “the most stubborn part of a tree”.

This explains why DIY methods can take days—or even weeks—of hard labour, while professional stump grinding often finishes the job in under an hour.

DIY Stump Removal Methods

Digging and Chopping

The most common DIY attempt is to dig around the stump with a spade or axe, cutting through roots until the stump can be levered out.

• Pros: No specialist equipment needed, just time and effort.

• Cons: Extremely labour-intensive, difficult on large stumps, and often leaves roots behind.

Chemicals

Some homeowners use chemical stump removers (usually potassium nitrate) to speed up decay.

• Pros: Low physical effort, available from garden centres.

• Cons: Can take months or years to fully work, leaves chemicals in the soil, and may still require digging afterwards.

Burning

In some areas, people attempt to burn out the stump.

• Pros: Cheap and quick in theory.

• Cons: Unsafe, messy, often illegal in residential areas, and rarely destroys the roots fully.

DIY Summary: These methods may work for very small stumps, but they’re time-consuming, unpredictable, and can damage your garden—or your back.

Professional Stump Grinding

Stump grinding uses a specialised machine that grinds the stump down below ground level into wood chips.

• Pros:

  • Fast — most stumps are gone in under an hour

  • Safe — handled by trained, insured professionals

  • Effective — prevents regrowth by destroying the root crown

  • Clean — produces mulch that can be reused in your garden

• Cons: Requires hiring a professional (but the cost is often less than renting equipment and risking mistakes)

With stump grinding, the job is done properly the first time. You don’t need to spend weekends digging or waiting months for chemicals to work.

Cost Comparison

Many homeowners think DIY will save money, but the hidden costs add up:

• Tool or grinder hire (often £80–£120 per day)

• Protective equipment

• Disposal of waste

• Hours of labour

By contrast, professional stump grinding often costs a similar amount—or less—especially for a single stump. Plus, the work is guaranteed and insured.

Safety Considerations

DIY stump removal can be risky:

• Using chainsaws, axes, or improvised methods without training can cause serious injury.

• Burning can damage soil and nearby property.

• Chemical use can harm children, pets, and the environment.

Professional arborists use protective gear, follow strict safety standards, and carry insurance—giving you peace of mind.

Which Is Best?

For small, shallow stumps, DIY methods may be an option if you don’t mind the effort. But for most homeowners, professional stump grinding is the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective choice. It saves time, prevents regrowth, avoids injury, and leaves your garden neat and ready for new projects.

Final Thoughts

If you’re weighing up whether to try stump removal yourself or call in the experts, ask yourself: how much is your time, safety, and peace of mind worth? Professional stump grinding gives you a guaranteed result without the sweat and struggle.

At Weedons Tree Stump Removal, we help homeowners across Nottingham, Derbyshire, Leicester, and Loughborough remove stumps quickly and affordably. Our N.P.T.C.-qualified team uses modern equipment, and your satisfaction is always guaranteed.

Ready to reclaim your garden? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.