How to get rid of tree stumps or how to remove a tree stump are frequently asked questions in the industry. Once you’ve had a tree removed, you’re left with a typically unsightly reminder, the stump. Tree stumps are an eyesore, a tripping hazard, and they can attract unwanted pests like termites or even fungi and bacteria. 

At Urban Forest Pro, your leading Oregon arborist, we do stump grinding in the Portland and surrounding area, although due to demand we do have to limit our grinding services and can only offer it to current tree service clients and not as a standalone service. 

To remove a tree stump you can try to tackle the job yourself, although stump grinders are quite heavy and can be difficult to use at times. So how do you get rid of a tree stump then? What is the best way? Well, the answer is in the original suggestion of letting it rot away, but doing so quickly.

How to Get Rid of a Tree Stump Fast?

Here's how to remove a tree stump the fastest way, without using a grinder, is the chemical method. By applying chemicals to holes drilled into the stump, you speed up the natural decay process and the remaining tree fibers and roots will break down more quickly. It is considered one of the best ways to remove a tree stump from your yard. Here's how to use this method by following these steps.

DIY Steps to Rotting a Tree Stump From a Leading Arborist:

1. Begin on a dry day or after a number of dry days if possible. This way the tree stump will be looking for liquid and nutrients and will soak up the chemicals faster. 
2. If you are capable, use a chainsaw to cut the remaining part of the tree as close to the ground as possible. By doing this the chemicals will have less material to eat through. Chainsaws can be dangerous though, so make sure you always use caution, wear steel-toed boots and eye protection. 
3. Once the tree stump is as close to the ground as you can comfortably get it to go, drill a number of holes into the top of the stump and along the sides in a downward direction. The bigger the drill bit the better, and each of the holes should be a few inches deep. 
4. After drilling the holes into the stump, you will apply the chemicals that will break down the remaining wood. Oregon does have strict legal restrictions about the kind of chemicals you can purchase for this sort of project. Ideally, you would want a commercial fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, since it will give you the fastest results, but cow manure is also effective. Another more natural alternative is Epsom salt. It is also a cost-effective solution as a 19lbs page starts at $10. It has similar dissolving properties to nitrogen but is a more organic approach. When you have chosen the chemical you will use, pack the holes with as much of it as you can. 
5. Then soak the ground around the stump and wet the top and sides of the stump. After the stump is wet, cover it with a plastic tarp to trap the moisture around the stump. Moisture is ultimately what will help the chemicals break down the wood particles faster. 
6. The next step is to apply mulch over the top of the plastic tarp. Organic mulch, like hay or tree bark, is best for this task as it will retain more moisture and help to keep the tarp in place. 
7. You can use rocks and stones to weigh down the tarp further to help keep it in place, although this step is considered optional. 

Once you have completed all of these steps, you are officially rotting a tree stump. This process is a speeding up of nature, and we all know that nature can take its time, so you should expect that it will take some time to work. How can you speed up the stump rot process even more? You can repeat the rotting steps periodically if you notice the mulch has grown dry.

How Much Does Tree Stump Removal Cost?

The cost for tree stump removal is largely dependent on the method you choose to use. If you decide to remove the stump yourself, the cost will be based on the materials needed, such as a chainsaw or stump grinder. The process typically involves grinding, cutting, or digging to clear the stump and its roots from the ground. A stubborn, deep, or large stump might require more powerful equipment, like an excavator, to break and excavate the debris. In some cases, a chainsaw or grinder will help chop or shred the root and debris.

If you live in the nearby Portland area, where the stump is easily accessible, the cost of stump removal averages about $6 per inch of diameter. However, for older, rotting, or heavy stumps that are deeply grounded, the minimum charge is typically $150 to $200. The final cost will depend on the size of the stump, the equipment used, and the amount of mulch and debris that needs to be disposed of. Whether the stump is broken or still intact, each removal requires different methods and approaches to clear the area efficiently.

Non-Toxic Stump Removal Options for a Garden with Pets

For homeowners with pets or a vegetable garden, safety is a top priority when removing a tree stump. Fortunately, there are several effective, non-toxic methods you can use:

1. Epsom Salt or High-Nitrogen Fertilizer

• Drill holes into the stump and fill them with Epsom salt or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
• Cover with a tarp and mulch to retain moisture, which speeds up natural decay.
• These substances are safe around pets and children when used as directed.

2. Manual Removal

• For small stumps, using a shovel, mattock, or digging bar allows complete removal without chemicals.
• Take care to wear gloves and protective footwear. This method is entirely pet-safe but can be labor-intensive.

3. Composting or Mulching Over the Stump

• If immediate removal isn’t necessary, allow the stump to decay naturally and cover it with organic mulch or compost.
• This encourages decomposition while keeping your yard safe for pets.

These non-toxic approaches may take longer than chemical methods, but they allow you to maintain a healthy, safe garden environment while gradually eliminating the stump.

Wondering How to Remove a Tree Stump Quickly?

Ultimately, the quickest way to remove your tree stump and return your yard to a flat surface is the method of stump grinding. Although our grinding services are limited, if you are in need of a tree removal service in the Portland, OR area, or if you are looking to get some stumps removed, don’t hesitate to contact the tree experts at Urban Forest Pro today. The best-certified arborist in Oregon.

DIY Tree Stump Removal vs Hiring a Professional (Pros and Cons)

Approach	Pros	Cons	Best For
DIY (Chemical, Manual, or Rented Grinder)	Lower cost; flexible timing	Labor-intensive; safety risks; slower; may leave roots	Small stumps or non-urgent removal
Professional Stump Grinding/Removal	Fast; thorough; minimal effort	Higher cost; limited availability for some services	Large stumps, tight deadlines, or difficult locations

Best Ways to Remove a Tree Stump: Ranked

1. Professional Stump Grinding (Fastest & Most Reliable)

• How it works: Uses specialized equipment to grind the stump below ground level, leaving wood chips and soil behind.
• Pros: Fast, thorough, works for almost any stump size or location, minimal physical effort required.
• Cons: Higher cost; limited availability in some areas.
• Ideal for: Large stumps, difficult locations, or when speed is a priority.

2. Full Stump Removal With Heavy Equipment

• How it works: Excavators or loaders remove the entire stump and root system.
• Pros: No stump remnants left; fully clears the area.
• Cons: Very disruptive to landscaping; requires heavy machinery; disposal of the stump is needed.
• Ideal for: Stumps interfering with major landscaping projects or construction.

3. Chemical or Rot-Accelerating Methods (DIY)

• How it works: Drill holes in the stump, fill with chemicals like high-nitrogen fertilizer or Epsom salt, and cover with tarp and mulch to accelerate decay.
• Pros: Low cost, minimal heavy equipment needed.
• Cons: Slow. It can take weeks to months; requires careful handling of chemicals.
• Ideal for: Homeowners looking for a gradual, low-effort solution.

4. Manual Removal (DIY, Small Stumps Only)

• How it works: Dig around the stump using shovels, mattocks, or digging bars to extract the stump and roots.
• Pros: Non-toxic, safe for gardens and pets; low-cost.
• Cons: Labor-intensive, physically demanding; not practical for large stumps.
• Ideal for: Small stumps or highly accessible locations.

5. Natural Rotting (Slowest Method)

• How it works: Let the stump decay naturally over time, optionally covering with mulch to retain moisture.
• Pros: No cost, entirely natural.
• Cons: Very slow and can take years; may attract pests or be a tripping hazard.
• Ideal for: Non-urgent cases where stump removal isn’t critical.

What Our Clients Have to Say

"I was very pleased with the work done by Urban Forest Pro. The three young men that came out to cut and clean had a great attitude and were very pleasant to deal with. I would whole heatedly recommend this company. They offer quality of work for a very good price."

Jean Y.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Tree Stump Removal FAQs

How Long Does It Take For a Stump To Rot Naturally?

If left to simply decay and rot away on its own, without any sort of treatment, a stump can take up to ten years to disappear. When it comes to rotting a tree stump in Oregon, the rate of decay depends on many different factors such as species of tree, size of the tree, and the climate and weather conditions.