How To Remove Tree Stumps: A Guide For Amateurs & Professionals
Tree stump removal can be one of the trickiest parts of garden or landscape maintenance. Whether you're trying to reclaim a patch of lawn, prevent regrowth, or make way for new planting or construction, dealing with a stump properly is crucial. Below, we answer the most commonly asked questions about tree stump removal - and recommend trusted products to make the job easier.
Why remove tree stumps?
Leaving a tree stump in the ground can cause several problems:
- Regrowth: Many species send up new shoots, leading to an ongoing battle
- Pests and disease: Stumps can attract insects that may be a nuisance to humans, such as ants and wasps, and can harbour fungal infections
- Aesthetic issues: A leftover stump can ruin the appearance of a well-maintained space
- Trip hazards: Especially in public or frequently used gardens, a stump can be dangerous
What is the fastest way to remove a tree stump?
The quickest method depends on the tools and access you have:
- Mechanical removal: Hiring a stump grinder is the fastest - but it’s usually left to professionals
- Natural decay: A slower and less predictable option
- Chemical control: Using a tree stump killer, such as EcoPlug Max or SBK Brushwood Killer, helps to stop regrowth from the stump and can make it easier to remove
How to use tree stump killer
If you're looking to stop regrowth rather than speed up decomposition, a herbicide is ideal. Here's how to use two of the most effective options:
For professionals: Ecoplug Max Tree Stump Killers.
- Each plug contains a precise dose of glyphosate
- Simply drill holes into the stump and insert the plugs
- The active ingredient is absorbed into the root system, killing it off completely
- Suitable for use all year round, but most effective when applied soon after felling
For amateurs: SBK Brushwood Killer
- Mix with water and apply directly to freshly cut stumps with a brush or sprayer
- Best applied in late summer or autumn when sap flow is downward
- Works on tough woody weeds and tree stumps
How do professionals remove tree stumps?
Professionals typically use a combination of:
- Herbicides like Ecoplug Max or glyphosate-based products to kill roots and prevent regrowth
- Stump grinders: Machines that physically shred the stump into mulch
- Excavation equipment for larger or deeply rooted trees
To prevent regrowth professionals often choose glyphosate products such as:
These are professional-use only and are effective when applied directly to a stump straight after cutting or when applied as a spray or weed wipe to the regrowth foliage.
When should tree stumps be removed?
Tree stumps should be removed if they present a physical hazard or if the tree has died from a disease and it is likely to be a source of inoculum leading to further spread of the disease. If the stump is neither a hazard nor source of inoculum it can be perfectly safe to leave tree stumps in place. They can provide a good habitat for invertebrates and fungi and in the right place can be an interesting feature.
If there is a requirement to prevent regrowth the best time to treat a stump is:
- Immediately after felling – while the stump is still “active” and can absorb herbicide
- Late summer or autumn – when sap is moving down into the roots
For reliable prevention of regrowth regardless of whether the stump is removed or not, chemical treatment is often the most effective option. Whether you're an amateur gardener or a landscaping professional, Amenity Choice stocks trusted products to help you tackle even the most stubborn stumps.