Stump Removal Options in North Florida and South Georgia: Let It Rot, Dig It Out, Grind It, or Treat It

There are four ways to get rid of a tree stump: let it rot, dig it out, grind it, or treat it so it does not sprout. University of Florida (UF/IFAS) extension says rotting is probably the cheapest and easiest if you have the patience, digging takes a strong back and might take many hours, and grinding works but can be expensive. If you want the stump ground, call Josh at (850) 888-5603 and he will quote it for your yard.

The facts below come from two UF/IFAS pages: Removing Trees on the Gardening Solutions site, and publication AG259, Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees in Home Landscapes and Surrounding Natural Areas. It is general information and does not replace your county extension office.

The four options side by side

Option	How it works	What UF/IFAS says
Let it rot	Fungi break the wood down. Watering the stump regularly speeds it up.	Probably the cheapest and easiest, if you have the patience.
Dig it out	You dig and cut the stump out of the ground.	Takes a strong back and might take many hours.
Grind it	The stump is ground into small chips.	Can be expensive, and it adds cost to the tree removal.
Treat it	Herbicide on the cut stump keeps an invasive species from sprouting.	Follow the product label and ask your county extension office.

UF/IFAS puts it plainly: it is never easy, cheap, and quick to remove a stump, but every method has its advantage.

Can I just let the stump rot?

Yes, and it is the one option that costs you almost nothing but time. UF/IFAS describes rotting as a natural process in which fungi break down the wood, and says regular watering of the stump can speed it up. The trade is patience, and the stump stays where it is until the fungi finish.

Can I dig the stump out myself?

You can. Digging and cutting a stump out of the ground, per UF/IFAS, takes a strong back and might take many hours.

What does grinding do, and does it stop regrowth?

Grinding turns the stump into small chips. Extension staff note it can be expensive, and AG259 points out that it adds cost to the tree removal. The same publication is clear about what grinding does and does not do. It removes the stump for looks, but it does not always end the tree. Invasive tree species vary in their ability to sprout after grinding, and some may regrow from any remaining portion of the stump or the lateral roots. If sprouts come up, they can be controlled with the herbicide methods it describes.

So if the tree was an invasive species, grinding alone may not be the end of it. Our stump grinding service page covers how Josh handles the grinding itself. Stump work is quoted separately from the tree removal. It is an extra charge, set per job, so ask for it by name when you call.

When does treating the stump make sense?

Mostly for invasive trees. According to AG259, the stumps of almost all invasive woody plants will sprout after cutting if they are not treated with an herbicide. You can keep cutting the sprouts off as they appear, or you can treat the stump, which kills it and prevents sprouting.

Timing matters. The publication says to apply the herbicide as quickly as possible after cutting, because a fresh stump is still living and seals itself very quickly. Plan for it before the tree comes down. The publication has separate product advice for when a delay cannot be avoided.

This post does not cover which product to use or how much. Herbicide labels make a clear distinction between ornamental landscaping sites and natural area sites, and the publication says to always follow the directions on the manufacturer's label. UF/IFAS directs homeowners to their local extension office for more information and training. Ask your county extension office before you buy anything.

Is there a fifth option?

UF/IFAS also mentions leaving the stump in place and putting it to use: a container garden, a base for potted plants, or a seat. That is a real answer if the stump is out of the way and you like the look.

What should I check before removing a tree and stump?

AG259 advises checking with your local government to see whether a permit is required before removing unwanted trees. Check with your own city or county first. For the tree itself, our tree removal service page explains how that work is quoted.

If you are weighing grinding against a rental and a weekend of your own, our guide to what drives stump grinding cost in Tallahassee walks through what goes into a quote.

Where does Reed Tree Service work?

Josh takes calls across North Florida and South Georgia. Our pages for Tallahassee, Thomasville and Valdosta cover the areas around them.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to get rid of a stump?

Letting it rot, if you can wait.

Will a ground stump grow back?

Sometimes. It depends on the species, as covered above.

Is stump grinding included when Josh removes a tree?

No. Stump work is an extra charge, quoted per job, and so is cleanup of chips and debris. Tell Josh you want the stump done when you call.

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Stump in the yard in Tallahassee, Thomasville, Valdosta or anywhere in North Florida and South Georgia? Call Josh at (850) 888-5603.