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Cover Image for I Had a Tree Removed but the Stump Is Still There — How Do I Get Rid of It?

I Had a Tree Removed but the Stump Is Still There — How Do I Get Rid of It?

Maintenance2 min read
Janae Moss
Janae Moss
Content Writer

The fastest way to get rid of a tree stump is professional stump grinding, which removes the stump 6–12 inches below ground in under an hour.

You had the tree removed. The dangerous branches are gone, the yard is cleaned up, and you're relieved the job is done. Then you walk outside and see it: the stump. Still there.

You're not alone. Most tree removal services in Utah only cut the tree down and haul away the trunk and branches. The stump is usually a separate service.

Here's exactly how to get rid of a tree stump in Utah, from fastest to cheapest, with real costs and timeframes.

Method 1: Stump Grinding (Fastest — 30–60 Minutes)

What it is: A professional stump grinder uses a high-speed rotating cutting disk to chip the stump away to 6–12 inches below ground level.

Cost in Utah: $75–$150 for small stumps (under 12 inches), $150–$300 for medium stumps (12–24 inches), $300–$500+ for large stumps (24+ inches).

Utah-specific note: Most tree removal companies in the Salt Lake Valley offer stump grinding as an add-on. See our tree removal cost guide in Murray Utah for typical bundling discounts.

Method 2: Chemical Stump Removal (Cheapest — 4–8 Weeks)

Drill holes, pour in potassium nitrate, add water, cover with a tarp, wait 4–8 weeks, then break apart with an axe. Costs $10–$25. Works best in moist conditions.

Method 3: Burning the Stump (Fast — Regulated in Utah)

Most Utah cities prohibit open burning. Salt Lake City, Murray, and Sandy all prohibit it. Only realistic in rural areas with a burn permit.

Method 4: Hand Digging (Free but Hard — 2–8 Hours)

Dig around the stump, cut roots, and pry it out. Utah's clay soil makes this much harder. Wait for rain to soften the ground.

Method 5: Natural Decay (Slowest — 1–5 Years)

Leave it. Fungi and bacteria break it down. Fine for wooded areas, not for spaces you want to use.

For 90% of Utah homeowners, stump grinding is sufficient. See our mulching benefits for your yard guide for what to do with the wood chips. Lawn aeration guide helps fill in the area left by the stump.