How Do I Get Rid of My Tree Stump? Stump Grinding, Eco Plugging & Stump Removal Explained

Once a tree has been removed, you’re often left with the stump. While this may not seem like a problem at first, many homeowners soon find that an old stump can get in the way of mowing, landscaping projects, replanting, or simply enjoying their garden.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a tree stump, there are several options available. The best solution depends on factors such as the stump’s size, location, accessibility and your plans for the area.

Why remove a tree stump?

There are many reasons why people choose to remove tree stumps, including:

Improving the appearance of their garden.
Eliminating trip hazards.
Making lawn maintenance easier.
Preventing regrowth from certain tree species.
Creating space for landscaping, patios, driveways or new planting.
Freeing up valuable garden space.

Option 1: Leave the stump to decay naturally

The simplest option is to leave the stump in place and allow it to decompose naturally.

Some property owners choose to use old stumps as wildlife habitats, natural garden features or rustic planters. However, depending on the tree species and stump size, natural decay can take many years.

If the stump is likely to cause inconvenience or you have plans for the area, you may wish to consider a more proactive approach.

Option 2: Dig out the stump

Small stumps can sometimes be removed by hand using spades, mattocks and other digging tools.

However, larger stumps often have extensive root systems that make removal physically demanding and time-consuming. Excavating a mature stump can also cause significant disturbance to lawns, borders and surrounding areas.

For most larger stumps, professional stump grinding is usually a more practical solution.

Option 3: Professional stump grinding

Stump grinding is the most effective way to remove a tree stump in many situations.

Using specialist machinery, the stump is ground down below ground level, allowing the area to be re-turfed, replanted or incorporated into future landscaping projects. Unlike full excavation, stump grinding causes minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

At Simpson Arboriculture, we offer professional stump removal and stump grinding services across Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a single garden stump or multiple large stumps on a commercial site, we have the equipment and expertise to carry out the work safely and efficiently.

Our stump grinding equipment

To suit different types of projects, we operate two specialist stump grinders.

Rayco RG37T stump grinder

Our Rayco RG37T stump grinder is ideal for most domestic stump grinding work. Its compact design allows it to access many residential gardens while providing the power needed to remove stumps quickly and effectively.

Greentec Piranha stump grinder

For larger-scale stump removal projects, we utilise our Greentec Piranha stump grinder. This powerful machine is particularly suited to removing large stumps or multiple stumps on commercial sites, development land, woodland and forestry projects.

Is my stump suitable for grinding?

Stump grinding machines require suitable access to reach the stump safely.

Stump grinding is generally possible where:

There is level access to the stump.
Machinery can be wheeled directly to the work area.
Access routes and gateways are wide enough for the equipment.
The stump is not excessively close to walls, fences, buildings or other structures.

Unfortunately, stump grinding may not be suitable where:

Access is only available via steps.
Narrow access points prevent machinery from reaching the stump.
The stump is extremely close to walls, fences, foundations or underground services.

If you’re unsure whether your stump can be ground out, our team can assess the site and advise on the available options.

Option 4: Eco plugs

In situations where stump grinding is not practical, eco plugging can provide an effective and affordable alternative.

Eco plugs contain a measured dose of herbicide that is inserted directly into the stump. Once installed, they prevent regrowth and gradually kill the remaining root system.

Unlike stump grinding, eco plugging does not physically remove the stump. Instead, the stump is left to decompose naturally over time while preventing the tree from producing new shoots.

Eco plugging can be particularly beneficial where:

Stump grinding machinery cannot access the site.
Access is restricted by steps or narrow pathways.
The stump is located close to walls, fences or buildings.
A lower-cost alternative is preferred.
Multiple stumps require treatment across larger areas of woodland or forestry.

For inaccessible stumps, eco plugging can often provide a practical and economical solution.

Can I plant another tree in the same spot?

Because stump grinding leaves some of the root system underground, it is usually advisable to plant the replacement tree slightly offset from the original location.

If you’re planning to replant, our team can advise on the most suitable approach during your quotation.

Free stump removal quotations

If you have an unwanted tree stump and would like professional advice, Simpson Arboriculture offers free quotations for stump grinding, stump removal and eco plugging services.

We’ll assess the size of the stump, site access and your future plans for the area before recommending the most suitable solution.

Whether you need a single garden stump removed or multiple stumps treated across a larger site, our experienced team at Simpson Arboriculture is here to help. For more information, please visit the Stump Treatment page on our website. There’s an option to complete a form with your stump details, so we can provide you with a quotation.