How to Kill Tree Stumps

There are a number of ways to kill a tree stump, but most are slow, messy, or leave you with the stump still sitting in your garden for years.

The most effective method by far is professional stump grinding, which removes the stump properly and prevents regrowth.

Stump Grinding (Best Method)

Stump grinding is the quickest and most reliable way to deal with a tree stump. Using specialist machinery, the stump is ground down below ground level, preventing regrowth and leaving the area ready for use.

The process has minimal impact on the surrounding area and can be carried out close to walls, fences and other features. The stump is turned into wood chip, which can be left to break down naturally, used on borders, or removed if required.

Depending on access and machinery, we typically grind stumps to a depth of 150mm to 300mm below ground level.

If you want a fast and permanent solution, this is the method to go for. You can request a price via our quote page or learn more about stump grinding costs.

Alternative Methods (Slower Options)

If you’re not in a rush, there are other ways to kill a stump — but they all come with drawbacks.

Covering the Stump

Covering a stump with a tarp blocks light and water, eventually starving it and stopping photosynthesis. This method can take a long time, and you’ll still be left with a solid stump that may take years to rot away.

Using Salt

Epsom or rock salt can be used to kill a stump over time. Holes are drilled into the wood, filled with salt and sealed. This process can take several months, and again, the stump remains in place for years afterwards.

Chemical Treatments

Some products containing glyphosate or triclopyr are designed to kill tree stumps. These are applied to freshly cut wood and absorbed into the stump.

However:

They only work on live wood
Timing is important (usually autumn/winter)
They don’t remove the stump itself
There are risks to pets, children and surrounding plants

For these reasons, we do not use chemical treatments.

Fertiliser (Speeding Up Decay)

Adding high-nitrogen fertiliser can encourage decomposition, but this is still a very slow process and can take years to have any real effect.

Pruning Regrowth

Cutting back shoots repeatedly can eventually exhaust the stump, but it’s unreliable and often results in ongoing regrowth before it finally dies.

Why Stump Grinding Is the Better Option

Stump grinding isn’t just about killing the stump; it removes the problem properly, leaving the area usable again without the long wait or ongoing maintenance that comes with other methods. Here’s why it’s the preferred solution:

Complete Removal Below Ground Level
The stump is ground down well below the surface, typically between 150mm and 300mm depending on the job. This means it’s not just “dead”; it’s gone, allowing you to re-turf, plant, or pave over the area without obstruction.
Prevents Regrowth
Unlike cutting or chemical treatments, stump grinding removes the material that allows the tree to regenerate. Once it’s ground out, there’s no energy source left for new shoots to develop.
Quick and Efficient
Most stumps can be dealt with in a matter of hours. There’s no waiting months or years for results — the job is done there and then.
Minimal Disruption
Modern stump grinders are designed to work in tight spaces and minimise mess. The surrounding area is left tidy, with woodchips that can either be reused or removed.
Access to Difficult Areas
We can often get machinery through narrow gates and restricted access points. Where access is tight, smaller machines can be used without compromising the result.
Leaves the Area Ready to Use
Once complete, the space can be immediately reused — whether that’s for landscaping, planting, turfing, or construction work.

Frequently Asked Questions

A few common questions about stump grinding in Edinburgh.

How are tree stumps removed?

We use a professional stump grinding machine (sometimes called a root grinder), which breaks the stump down into wood chip. This is left in place and can be used as mulch, left to naturally rot into the soil, spread under hedges, or disposed of in your garden waste.

If you’d prefer everything removed from site, we can arrange that too.

For a more detailed breakdown of the process, see how to remove a tree stump.

How deep does stump grinding go?

Stumps are typically ground to a depth of between 15cm and 30cm below ground level. The exact depth depends on access, the size of machine we can get in, and the surrounding conditions.

In some situations, going deeper may not be practical or safe — full details are outlined in our terms and conditions.

Are stump grinding quotes free?

Yes. We offer a simple online quote system where you can send over the details of your stump, and we’ll get back to you with a price. All quotes are based on the accuracy of the information provided, so in some cases the final price may need adjusting once we see the job in person.

If needed, we can still arrange a site visit. You can get started via our contact page.

What happens to the wood chip?

The grinding process produces wood chip, which is usually left on site and backfilled into the hole. This helps level the ground and can improve soil structure over time.

If there’s excess material from larger stumps, it can be spread across beds, used as mulch, placed under hedges, or disposed of via your garden waste bin. If none of those options work, we can quote to remove it completely.

Can I plant over the old stump after grinding?

Yes, in most cases you can turf, seed, plant or fence directly over the area once the stump has been ground out. We’d usually recommend adding some topsoil or compost first.

If you’re planting a new tree, it’s often better to slightly offset the position rather than planting directly on top of the old stump.

Will the tree grow back after stump grinding?

In almost all cases, no. Stump grinding effectively kills the stump and is one of the most reliable ways of preventing regrowth.

If anything unexpected does come back, we’ll return and deal with it. For comparison with other methods, see how to kill tree stumps.

Do you remove all the roots?

No — we remove the main stump and the immediate surrounding area to a depth of at least 15cm, and up to 30cm where access allows.

Full root removal isn’t usually necessary and can be far more disruptive. If required, we can grind out visible surface roots. For more involved jobs, see tree root removal.

Can you get a stump grinder through a gate or tight space?

Yes! Access is rarely an issue. We have a range of machines designed to get through narrow gates, across steps, and into confined areas such as raised beds or enclosed gardens. For very large stumps, wider access may be required, but we’ll advise on that upfront.

Will underground services be affected?

Most underground services are buried deeper than the typical grinding depth of 15cm to 30cm. However, it’s important that you let us know about anything in the area beforehand.

Shallow services such as broadband or garden cabling are the most common issue, as these are often laid close to the surface.

How much does stump removal cost?

The cost depends on the size of the stump, how many there are, access for machinery, and your location.
Most customers are surprised at how affordable stump grinding is.

You can get a quick estimate using our online form, or read more about pricing here → cost of stump grinding.

Ready to get a price?

Call 0131 356 0428 or send us your details today and we’ll get back to you promptly.