Storms can wreak havoc of all sorts. Many damages resulting from storms might be manageable on your own, but some may pose a challenge.

Tree stumps come in various sizes, as do uprooted stumps. If you’ve ever attempted to remove an uprooted stump, you may have found that even the smaller ones can appear nearly impossible to extract. This could be due to a persistent root beneath the stump that you can’t seem to cut, anchoring it in place. Tree roots support the tree and are remarkably strong.

The bigger the stump the harder it is to remove.  Not only do you have the hidden roots holding it in place but you also have compacted dirt stuck to the bottom of the stump, making it extremely heavy.

How to Remove an Up-Rooted Stump
You might consider tackling this task yourself: Start by developing a solid plan, as what works for one stump may not necessarily be effective for another. Exercise caution; the stump could unexpectedly shift upward or topple over without warning! This can be very labor-intensive work.

You'll need to eliminate all the roots from the stump to reduce its weight. Before doing so, it's essential to clear away all the compacted soil from the base. Keep in mind that there may be rocks embedded in the dirt as well. A mattock or pickaxe may be useful for this part of the process. Since it can be strenuous work, enlisting the help of several people is advisable.

Remember that you must sever the root located beneath the stump before it will loosen from the ground and become free. While this may sound straightforward, it can prove to be more challenging, especially with larger stumps.

Pulling the stump out of the ground

This may seem straightforward... However, it can prove more challenging than it appears. The smaller the stump, the better your chances of successfully removing it from the ground. Exercise extreme caution, as many things can go awry when using this technique! The rope may snap under strain, potentially sending the end hurtling towards you. Additionally, the stump could dislodge with considerable force, posing a threat to you or those nearby. There are numerous risks associated with this method. I recommend against attempting to pull one from the ground unless you are well-informed and equipped with the proper tools to do so.

Renting a Stump Grinder

Here’s another do-it-yourself option: renting a stump grinder from a rental company. This approach can be more cost-effective for those who prefer to take matters into their own hands. However, exercise caution, as you will be operating heavy machinery and must be knowledgeable about its proper use. Be mindful that the stump could unexpectedly break loose and either tip over or potentially attempt to up-right itself at any moment.

There are various methods for grinding an uprooted stump. Nevertheless, every uprooted stump presents its own distinct challenges, making it clear that there is no singular correct way to handle an uprooted stump apart from relying on experience and thorough planning.

Hiring a professional
If you aren't the do-it-yourself type (or even if you are), taking on this task alone may prove to be more challenging than you anticipated. There are numerous professional stump grinding companies available. Your main priority now is to find one you can trust to handle the job. The primary drawback of this option is the cost; as with many services, the more extensive the work, the higher the price. The same applies to stump grinding. You could choose to have the stump ground and leave the grindings behind, which is the least expensive option. Alternatively, you might opt for stump grinding with all the grindings removed, which could be twice the cost of just the grinding alone. Whichever route you choose, hiring a professional is undoubtedly the safest way to deal with storm-damaged, uprooted stumps.