How to Remove a Tree Stump and Replant the Grass

Oftentimes, tree stumps present annoying eye sores for the yard and disrupt the uniform texture of the grass. It is important for gardeners to remove the stump before its used as a home for insects and diseases. Furthermore, some species of trees, such as chinaberry trees, can sprout up from the stump. To prevent sprouting trees, gardeners must remove the stump safely or without chemicals that can linger in the soil, so that they may replant grass in the area.

Shovel
Chainsaw
Stump grinder
Dirt
Fertilizer
Sod
Trowel
Protective eye gear
Gloves
Pants

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any rocks or debris 6 inches from the base of the tree stump with a shovel. Rocks left next to a tree stump damage stump grinders.
- 2
  Cut the stumps as close to the ground as possible with a chainsaw. Make a horizontal cut through the stump 2 to 3 inches from the ground.
- 3
  Raise the grinder wheel of the stump grinder with the hydraulic lever a few inches above the stump. Turn the spinning wheel on 3 inches above the stump. Lower the wheel and grind the stump from side to side. Remove 4 inches of the stump and move the stump grinder forward to continue removing the stump.
- 4
  Grind the stump to a depth of 12 inches. Remove stump debris to compost or use as mulch.
- 5
  Pour dirt into the hole until it is level with the surrounding soil. Spread a starter fertilizer over the bare soil. Work the starter fertilizer into the first 2 to 3 inches of topsoil.
- 6
  Lay sod over the bare soil. Butt the edges of the sod pieces. To cut pieces of sod to match the size of the hole, use a trowel.
- 7
  Push a lawn roller filled halfway with water over the new sod. Water the sod. Keep the sod moist for five days, so that it can establish a root system.

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