What Is Grub Root?

Grubbing Roots and Stumps

• Grubbing refers to the process of removing a tree stump and its root system from a space through manual labor. The most common tools used for this process include an ax, grub hoe, shovel and root saw. A grub hoe is a long pole with an inverted shovel head placed near the top to facilitate digging and pulling of roots. A root saw employs a long, serrated blade with a slight curve to make for easier severing of the stump's existing root system.

Root Grubbing Process

• Removing the root system of a tree stump requires a trench extending 1 to 2 feet around the entire stump. This trench must be deep enough to ensure the cutting process can remove the stump and the majority of the roots. Use a shovel to remove soil from under the stump and cut through roots with a root saw to begin freeing it from the ground. The grubbing process is labor intensive. Removal of the stump and its roots may take hours or days, depending on how large the tree was and how deep the roots extend into the soil.

Root Grubbing Disadvantages

• Root or stump grubbing is a viable option only for a tree with a shallow root system. An older tree with a well-developed root system requires a professional team with industrial equipment to remove. Attempting the removal without professional help could cause extensive damage to the surrounding lawn. Untrained hacking through a stump's root system could cause damage to buried cable or power lines if the root system intertwines with them. This could lead to an extensive repair bill from the local municipality -- not to mention a loss of power for the entire neighborhood.

Alternatives to Grubbing

• Renting a stump grinder can provide a means to chew through a tree stump and root system provided the roots are no deeper than 12 inches below the soil. Introducing a chemical compound, including weed or brush killer, into drilled holes in the stump can accelerate the decomposition process and make removal easier. According to landscaping and gardening website Servicemagic, no chemical compound can completely remove the stump regardless what of the product label may say. Burning the stump may accelerate decomposition but only if the root system is young. An older tree system extends too far into the ground to burn adequately.