Do-It-Yourself Stump Grinding

Trim the stump as close to the ground as possible, using a chainsaw or axe.

Remove any rocks from around the tree stump, using the shovel to dig out as many as possible. Rocks can damage the stump grinder's blade. You also don't want them flying up at you while you're working.

Don your safety goggles, safety shoes and ear protectors.

Turn on the stump grinder. Some start electrically by simply flipping a switch, and some have a pull cord like a lawn mower. The starting mechanism depends on the type and size of stump grinder.

Raise the grinding wheel, using the grinder's hydraulic lever, until it is a few inches higher than the stump. Advance the grinder to the stump.

Start the wheel and lower it slowly into the stump to a depth of about three inches. Use the lever to swing the wheel back-and-forth across the stump, continuing until you have reached at least 4 inches below ground level. You may want to grind down as much as 10 to 12 inches for maximum benefit.

Raise the wheel, advance the machine a few inches, and repeat Step 6. Continue until you have covered the entire stump. Check periodically that you are digging at least 4 inches below ground level.

Clear the hole of wood chips when you are finished, fill it with soil, tamp it down and add grass seed, if desired.