What Can You Do With a Tree Stump?

Burning

• If your local authority allows open burning and you have a large enough supply of scrap wood or other fuel source, you can get rid a stump by starting a fire around it -- or on top of it if it's large enough -- and keeping the fire burning until the stump is consumed to ground level or below. The downside of this method is that it must be watched fairly closely for a period that may last several days. It also requires safe burning conditions; burning in high winds or with dry fuel nearby may start a destructive wildfire.

Chemicals

• Drilling holes in a stump and filling them with chemicals can speed the natural decomposition of the wood. Several chemicals are available for this purpose, but any high-nitrogen fertilizer like ammonia sulfate or ammonia nitrate will work by feeding the bacteria that break down the carbonaceous organic material in the stump. These bacteria -- the same types that turn a compost pile into organic mulch -- also require moisture, so mist the stump and cover it with plastic in dry conditions.

Physical Removal

• Dig small stumps with shallow root systems using hand tools like a shovel, axe and root saw. For stubborn stumps, use a stump grinder -- a machine that chews up the surface of a stump with rotating carbide teeth. Stump grinders can quickly remove small or medium stumps to a point several inches below ground level. If cost is no object and you don't mind some damage to your lawn, a backhoe can dig out even the most impressive stumps.

Landscaping

• If it's not in the way of construction, you may decide to work with a stump, rather than against it. Large stumps with rotted interiors can support a few flowers growing in dirt added to the rotted-out hole, and the plants' roots will help speed the decomposition process. Alternately, surround the stump with a raised bed, making it the centerpiece and letting the decomposition happen from the outside in.