You've got a tree stump in your Knoxville yard, and you're tired of mowing around it, watching mushrooms grow on it, or hiding it under a flower pot. Here are your 5 real options for getting rid of it — what each costs, how long it takes, and which makes sense for your situation.
Method 1: Stump Grinding (Most Popular)
What it is: A high-powered rotating cutting wheel grinds the stump into wood chips, working it down 6-12 inches below grade. The hole is filled with the chips (or fresh soil) and you're done.
| Cost (Knoxville) | $100 – $400 per stump |
| Time | 30 min – 2 hours per stump |
| DIY possible? | Rent for ~$200/day, but learning curve + risk of damage |
| Best for | Most residential stumps. Fast, clean, predictable. |
This is what 90% of Knoxville stump jobs end up using. It's the right balance of cost, speed, and result. Most stump grinding pros (including us) can knock out 3-5 stumps in a single visit.
Method 2: Stump Excavation (Heavy Equipment)
What it is: Bring in an excavator or backhoe to literally dig the stump and root ball out of the ground. The hole is then filled and graded.
| Cost | $300 – $1,500+ per stump |
| Time | 2-6 hours per stump |
| DIY possible? | Only if you have heavy equipment. Not realistic for most homeowners. |
| Best for | Building lots, fence post replacement, root systems that need 100% removal |
Use excavation only when you NEED the entire root system gone — for example, you're building a foundation, installing a pool, or removing trees with invasive root systems near plumbing.
Method 3: Chemical Stump Killer
What it is: Drill holes in the stump, fill with stump killer (usually potassium nitrate or glyphosate-based), wait 4-12 weeks for the wood to decompose. Then chop the softened wood out with an axe.
| Cost | $15 – $30 for chemicals + your time |
| Time | 4-12 weeks waiting + 1-2 hours of physical work |
| DIY possible? | Yes — sold at Lowe's, Home Depot, Tractor Supply |
| Best for | Patient homeowners with small stumps and no rush |
Cheapest option, but slowest. Also tricky if you have pets or kids — keep them away from treated stumps during the chemical period.
Method 4: Burning the Stump
What it is: Drill holes, fill with kerosene or fuel, let it soak, then ignite and let it smolder over multiple days.
| Cost | $20 in fuel + your time |
| Time | 1-3 days of monitored burning |
| DIY possible? | Technically yes — but read below |
| Best for | Rural Knox County properties with no fire restrictions |
⚠️ Burning warnings:
- Knox County and the City of Knoxville have burn ban periods — typically October 15 through May 15. Burning during ban = fines.
- Check with Knox County Fire/Burn permit office before lighting anything.
- Smoldering stumps can spread fire underground through root systems. Multiple house fires per year in East Tennessee start this way.
- Most insurance won't cover damage from a fire you intentionally started, even if "controlled."
Honest take: we don't recommend stump burning to Knoxville homeowners. The risk-to-reward ratio isn't there.
Method 5: Natural Decay (Just Wait)
What it is: Do nothing. Let the stump rot naturally over 5-10 years.
| Cost | $0 |
| Time | 5-10 years |
| Best for | Rural properties where the stump isn't in the way |
For most Knoxville homeowners, this isn't realistic. While waiting, the stump becomes a magnet for carpenter ants, termites, and fungal diseases that can spread to your other trees.
What We Recommend for Most Knoxville Homeowners
If you're an average homeowner with a residential lot and 1-5 stumps:
- ✅ Grinding — best balance of cost, speed, and result
- ✅ Bundle multiple stumps — paying per visit is 80% of the cost; adding extra stumps to one visit is cheap
- ❌ Skip burning
- ❌ Skip natural decay (attracts pests)
- ⚠️ Chemical method only if you have time + tolerance for slow results
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- Stump location — if it's too close to your house, fence, or utility, grinders may not fit. Always ask about access before booking.
- Hidden roots — large surface roots radiating from the stump may need additional grinding. Ask if it's included.
- Cleanup — most grinders leave a pile of chips. Is haul-off included or extra?
- Underground utilities — pros call 811 before grinding. DIY? You'd better too.
Get a Free Stump Removal Quote
Call (865) 348-3063. Per-stump pricing typically ranges $100-$400 for grinding. We can usually get multiple stumps done in one visit at a discount.
Related: Stump Grinding Service · Pricing Guide