Tools

• Evaluating the stump will help you choose the right removal tools. For example, a small stump probably can be dug out by hand with a spade, shovel and landscaping bar. If the stump already is crumbling due to decomposition, trying to pull it out with chains may be ineffective because you'll just pull pieces off instead of getting everything. You may not want to use a grinder if the tree is an invasive species and still has some sprouts. If you have medical issues like a bad back, it's much better to use a machine than it is to remove the stump manually. Whatever tool you use, make sure the blades are sharp enough to grind or sever effectively, and always wear safety gear like goggles and gardening gloves.
  
  

Timing

• The fall (before the ground freezes) is probably the best time for stump removal. During this time, any remnants of the stump that still are alive are entering dormancy, so you'll be able to attack the stump long before it has a chance to produce spring shoots. A fall removal lets the remnants decompose naturally, following the natural season cycle and returning nitrogen to the soil without interfering with your spring landscaping. If you need to remove the stump at other times during the year, try to remove it when the soil is moist, such as after a nice rain.
  
  

Plant and Chemical Knowledge

• Chemicals have different effects on different plant species. For example, a chemical will decompose a soft, porous wood much faster than a hard wood, simply because a hard wood usually is more dense and contains more material to degrade.
  
  You should kill a live stump before you remove it to prevent resprouting. Chemicals are available for this, but salt is an easy home remedy. Landscapers do this all the time because the salt impedes the ability of the stump to absorb enough water. Drill holes into the stump to increase the amount of penetration achieved by the chemical.
  
  Have the soil around the stump tested before and after you try a chemical. This will give you an idea of what you'll need to add to the soil later to correct the soil pH and minimize the effects of the chemical after the stump is gone. Additionally, give plenty of time for the chemical to work---decomposition is a slow process.