Quick answer: You can leave a tree stump, but it will be there for a long time. Stumps commonly take several years to rot, and large hardwood stumps can last a decade or more. Denver’s dry climate slows decay further. In that time a stump can sprout, attract insects and get in the way of mowing, so most owners have it ground out.
Whether to leave a stump comes down to where it is and what you want from the space. This guide compares the options. For the service itself, see stump grinding in Denver.
How long does a tree stump take to rot?
There is no fixed figure. Decay depends on the species, the size of the stump and how much moisture it gets. Softwoods and small stumps go fastest. Dense hardwoods and wide stumps go slowest. Wood-decay fungi need moisture, which is why stumps last longer along the Front Range than in wetter parts of the country.
What are the problems with leaving a stump?
- Sprouts. Cottonwood, aspen, Siberian elm and tree-of-heaven push up shoots from the stump and roots for years.
- Insects. Decaying wood draws carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. That matters more when the stump is close to the house.
- Trip and mower hazard. A low stump hidden in grass is easy to hit.
- Lost space. Nothing can be planted or built where the stump sits.
- Looks. A stump and its ring of sprouts make a yard look unfinished.
When is it fine to leave a stump?
- It is at the back of a large lot, away from buildings and paths
- You want it as a seat, a planter base or wildlife habitat
- The species does not sprout and the stump is cut low
What are the options for getting rid of a stump?
| Method | How long it takes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leave it to rot | Years | Free, but see the problems above |
| Chemical stump remover | Months to a year or more | Softens the wood. The stump still has to be broken up and dug out |
| Burning | Days | Open burning is restricted in the city. Check the rules before considering it |
| Stump grinding | An hour or two | Stump gone below ground level in one visit |
| Full removal | Half a day or more | Takes out the root ball. Leaves a large hole |
Grinding and full removal are compared in stump grinding vs. stump removal, and typical prices are in stump grinding cost in Denver.
Is it better to grind the stump when the tree comes down?
Yes, if you know you want it gone. The equipment is already on site, which saves a second visit, and you avoid years of sprouts. Stump grinding is the last step in the tree removal process. An old stump can still be ground at any time.
What happens after the stump is ground?
You are left with a shallow hollow that is filled with topsoil and seeded or sodded. See what to do after stump grinding. Before grinding, underground utilities have to be marked: see calling 811 before stump grinding in Colorado.
Tree stump FAQs
How long does it take for a tree stump to rot naturally?
Commonly several years, and a decade or more for a large hardwood stump. Decay is slower in dry climates such as Denver’s, because the fungi that break down wood need moisture.
Will a tree stump grow back?
Some will. Species such as cottonwood, aspen, Siberian elm and tree-of-heaven send up sprouts from the stump and roots. Grinding the stump and cutting off any sprouts as they appear stops the regrowth.
Do tree stumps attract pests?
They can. Decaying wood attracts carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles. A stump next to the house is a bigger concern than one at the far end of the yard.
Sources
This guide is based on standard arboricultural practice. For work that involves digging, see Colorado 811.
