Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/20/2010

Question
I live in Nebraska and have four cedar tree stumps, do not know exact species, that are about one foot in diameter. I am thinking of digging them out and I am curious how deep is the average root depth. Thanks for any information you can give me.

Answer
It will depend on the soil but I would think the side roots will be about 2-4 feet deep and Usually have a tap root that may extend down from the stump 6-10 feet. This will be a large job to dig the stump--all side roots will need to be cut and the tap root will also need to be cut, You may need to dig down about three feet around the stump to be able to cut under the stump. I would hire a company to grind the stump down below the ground surface and then cover the area with good top soil. You will still have some woody material under the ground but can then plant grass etc over the stump area. Over many years the stump under the ground will decay.