Can you burn a tree stump in Ohio or Kentucky?

Can you burn a tree stump?

Extension sources advise against it, and open burning rules limit it. Stump burning is a lingering-fire method. Iowa State Extension puts it first among “Methods to Avoid” and says “stump fires can burn for days and are difficult to control and extinguish.” It adds that “many cities and counties do not allow burning.”

Illinois Extension does not rule burning out. It says “be sure to check your local ordinances to see whether open burning is permitted,” and warns that “a stump fire will burn hot and possibly for many days.” This guide gives the rules as the official pages state them. It is not legal advice, and it does not tell you that your stump can be burned.

What does Ohio law say about open burning?

Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-19 sets the state’s open burning standards. Rule 3745-19-04 covers unrestricted areas. It opens with this: “No person or property owner shall cause or allow open burning in an unrestricted area except as provided in paragraphs (B) to (D) of this rule.”

Paragraph (B)(3) allows “disposal of residential waste or agricultural waste generated on the premises” under listed conditions. Among them:

1. The fire is set only when atmospheric conditions will readily dissipate contaminants.
2. The smoke does not create a visibility hazard on roadways, railroad tracks or air fields.
3. “The fire is located at a point on the premises no less than one thousand feet from any inhabited building not located on said premises.”
4. The wastes are stacked and dried for efficient burning.
5. “No materials are burned which contain rubber, grease, asphalt, liquid petroleum products, plastics or building materials.”

A 1,000 foot gap from the nearest neighbor is hard to meet on a typical city or suburban lot. The same rule bars liquid petroleum products, which covers diesel and gasoline used to start a fire.

The rule text opened for this guide covers “unrestricted areas.” It does not tell you whether a given Cincinnati, Dayton or Hamilton County address is in one, and it does not state that a stump counts as residential waste. Ask your local fire department before you plan a fire.

What does Kentucky say about open burning?

Kentucky’s Division for Air Quality says “small wood fires for warmth, cooking and camping are generally permitted across Kentucky,” except when a fire emergency is declared. It also says “wood bonfires, burning natural growth from land clearing, agricultural plant beds, and prescribed burning for land management are generally permitted throughout the year except for specific counties during ozone season.”

Northern Kentucky is among those counties. The page states: “From May 1 through September 30, open burning in Boone, Boyd, Bullitt, Campbell, Jefferson, Kenton, Lawrence (partial), and Oldham counties is restricted to protect air quality.” In those counties the page says “outdoor burning of household rubbish, brush, tree limbs, leaves and natural growth from land clearing” is not permitted during ozone season.

Other limits from the same page:

• All open burning is prohibited when a fire emergency is declared.
• Plastics, food scraps, treated or painted wood, tires and most household trash are illegal to burn.
• Violations of state air regulations “could result in a fine of up to $25,000 per day.”
• “Always check local ordinances, which may be more stringent than state regulations.”

What do Northern Kentucky towns require?

Two Northern Kentucky cities publish burn rules, and both add permits.

Erlanger (Kenton County) says Kenton County is designated a nonattainment area for ozone under 401 KAR 51:010, and says open burning may only take place from October 1 through April 30 each year. Open burning is allowed from 7am to 5pm unless a 24-hour permit has been issued. Erlanger Fire/EMS requires an application at least 24 hours ahead. The permitted materials include “paper, cardboard, untreated lumber, trees and brush.” Fires may not include treated lumber, plastics or leaf piles. The page does not mention stumps by name, so Erlanger Fire/EMS must confirm one. Its business line is 859-727-2488.

Fort Thomas (Campbell County) says “open burning allowed only between October 1 and April 30,” with a burn permit for each day, and no burning during a burn ban. Conditions include a 10 foot fire break, a charged hose line at the fire and an adult in attendance. The Fort Thomas Fire Department issues permits at 859-441-8393.

For other towns, see your Northern Kentucky service area page or call your city fire department. The guide before you grind: 811, tree lawns and permits lists other local rules.

Why is burning a stump a poor idea?

The extension pages list several problems.

Illinois Extension says some chemical pre-treatment is suggested before burning, but “in some locations, this practice is not allowed.” If you follow any product, follow the product label.

What can I do instead?

Pick a method that avoids a long fire. Grinding turns the stump into wood chips in hours, according to Iowa State Extension. Small stumps can be dug out, and slow natural decay takes years. The guide stump grinding vs stump removal compares them, and DIY stump removal vs hiring a pro covers the do-it-yourself risks.

Next step

If you would rather skip the fire, read how stump grinding works. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.