--- title: "Can You Burn a Tree Stump? Ohio and Kentucky Burn Rules" description: "Can you burn a tree stump? Extension sources warn against it, and Ohio and Kentucky open burning rules plus Erlanger and Fort Thomas permits limit it." url: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/can-you-burn-a-tree-stump publisher: Cincinnati Stump Grinding phone: +1-513-587-6772 quote: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact --- # Can you burn a tree stump in Ohio or Kentucky? Extension sources advise against burning a stump: fires can burn for days and many places ban burning. Ohio rule 3745-19-04 sets limits on burning residential waste, including a 1,000 foot distance from other buildings. Kentucky restricts burning in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties from May 1 to September 30. GuideUpdated October 26, 20265 min read ## Extension advises against it Iowa State Extension lists burning first among methods to avoid. Illinois Extension says a stump fire burns hot and possibly for many days. ## Ohio sets distance rules Ohio rule 3745-19-04 allows burning of residential waste generated on the premises only under listed conditions, including 1,000 feet from other inhabited buildings. ## Kentucky has a summer limit From May 1 through September 30, open burning is restricted in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties, among others. ## Towns add permits Erlanger and Fort Thomas require a permit and limit burning to October 1 through April 30. ## Can you burn a tree stump? Extension sources advise against it, and open burning rules limit it. [Stump burning](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/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. Source What it says about burning a stump Iowa State Extension Method to avoid; fires burn for days; accelerants are dangerous; many places do not allow it Illinois Extension Check local ordinances; fire burns hot and possibly for many days; heat can sterilize nearby soil Ohio EPA rules (OAC 3745-19) Conditions for burning residential waste; see below Kentucky Division for Air Quality Summer limits in some counties; check local rules ## 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](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/stump-grinding/northern-kentucky) or call your city fire department. The guide [before you grind: 811, tree lawns and permits](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/before-you-grind-811-tree-lawn-permits) lists other local rules. ## Why is burning a stump a poor idea? The extension pages list several problems. Problem Source Fires can burn for days and are hard to put out Iowa State; Illinois Accelerants like diesel fuel can leach into soil and are highly flammable Iowa State Fuel poured on a stump can contaminate the soil Illinois High heat can sterilize nearby soil, making it hard for plants to grow Illinois Charred remains resist decay Illinois Drying a buried stump enough to burn can be difficult Illinois 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](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/wood-chips) in hours, according to Iowa State Extension. Small stumps can be dug out, and slow [natural decay](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/natural-decay) takes years. The guide [stump grinding vs stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal) compares them, and [DIY stump removal vs hiring a pro](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/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](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-stump-grinding-works). Call (513) 587-6772 or [send photos for a free estimate](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it legal to burn a tree stump in Ohio? Ohio rule 3745-19-04 allows open burning of residential waste generated on the premises in unrestricted areas only if listed conditions are met, including a fire at least 1,000 feet from any inhabited building not on the premises. Whether a stump counts is not stated on that page. Ask your local fire department. ### Is it legal to burn a tree stump in Kentucky? Kentucky's Division for Air Quality says wood bonfires and burning natural growth from land clearing are generally permitted, but open burning is restricted from May 1 through September 30 in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties. Local ordinances may be stricter, and a fire emergency bans all open burning. ### Is burning a stump a good way to remove it? Extension sources say no. Iowa State Extension lists burning as a method to avoid, with fires that can last days and be hard to put out. Illinois Extension says a stump fire can sterilize nearby soil and leave charred remains that resist decay. ### Can I pour diesel or gasoline on a stump? No. Iowa State Extension says accelerants like diesel fuel can leach into the soil and are highly flammable and dangerous. Illinois Extension says to avoid pouring fuel on a stump because it can contaminate the soil. Erlanger also bars flammable liquids as fire starters. ### What can I do instead of burning? Options from the extension pages include grinding, digging out small stumps, speeding natural decay with drilled holes and fertilizer, or leaving the stump in place. Each has limits, and our comparison of grinding and removal lays them out side by side. ## Terms on this page - [Stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinding) - [Natural decay](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/natural-decay) - [Stump burning](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-burning) - [Stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-removal) - [Wood chips](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/wood-chips) ## Sources 1. [Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3745-19-04: Open burning in unrestricted areas](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-3745-19-04) 2. [Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet: Open Burning (Division for Air Quality)](https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Air/Pages/Open-Burning.aspx) 3. [City of Erlanger: Open Burn Regulations](https://erlangerky.gov/city-operations/fire-ems/open-burn-regulations/) 4. [City of Fort Thomas: Burn Permits](https://fortthomasky.org/fire/burn-permits/) 5. [Iowa State University Extension: How to Remove Tree Stumps (methods to avoid)](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-remove-tree-stumps) 6. [University of Illinois Extension: What to do with that tree stump? A guide to tree stump removal](https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2025-07-18-what-do-tree-stump-guide-tree-stump-removal) Written by Cincinnati Stump Grinding and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Before you grind: 811, the tree lawn and street tree permitsThe Ohio and Kentucky statutes tell an excavator to notify 811 before excavation. The Ohio definition of excavation does not name stump grinding, so ask OHIO811 or Kentucky 811 if you are unsure. The call is free. A stump on the tree lawn follows city rules, and those rules differ by town.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/before-you-grind-811-tree-lawn-permits) - [DIY stump removal vs hiring a pro: what you take onDIY stump removal works for small stumps and patient owners. Digging suits stumps under about 12 inches, and decay takes one to ten or more years. A rented grinder throws debris up to 75 feet, per one operator manual. Hiring a pro trades money for time and lower risk.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/diy-stump-removal-vs-hiring-a-pro) - [Stump grinding vs stump removal: how to chooseStump grinding chews the stump and large nearby roots down about 8 to 12 inches and leaves wood chips. Stump removal pulls or digs the whole stump out and leaves a large hole. Iowa State Extension calls grinding the quickest, easiest and safest method. Removal fits when you need the stump and its roots out.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal) - [How stump grinding works, from the first pass to the pile of chipsA stump grinder swings a spinning wheel with teeth across the stump and chips the wood away, usually to 8 to 12 inches below the soil line. Iowa State Extension says the stump is gone within a matter of hours. A pile of chips stays in the hole unless you ask for removal.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-stump-grinding-works) - [What to do after stump grinding: chips, topsoil, grass and new treesAfter stump grinding, a pile of wood chips stays in the hole. Extension sources advise hauling the chips away, filling the hole with quality topsoil, and adding a little extra soil because the ground settles as buried wood rots. Wait to plant a tree directly over the old stump.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/after-stump-grinding) - [Emerald ash borer in Ohio, and what it means for the ash stump in your yardEmerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that kills ash trees. Ohio State University Extension says it was confirmed in Hamilton County in 2007. EAB kills only the above-ground part of an ash, so a dead ash stump can send up new shoots, called bush ash. Those shoots can be attacked again.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/ash-trees-emerald-ash-borer-stumps)