--- title: "Tree Roots After Stump Grinding: Regrowth, Termites, Fungi" description: "Do tree roots die after stump grinding? Learn what stays in the ground, when sprouts return, and how termites and mushrooms relate to an old stump." url: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/tree-roots-stumps-regrowth publisher: Cincinnati Stump Grinding phone: +1-513-587-6772 quote: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact --- # What happens to tree roots after stump grinding, and will the stump grow back? Stump grinding removes the stump and large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches, according to Iowa State Extension. Smaller roots stay in the ground and rot over several years. Some trees send up sprouts from those roots. Termites and mushrooms around a stump are signs of decay, not of grinding. Homeowner guideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read ## Grinding stops at the lateral roots A grinder removes the stump and large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches. Roots below and beyond that stay in the ground. ## Left roots rot slowly Purdue says a stump can take several years to fully decompose unless it was ground very deeply or dug out. ## Some species send up sprouts Both Purdue and Iowa State say stumps and roots can sprout. Cut the sprouts and treat them as the extension pages describe. ## Termites and mushrooms mean decay Kentucky and Ohio extension pages say termites near a yard stump are not proof the house is infested. Illinois says decay fungi show up in the lawn where roots rot. ## Does stump grinding remove the roots? A stump grinder removes the stump and the large lateral roots close to it. Iowa State Extension says these machines “chew away the stump and any large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches.” Everything below that depth, and the thinner roots that spread farther out, stays in the ground. That is how most people expect grinding to work, and it explains most of the questions in this guide. A ground stump leaves a hole full of wood chips. It does not leave a root-free yard. The roots that remain are part of the same wood that was above ground. They will break down on their own schedule. Here is what the pieces look like after grinding: Part of the tree Typical state after grinding Where it is covered Stump above ground Gone, ground to chips [How stump grinding works](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-stump-grinding-works) Large lateral roots near the stump Ground out, typically down 8 to 12 inches (Iowa State) [How deep stump grinding goes](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-deep-does-stump-grinding-go) Smaller and deeper roots Remain in the soil [Do roots die after stump grinding?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-roots-die-after-stump-grinding) Wood chips in the hole Stay unless hauled away [After stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/after-stump-grinding) Cincinnati Stump Grinding grinds tree stumps in Dayton, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The business describes its machine as “powerful” and “turf-friendly” and says it will “reduce your tree stump to wood chips quickly.” Grinding roots farther from the stump is a different job. Ask about it when you request your free estimate. ## Do the roots die after grinding? Often the roots break down over time, but no extension page we found says every root dies, or how soon. The best-supported fact is about speed. Purdue Extension says “it can take several years to fully decompose the stump unless it was ground very deeply or removed with an excavation machine.” Iowa State adds that natural decay depends on soil moisture, the amount of wood-decay fungi and the tree species, and “the process can take 10+ years.” Roots can also stay alive for a while after the trunk is gone. Ohio State University Extension makes this point about ash trees killed by emerald ash borer: “EAB only kills the above-ground portion of their ash hosts.” New growth then “could and did resprout from the base.” That page is about ash, so it does not prove the same thing for every species. It does show that roots and stump bases can live after the visible tree is gone. For the full answer, read [Do roots die after stump grinding?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-roots-die-after-stump-grinding). ## Do the leftover roots cause problems? Most leftover roots are slow to rot and quiet. A few situations make them matter. The table lists them, along with what the sources say. Situation Why it matters What the sources say Planting grass over the old stump The ground settles as wood decays Purdue: “The soil should be added to replace the below ground roots and stump.” Planting a new tree in the same spot Rotting wood leaves little soil for roots Purdue says the stump location “will have limited soil and rooting depth” Sprouts in the lawn Roots may store energy for new shoots Purdue: “sprouts may be generated due to the roots acting as energy storage for the tree” Pipes, patios or footings nearby Roots can sit where you want to dig Iowa State describes digging and sawing roots by hand Read more on this in [Should you remove roots after stump grinding?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/should-you-remove-roots-after-stump-grinding). If you plan to replant, see [Can you plant a tree after stump grinding?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/can-you-plant-a-tree-after-stump-grinding) and [Can you plant grass after stump grinding?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/can-you-plant-grass-after-stump-grinding). ## Will a stump or root sprout again? It can, and it depends on the tree. Iowa State Extension says “some stumps will resprout after the tree is cut down.” Purdue says sprouts “may be generated due to the roots acting as energy storage for the tree.” Ash is the local example. Ohio State University Extension says “ash regeneration became evident in southwest Ohio as early as 2008 with regrowth from the basal portions of dead trees and stumps forming multi-stemmed ‘bush ash.’” The [emerald ash borer](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/emerald-ash-borer) arrived in Hamilton County in 2007, and the same page says the new stems were attacked once they grew large enough to support larvae. The terms used for new growth are worth knowing: - A [stump sprout](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-sprout) grows from the stump or its base. - A [sucker](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/sucker) grows from a root, away from the stump. - [Resprouting](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/resprouting) is the general word for either one. Penn State Extension warns about one case in its cut-stump video. Treatments on a stump of tree of heaven control the stump, “but not the roots, and the tree will resprout prolifically.” The video says that tree is an exception, because the herbicide moves down to the roots poorly. Do not read that as a rule for every species. Read the full guide at [Will a stump grow back?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/will-a-stump-grow-back). ## What do extension pages say about stump killer? Extension pages describe herbicide as a way to reduce resprouting, not as a way to remove a stump. Iowa State says “while herbicides can be used to prevent resprouting, they are not beneficial for promoting decay of the stump.” It also says commercial stump removal products “tend to simply be a form of fertilizer (often potassium or sodium nitrates), so regular fertilizers can work just as well.” Herbicide labels differ by product, so follow the product label on every step. Iowa State says that herbicides “only need to be applied to the living cambium tissue, which is in a ring just below the bark,” and that if sprouts appear after treatment, you “cut the sprouts and reapply the herbicide.” Penn State adds that treatment timing matters and that cut-stump treatments “should not be applied in spring when upward sap flow renders them ineffective.” Details are in [Does stump killer work?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/does-stump-killer-work). For other do-it-yourself options, see [Does Epsom salt rot a stump?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/does-epsom-salt-rot-a-stump) and [Can you burn a tree stump?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/can-you-burn-a-tree-stump). ## Do tree stumps attract termites? A rotting stump is wood in the soil, and termites eat wood. The University of Kentucky Department of Entomology says what that means for your house: “Swarms of termites emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, etc. out in the yard are not necessarily cause for concern, and do not automatically mean the house is infested.” The same page adds the warning sign: “if swarmers are emerging next to the foundation or from abutting porches or patios, there’s a good chance the home is infested as well.” The sister publication says “where practical, remove stumps and dead roots around and beneath buildings.” Ohio State University Extension notes that “control of subterranean termites requires certified professionals.” If you see winged insects indoors, mud tubes or damaged wood, ask a licensed pest professional to inspect. The full explanation is in [Do tree stumps attract termites?](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-tree-stumps-attract-termites). A [subterranean termite](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/subterranean-termite) and a [carpenter ant](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/carpenter-ants) look alike in swarm season, so do not guess. ## Why do mushrooms grow on old stumps? Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that break down wood. Illinois Extension says “spring and late summer/early fall are the prime times for decay fungal growth to be visible as mushrooms of all sizes, shapes and colors.” The same page says that where an ash was removed, mushrooms come up in the lawn “as the decay follows the path of the tree root,” and that “this happens even if the stump was ‘ground out.’” Penn State Extension covers common fungi in landscape mulch. It says those fungi “are not harmful to landscape plants, and no known health hazards are associated with them unless they are eaten,” and that mushrooms “may be poisonous if eaten.” That page is about mulch, not stumps. It is still the clearest extension statement on whether mushrooms in wood debris hurt plants. If mushrooms grow on the trunk of a tree that is still standing, treat it differently. Illinois says a mushroom on a trunk “suggests that the internal dead woody tissue has been invaded.” Ask an ISA Certified Arborist to look at it. See [Mushrooms on tree stumps](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/mushrooms-on-tree-stumps) and the glossary entry for [stump fungi](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-fungi). ## Should I remove surface roots? Usually not by cutting. University of Wisconsin Extension says “damaging these roots, such as by hitting them with a lawn mower or trying to prune them away can seriously affect the health of the tree.” Its options are to add “a shallow layer of topsoil” and cover the roots by “about a half inch,” or to “eliminate the grass and cover the area with mulch such as shredded wood.” The same page warns that “applying too much soil over the roots of a tree can suffocate them and cause tree damage or death.” Surface roots belong to a living tree. They are not the same as roots left behind by a stump you had ground. Read [Exposed surface roots](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/exposed-surface-roots) before you cut anything. ## How long do roots take to rot? No source we opened gives one number for all trees. The ranges in the sources are: Source What it says Scope Purdue Extension “Several years” to fully decompose a stump Ground-out stump, not ground very deeply Iowa State Extension “10+ years” for natural decay Stump left to rot, depends on moisture, fungi and species Iowa State Extension One to three years to break up with a spade Stump with drilled holes, fertilizer and cover Soil moisture, the amount of wood-decay fungi and the tree species all change the timeline, according to Iowa State. For details on how decay works, see the glossary entries for [natural decay](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/natural-decay) and [lateral roots](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/lateral-roots). ## What should I do next? Match the question to the step. 1. **You want the stump gone.** Grinding removes it above ground and the large lateral roots. Read [Stump grinding vs stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/stump-grinding-vs-stump-removal) if you are comparing it with digging. 2. **You want to know if the roots are a problem.** They rarely are. Check the table in the section on leftover roots, then decide. 3. **You see sprouts.** Cut them early. Follow the product label for any herbicide, and use the pages above for timing. 4. **You see termites or swarmers.** Call a licensed pest professional. Do not rely on a web page. 5. **You see mushrooms.** Check where they grow. Stump or lawn is usually just decay. Trunk of a standing tree needs an arborist. Before you dig anywhere in the yard, read [Before you grind: 811, tree lawns and permits](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/before-you-grind-811-tree-lawn-permits). ## Next step If you are ready to remove the stump, read [How stump grinding works](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/how-stump-grinding-works) for what to expect, or see the [stump grinding service](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/services/stump-grinding). Call (513) 587-6772 or [send photos for a free estimate](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### Does stump grinding remove the roots? Only the large ones near the stump. Iowa State Extension says a grinder chews away the stump and any large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches. Smaller and deeper roots stay in the soil and break down over time. Ask about it when you request your free estimate. ### Do tree roots die after stump grinding? Often they decay, but no extension page we found sets a date or says every root dies. Purdue says full decay of a stump takes several years. Some species send up sprouts from the roots, so living roots can remain. ### Will a stump grow back after grinding? It can, depending on the tree. Purdue notes that sprouts may form because roots store energy for the tree. Ohio State describes dead ash stumps that regrew as multi-stemmed bush ash. Cut sprouts early and follow the herbicide steps from your extension office. ### Do tree stumps attract termites? University of Kentucky Entomology says swarms of termites coming out of a yard stump do not automatically mean the house is infested. Swarmers next to the foundation point to a likely infestation in the home. Call a licensed pest professional to inspect. ### Why do mushrooms grow on old stumps? Mushrooms are the fruiting parts of fungi that break down wood. Illinois Extension says spring and late summer to early fall are prime times for decay fungi to show as mushrooms. Penn State says common mulch fungi are not harmful to landscape plants, but mushrooms may be poisonous if eaten. ### Should I remove surface roots? Wisconsin Extension warns that hitting roots with a mower or pruning them away can seriously affect the health of the tree. It suggests covering exposed roots with about a half inch of topsoil, or replacing grass with mulch. Check with an ISA Certified Arborist first. ## Terms on this page - [ISA Certified Arborist](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/isa-certified-arborist) - [Excavation (Ohio law)](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/excavation-ohio-law) - [Subterranean termite](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/subterranean-termite) - [Emerald ash borer](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/emerald-ash-borer) - [Stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinding) - [Lateral roots](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/lateral-roots) - [Natural decay](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/natural-decay) - [Stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder) - [Stump removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-removal) - [Surface roots](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/surface-roots) ## Sources 1. [Iowa State Extension: How to Remove Tree Stumps](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-remove-tree-stumps) 2. [Purdue Extension: Question: Can I Plant Grass Over Newly Removed Stump](https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2021/06/Question-Can-I-Plant-Grass-Over-Newly-Removed-Stump.html) 3. [Ohio State University BYGL: Is Emerald Ash Borer on the Rebound in Ohio?](https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2166) 4. [University of Kentucky Entomology: Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners (ENTFACT-604)](https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef604) 5. [University of Kentucky Entomology: Protecting your Home Against Termites (ENTFACT-605)](https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef605) 6. [Illinois Extension: Mushroom Mysteries 2: Rotting Trunks and Root Systems](https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/over-garden-fence/2019-09-17-mushroom-mysteries-2-rotting-trunks-and-root-systems) 7. [University of Wisconsin Extension: How to Deal with Surface Tree Roots](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/how-to-deal-with-surface-tree-roots/) 8. [Penn State Extension: Cut Stump Herbicide Treatment](https://extension.psu.edu/cut-stump-herbicide-treatment) 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 - [Should you remove the roots after stump grinding?Usually no. Iowa State Extension says a grinder removes the stump and large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches, and the rest decays over time. Remove roots only if they block a pipe, patio, footing or new planting. Digging is labor-intensive and needs utility marks first.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/should-you-remove-roots-after-stump-grinding) - [Will a tree stump grow back after it is cut or ground?It can. Iowa State Extension says some stumps resprout after a tree is cut, and Purdue says roots can act as energy storage for sprouts. Ohio State describes dead ash stumps that regrew as multi-stemmed bush ash. Cut sprouts early and follow the product label for any herbicide.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/will-a-stump-grow-back) - [Do tree roots die after stump grinding?Grinding removes the stump and large lateral roots, typically down 8 to 12 inches, per Iowa State Extension. The roots left behind break down over several years, per Purdue Extension. No extension page we found says all roots die, and some trees send up sprouts from roots that stay alive.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-roots-die-after-stump-grinding) - [Do tree stumps attract termites, and does stump grinding help?A decaying stump is wood in the soil, and subterranean termites eat wood. The University of Kentucky says swarms from a yard stump do not automatically mean the house is infested. Swarmers next to the foundation, or winged termites indoors, are the warning signs. Call a licensed pest professional.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/do-tree-stumps-attract-termites) - [Exposed surface roots in the lawn: why they appear and what to doSurface roots appear because most tree roots grow in the top 4 to 15 inches of soil and thicken every year. Wisconsin Extension says not to hit them with a mower or prune them away. It suggests covering them with about a half inch of topsoil, or replacing the grass with mulch.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/exposed-surface-roots) - [Why do mushrooms grow on tree stumps, and are they a problem?Mushrooms are the fruiting parts of fungi that break down dead wood. Illinois Extension says spring and late summer to early fall are prime times to see them. Penn State says common mulch fungi do not harm landscape plants, but mushrooms may be poisonous if eaten. Do not eat them.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/mushrooms-on-tree-stumps)