I've done everything possible to get rid of tree stumps for over 40 years. I've burned, cut flush, backhoe, bulldozed and nothing was fully correct.
Finally, I bought a 3 pt hitch stump grinder and in my first few hours I satisfactorily ground 10 meaningful stumps below grade. And on top of that, I believe I could sell the grinder for more than I paid.
Recently, I ground a 16" softwood stump that was close to the house. Below grade maybe 5" is all that I wanted.
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Then, I spaded the ground, added a little fill, seeded and strawed. I set the sprinkler on top, watered multiple times a day and six days later the grass is popping through. From annoying large stump in a bad place close to the house to a week later almost green grass and no one is the wiser. I've ground stumps in the woods as well.
Of all the ways to deal with stumps, buy a stump grinder--I have a LandPride--grind everything and save 99% percent of your time for the wife and kids.
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EDIT--Here's pic of my stump grinder
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