Stumps from small caliper trees can typically be removed with a shovel, chainsaw, and axe. Larger caliper stumps are not so simple, as they are wide and go quite a bit deeper into the ground than one may think. A stump grinder is typically utilized for removing large stumps. This grinder typically has a hydraulic lever that is used to control the location of the grinder wheel. The stump is typically removed as far to the ground level as is possible with a chainsaw. Then the grinder wheel makes several passes moving both horizontally and vertically moving downward until the entire mass of the stump is chipped and removed far enough below grade that it won’t be an issue later on.