Question
my lawn service removed a dead white pine tree.  it was about ten inches in diameter and twenty feet tall.  the stump is still in the burm line.  I am wondering if it is possible to remove the stump with a shovel and axe or would i have to hire a professional service.  the ground is mostly mulch and is not hard.  i need to plant something else to fill the void, so i have to remove the stump.

Answer
Yes it is possible to dig a 10 inch stump up BUT it will take some work. You will need to dig down about 2 feet around the stump and out from the stump, cutting the roots as you dig. Cut the roots as close to the stump as you can. When you have dug a hole 2 feet deep all the way around the stump and cut any found roots, you will then have to try rocking the stump and maybe it will break loose. There is more than likely a tap root so if it does not break loose you will need to dig under the stump and cut the tap root. Then the whole stump should come out. It will be a big job and require a lot of digging. But if as you say the soil is not hard it can be done.

You can rent a stump grinder and grind the stump down to about 6-12 inches below the ground. First we will need to cut the stump to about ground level. These stump grinder rent for about $75-100. There are companies that will grind the stump for you and the cost varies on the size of the stump and the area of the country.

Another suggestion is if you have the space you could just cut the stump even with ground level and move over a foot or 2 and replant there. Cover the ground level stump with mulch and soil and over time it will decay.

Good Luck!