How to Remove Underwater Tree Stumps and Shrubs

How to Remove Underwater Tree Stumps and Brush: Methods, Tips & When to Call the Pros

Underwater stumps, shrubs, and brush are more than just eyesores — they’re genuine hazards. They can damage boat propellers, snag fishing lines, obstruct navigation, and pose serious risks to swimmers and marine vessels. According to the Brazos River Authority, submerged debris can even contribute to dangerous flooding by restricting water flow. The good news? There are several ways to address the problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through four DIY methods for removing underwater stumps and brush — plus one professional solution that can save you time, trouble, and money.

Method 1: Stump Grinder (Limited Use)

A stump grinder is often the first tool that comes to mind, and on dry land it’s a near-miracle solution — cutting, dicing, and slicing through even the most stubborn stumps. Underwater, however, it’s a different story. If the stump is very close to shore and accessible from dry land, you may have some success grinding it down. But for stumps fully submerged or in deeper water, this method becomes impractical fast. Keep in mind that stump grinding is slow even under ideal conditions — heavy machinery doesn’t speed up the process as much as you’d hope. If the stump isn’t within easy reach of the shoreline, skip this method and move on to one of the options below.

Method 2: Explosives (Not Recommended)

Yes, it is technically possible to use dynamite or Tannerite to dislodge an underwater stump — and as a bonus, you might stun a few fish in the process. But this method is not viable for the average property owner. Explosives require permits, specialty suppliers, and extensive training to use safely. Using them near a boat dock or in a populated area is dangerous and highly regulated. Without proper experience, there’s a real risk of using too much or too little — and using too little often leads to using too much on the second attempt. Unless you have a military or professional explosives background, this one is best left alone.

Method 3: Chemical Stump Removal (Limited Use)

If power tools and explosives aren’t your style, chemical removal is worth considering — with an important caveat: it only works if the stump is at least partially above the waterline. The process involves drilling deep holes into the stump, filling them with a chemical powder designed to accelerate decomposition, and then waiting several weeks for the stump to soften enough to remove. It’s low-effort and relatively inexpensive, but it’s slow and limited in its application. For fully submerged stumps, chemicals can’t penetrate effectively and may introduce harmful compounds into the water. This is a viable option for stumps at the water’s edge, but not for deeper underwater removal.

Method 4: Winch and Chain

If you can get a strong chain securely wrapped around the stump, a powerful winch may be able to yank it free from the lake or riverbed. Before attempting this, clear the area around the stump of any branches or roots that could tangle with the chain or interfere with the pull. You’ll need a winch with enough capacity to overcome the resistance of a waterlogged, deeply rooted stump — and that capacity requirement is often higher than people expect. This method can work well in the right conditions, but stumps rooted in silty or muddy bottoms may resist even a well-rigged winch setup. Proceed carefully and make sure your anchor point is solid.

Method 5: Professional Underwater Removal — The Best Solution

As you’ve seen from the four methods above, removing a submerged stump or clearing underwater brush is a genuinely challenging task — and for the untrained, it can be outright dangerous. When DIY approaches aren’t practical or safe, that’s where the professionals come in.

At AUS Dredge and Dive, we specialize in the safe, efficient removal of submerged tree stumps, brush, and other underwater hazards. Our process is thorough, safety-first, and built around protecting both your waterway and our crew.

The AUS Approach To Every Project: 

1. Careful Pre-Job Planning. Every successful project starts before we ever get in the water. We handle transportation logistics, site setup, and equipment staging so that when work begins, everything is already in place.
2. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). Before any work begins, our team conducts a comprehensive JHA to identify potential risks, establish safety protocols, and confirm proper procedures. We adhere strictly to OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910 regulations for commercial diving operations — safety isn’t a checkbox for us, it’s the foundation of everything we do.
3. Stable Dive Platform. Our divers operate from a stable, purpose-built dive platform — typically a pontoon work barge — that provides the space and stability needed for safe, controlled operations and proper equipment management throughout the job.
4. Precision Underwater Cutting. Once our divers are in the water, they carefully cut stumps at the mud line using specialized underwater cutting tools. This approach eliminates the navigation hazard at its source while preserving the integrity of the lake or riverbed — no blasting, no chemical runoff, no guesswork.

Ready to Clear Your Waterway?

If you have a stubborn underwater stump or a stretch of submerged brush that’s causing problems, don’t risk injury or equipment damage trying to handle it yourself. Our team is based in Fort Worth, Texas, but we travel nationwide to assist with underwater stump and brush removal wherever you need us.

Contact AUS Dredge and Dive today at (817) 377-8512 and let the professionals handle the job safely, efficiently, and right the first time.Underwater stumps, shrubs, and bushes can wreak havoc on boats, marine vessels, and swimmers. They’re unsightly, serve no real purpose, and pose a hazard to everyone or everything that comes into contact with them. So, how do you remove a tree stump or brush a few feet underwater? We will give you four DIY tips and one final tip on removing stumps and brushes that can save you boatloads of time, trouble, and money.