Ways to Remove a Tree Stump

Removing a tree stump is not often a simple task as it can be time-consuming. You can remove it using chemicals, manually remove it, burn to remove it, make use of a stump grinder, or call an expert. A tree stump or stump is usually a little surviving portion of the trunk after a tree has been cut down and removed, with the roots left in the ground. 

If you leave it alone, it may grow and generate irritating shoots from its roots, or it may take years to decompose and die properly. So you have to get rid of it. The article discusses the common methods of removing it, have a look: 

Use Chemicals to Get Rid of Tree Stump

If you need to remove a tree stump but aren’t in a hurry, chemical stump removal may be a viable option. Some of the best products, according to online reviews, are Bromide Stump-Out, Spectracide and Tordon RTU. These have good reviews on all the major shopping sites. So, once you choose a produce, the following steps will help you get rid of tree stump:

• Gather all of the required equipment. In addition to tree stump killer, you’ll need a chainsaw, a drill, a 3/8-inch or larger drill bit and water.
  
• Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible. The easiest and safest way to accomplish this is with a chainsaw. The easier it is to remove rotted stumps, the less there are.
  
• Using a drill, drill holes every two to three inches into the stump. Drill them down to at least eight to ten inches in depth. Use a drill bit that is at least 3/8 inch in diameter.
  
• Drill additional holes parallel to the ground on the sides of the stump which intersects with the holes drilled from the top.
  
• Fill each of the openings on the top of the stump with a generous amount of stump removal chemical powder. Look for a product that isn’t just a fine powder because granules are even easier to work with. The powder will clog around the top of the pores, whereas granules will flow freely down them. The goal is to get as much chemical into the stump as possible.
  
• Water should be poured into the holes made in the stump. Read the instructions for the product you’re using to figure out how much water to use. Don’t add too much water to the tree stump killer. If you do, it might not work as well.
  
• Cover the stump to keep children and animals from playing with it. Remember that the chemicals will be active for several weeks, so coming into contact with the stump could be dangerous.
  
• Regularly inspect the stump’s condition. Over time, it should become spongy and have a mulch-like consistency. When it becomes extremely easy to break, you’ll know the chemicals have done their job.

The end result may vary from stump to stump. It all depends on the type of tree stump and its current state. Remember to stay patient. Allow enough time for the product to work.

Manually Remove the Tree Stump

The next method of removing a tree stump is to dig it out. However, it can be time-consuming and even harmful to your yard. It removes the roots and prevents the stump from growing. You’ll need tools such as a digging bar, bow saws, shove, ax, steel-toed work boots,  gloves and mattock. 

The procedure to remove a tree stump from the ground is as follows:

• Dig around the stump with the broad end of the mattock. Shovel the dirt out of your way. Make sure you’re ready to remove a lot of dirt. If the stump is larger, you’ll have to move more ground. This is necessary in order to reach all of the roots that need to be clipped.
• Use the mattock’s other end to start cutting through the tree roots. Cut the roots as you uncover them with a bow saw.
  
• Digging and chopping your way to the taproot beneath the root ball is a good idea. For all but the tiniest of trees, taproots will be large enough to require chopping with an ax or a large bow saw.
  
• With your ax or a bow saw, cut through the taproot. Before you start swinging the ax, make sure that the area is clear of people, pets, and items. Aim the ax carefully to avoid hitting any soil (which would dull the blade).
• Remove the stump from the hole with your hands. To drag a large stump from the ground, you may need to utilize ropes or chains, as well as the support of others or a truck.

Burn the Tree Stump to Remove It

Tree stumps, especially those that are older and deeper, can be difficult to remove. Burning a stump, on the other hand, is a quick and inexpensive way to get rid of it. You may quickly get rid of your bothersome tree stump by making it very combustible and burning it until it turns into ash.

• Clear the area around the stump. Any wooden structures or items that are near to the stump should be removed. With a rake, remove any dried leaves or small sticks from the surrounding. Keep a bucket of water or a water hose close throughout the burn.
• Drill a hole in the center of the stump from the top. With a 1 inch (2.5 cm) spade bit or other wood-boring bit attached to your power drill, drill a hole in the center of the stump at a 30-degree angle. Drill a hole that is 8 to 10 inches deep. Simply drill deep enough to reach the roots if your stump is smaller than 8 inches (20 cm).
• Repeat the drilling process across the top of the stump. After you’ve drilled your hole in the center, drill holes across the top of the stump, leaving about 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) between each hole. Each hole, like the centre hole, should be 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep. If your stump is shorter, make sure your holes are at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep.
• Drill holes in the sides of the stump if it is above ground. Drill holes around the circumference of the stump to allow it to catch fire and burn more quickly.
• After putting the chemical grains, fill the holes with water. The chemical will take four to six weeks to take effect. More kerosine will be absorbed and burned for a longer amount of time if the stump is porous.
• Slowly pour kerosine over the stump but make sure it doesn’t run off and pool on the ground. Give the kerosine plenty of time to soak. Never burn a stump with gasoline or motor oil because gasoline is extremely combustible, and burning motor oil creates toxic odors.
• Ignite the stump and keep a safe distance away as it burns. Remember that the stump may smolder underground for a long time, so construct barricades to prevent people and animals from stepping on the embers.

Make Use of a Stump Grinder

To remove tree stumps from your property, you have two options: rent a stump grinder and do it yourself, or hire a local company to do it for you. A small stump grinder can be used to remove a little stump if you aren’t a professional, and hiring one for the day shouldn’t be too expensive. It’s probably better to engage a stump grinding service to have the best stump grinder if you’re not an expert,  have big stumps or there are more of them to grind.

• You’ll need hearing and eye protection when using the grinder, so make sure to carry it with you. Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, pants, and work boots.
• Make a furrow around the stump all the way around. This furrow will collect the chips while also allowing you to eliminate any unwanted rocks. If you hit a rock with the grinder head, the teeth will be damaged and it will cost around $15 to fix.
• Contact your gas and electric suppliers to have underground lines located before you begin. It’s possible that they’ve grown on top of the stump you’re removing. If you plan to build on or pave over the stump, dig it out to a depth equal to its diameter. There will be less wood mass to degrade and settle in the soil this way. If this isn’t possible, grind the stump down to 6 to 10 inches below ground level.
• Roll the grinder up to the stump after removing the tow bar. Adjust the handlebars to a comfortable operating height, which should be around waist height. Apply the brakes. To start the engine, press down on the handlebars to elevate the cutter head and clear it of impediments. Holding the handlebars down and starting the motor at the same time is a little tough, so you might need some assistance. Increase the engine’s throttle to its maximum setting.
• Allow the machine weight to exert stress on the cutting head. To make the grind go faster, don’t pull up on the handlebars. Roll the unlocked wheel forward and back to pivot the grinding head slowly across the stump. After removing around 4 to 6 inches of the stump, turn off the motor, roll the machine forward, reset the brake, and begin grinding.

Stump grinding is necessary whether you want to improve the appearance of your property, avoid injuries, guard against pests and disease, or inhibit regrowth.

Call in the Experts

Regardless of the approach, removing a tree stump of any size requires a lot of hard work and, in many situations, the use of potentially hazardous instruments or materials. If you are concerned about the task’s safety or the physical fitness required after reviewing these many ways, it is best to contact a professional lawn care service, which will have the tools and employees to finish the job quickly and safely. It costs you $175 to $516  (per stump for removal) depending upon the type and other things.

What are the Required Equipments to Remove Tree Stump?

The lawn care equipments which are required in order to remove tree stump based on different methods are given below:

For Manual Method:

• Digging bar
• Bow saws
• Shove
• Ax
• Steel-toed work boots
• Work gloves
• Mattock

For Chemical Method:

• Drill with a large bit
• Chain saw
• Plastic tarp
• High-nitrogen garden fertilizer/potassium-nitrate tree stump removal granules
• Garden mulch

For Burning Method:

• Drill and large bit
• Power drill
• Wood Boring or Spade Bit
• Potassium nitrate
• Garden trowel
• Shovel
• Stump Out chemical
• Kerosine

What are the Safety Considerations for Removing Tree Stump?

If you want to perform some DIY work, you may get rid of the stump with the right tools and solutions. When removing a stump, keep the following safety precautions in mind.

• Choose the Safe Method: To remove the stump from your property, you must choose the most appropriate way. Your aptitude, the environment, and the status of the stump will determine the best method for the job. Grinders are good but they are heavy and difficult to maneuver.
• Use Proper Tools and Chemicals Safely: When grinders and decomposition chemicals are not utilized as advised, many problems occur. When using a grinder, read the instructions carefully to learn how to change the settings.To get the job done, use the correct amount of chemicals.
• Use Safety Gear: Protective clothing that covers your entire body should be worn if at all possible. Also, you should wear a hard hat, goggles, gloves, earplugs and strong work boots. 

Removing a tree stump is often a daunting task. You need the right set of tools and enough patients to try any of the given options above. Hiring professional stump removal often looks like a right bargain who wants quality work and no stress. Contact Eden for quality solutions.