How to remove tree stumps, when you have recently cut down a tree in the yard. For that purpose, you have several options for getting rid of the tree stump.
You may try digging it up by hand, or grind it, or even try to burn it. some people even use a chemical to remove the stump. Choose the method which works best for the root system. It depends on you, how you deal with it.
- Digging Out the Stump
- Grinding the Stump
- Burning the Stump
- Chemical Stump Remover
Digging Out the Stump
Dig around the roots. It is better to use a shovel and dig next to the stump, which will help in exposing the roots underneath and the surrounding dirt can be easily removed. Moving around the periphery of the stump, you must continue digging until the shovel exposed the largest roots of the tree. Dig deep on to expose the roots as much as possible.
Cut up the roots. Use root saw to cut the exposed into pieces depending on the size of the roots. They must be cut into manageable pieces so that they get pulled out of the ground. Use an axe to cut the roots.
Pull out the roots. Using a grub hoe, wrench the remaining embedded roots out of the ground to tips. If you require to make more cuts, do so to make the pulling of the roots out of the ground easier. Keep going till all major roots have been removed.
Remove the stump. You should easily dislodge the stump. You may require to use the shovel to dig underneath the stump. Try to cut more roots under it to get it out.
Fill in the hole. The finally, the most important step is to fill the hole created in the process, with loam or sawdust. The ground around the hole will collapse if you fail to do so and a large dent will be created at that spot in the yard. The ground will sink after few days, therefore, you may need to keep adding sawdust or soil to the area every few days.
Grinding the Stump
Locate a stump grinder. The stump grinder grind up stumps and root systems to a depth of about a foot beneath the ground. Stump grinders can be rented from machine rental outlet.
Position it properly and start grinding. Position the stump grinder according to the manufacturer’s instructions and turn it on. It will grind the stump’s surface and work its way down into the ground to grind up the roots.
Shovel out the grindings. The ground will repair more quickly when you remove the ground up wood. Shovel it out to put compost pile or dispose of it as you like it.
Fill the hole. Replace the grindings with sawdust or loam to fill the hole. Continue to add fillers to the area as it caves in over time.
Burning the Stump
Find out legal aspect before burning the stump. There may be restrictions in area against open fires. You must properly check with the local administration of draught condition restrictions. You must call the local fire department to ensure it’s okay to burn the stump.
Build a wood fire on top of the stump. It might be handy to use the chopped-up tree you just cut down as fuel to burn a fire on top of the stop. Lay out the wood on top of the stump. Surround the stump with more wood, so that the stump will be at the center of the fire.
Keep the fire burning. It will take several hours to burn the stump. Keep adding more wood so that the fire stays large and hot. Keep it burning for as long as it takes for the stump to alight and burn down to the ground.
Shovel out the ash. After the stump has burned, shovel the ash out of the hole and discard it.
Fill the hole. Replace the ash with loam or sawdust. Keep adding matter to the area when it sinks every few months.
Using a Chemical Stump Remover
Drill holes in the stump. Use a drill with large drill and a series of holes at the top of the stump. The stump will absorb the chemicals through these holes, therefore, ensure you space them evenly.
Apply the stump remover. Most stump removers are composed of powdered potassium nitrate to react with the wood. It makes the wood get soften and rot more quickly. Check the directions on the package. Try to apply the stump remover, as per instructions, to the stump.
Keep children away from the stump. The stump removal powder can cause harm to kids if it is ingested, so ensure they don’t go near it.
Monitor the stump. It should begin to soften and rot within a few weeks. When you deem it to be soft to easily remove, then you may call it the time to finish the job.
Chop it up. Use an axe or a shovel to chop the softened stump. Remove pieces and keep going until leveled stump is achieved.
Burn the rest. Burn the remaining softened wood and let it go into ashes to remove the leftover stump and roots.
Replace the ashes with loam. Dig out left over after the fire has burned and discard it. Fill the hole with loam or any other suitable filler or sawdust. Keep more material ready to add over the next few months to make leveled grounds