Have you recently had a tree cut down, but are left with the stump of the tree on your property? This seems to be a common issue, especially when people have yard or garden projects done. Many different companies will come in and simply cut down trees for their customers, not giving any thought to removing all signs of them afterward. This is a major issue for many people, who want the stump out of their yard. So how do you get rid of tree stumps? Well, luckily several different options can be done.
When is the Best Time to Remove a Tree Stump?
Although you can remove a tree stump at any time it is easier to remove a stump that is aged and dried. The longer you wait before removing the tree stump, the weaker and easier it is to remove. This is because, as the tree stump ages and dries out it becomes weaker and more brittle, which makes it easier to break up and grind.
If you do decide to go ahead with removing a tree stump that is still young and green, make sure to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, and protective clothing.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Tree Stumps
There are many different ways that you can remove a stump, but the best method would be to hire a professional. Although it may cost more money than one anticipates, having someone who is experienced remove the tree stump will save time, effort, and energy.
The professional will have the necessary tools to remove the stump completely. Plus, they have been trained to know which method is best for each situation.If you choose not to hire a professional, there are many ways that you can do this yourself as long as you have patience and strength. they include
Use a Stump Grinder
Using a stump grinder is one of the most effective ways to remove tree stumps. This machine works by grinding the stump into sawdust, which can then be easily swept away or vacuumed. A stump grinder drastically reduces the size of the tree trunk, making it easier to dig up if you choose to take that route.
However, using a stump grinder can be very expensive, so it may not be the best idea for everyone.
How to Use a Stump Grinder
Using a stump grinder is not as easy as one thinks. Although it may look like a simple piece of equipment, there are several different things to keep in mind when using this machine for the first time.
- Before you even start to cut, it is important to inspect the area surrounding the stump. Check for large roots that may be difficult to get out, rocks or other objects that could damage the blade of your grinder, and anything that may prevent you from using your machine properly.
- Use a chainsaw to cut off as much of the stump as you can. Once this is done, use the stump grinder to remove any remaining bits of a tree trunk. If you notice any large roots protruding out of the ground, be sure to grind them up as well.
- After grinding up the stump, fill the hole with soil. This helps to prevent any roots from growing back or water getting in and rotting the stump. Plus, it makes your yard look more aesthetically pleasing.
Remove Stump Manually
If you do not have access to a stump grinder, you can remove the stump manually. This process does take more time and effort than using a machine, but can be done with patience and hard work.
- The best way to remove the trunk manually is by digging it up. This will ensure that every part of the tree trunk has been removed so the stump will not grow back. First, use either a pick or shovel to break up the soil around the outside of the stump. Then use your hands to pull away any roots that are attached to it.
- Once you have done this, use a chainsaw to cut through half of the trunk. If you do not have a chainsaw, you can use a large ax to cut through the stump. Make sure that it is at least one foot from the ground so you do not damage nearby objects or the roots of other nearby trees.
- Once you have cut through the half, go around and cut underneath the rest of the trunk. Then pull away any parts of roots still attached to the stump. Finally, use a shovel to cut through the rest of the tree trunk until it is completely removed from the ground.
If this method seems like too much work or if you do not have access to a chainsaw, you can also dig up the trunk using only your hands and digging tools. To begin, remove any rocks and roots that you find around the outside of the stump. Then use a pick or shovel to break up the soil around where the trunk meets the ground.
Once you have done this, grab onto either side of the tree and pull it apart at a 90-degree angle. Pulling apart will cause part of the tree trunk to come off and if you continue to do this, the entire trunk should eventually break off. To ensure that the stump is completely gone, use a pick or shovel to remove any remaining bits of a tree trunk.
Use Chemical to Remove tree stump
Using chemicals to remove a tree stump is one of the easiest and least time-consuming methods available. The chemicals that are used for this purpose typically dissolve the cells around the trunk and kill off any roots that still protrude out of the ground. This process can take anywhere from 1-6weeks, depending on how much you apply to the stump.
How to use chemicals to remove Tree stumps
- Cut out as much of the stump as you can with a chainsaw. To keep the chemical from vaporizing, only use it after cutting the stump. Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when doing this.
- Drill holes in what is left of the stump. The bigger and deeper the hole the better it is to absorb the chemical
- Fill the holes with water and the chemical
- Make sure the ground around the stump is wet
- Cover the stump with a plastic trap to help retain the moisture in the ground
- Let it sit for about 2 weeks
- Remove the plastic tarp and repeat if necessary
- After a couple of weeks, the stump should have crumbled into the ground. If this has not happened, repeat the process until it does.
- Once all of this has been done, fill in any remaining holes with soil and grass seed to prevent water damage or new shoots popping up out of what is left of the stump.
Burn the Stump
Burning the stump is a simple and safe way of removing it without any chemicals or machinery. All you need to do is find some newspaper, twigs, fuel, (sawdust can also be used), drill.
- Drill as many holes in the tree stump as possible. The more holes the better.
- Pour fuel into the drilled holes you have made. Ensure it soaks the stump completely
- Light your fire and watch your stump burn down,
- Fill the remaining space with soil and grass seed.
Hire a Tree Removal Service
Another way to get rid of tree stumps would be to hire a professional tree removal service to take care of the project for you. While this is not an option for everyone, it can be one of the quickest and most efficient methods to use with little way for you to screw up.
All that you need to do with this method would be to find someone who you trust and fill out their contact information so that they can come to take care of your stump at an agreed-upon date and time.
In conclusion, there are many different ways to remove a tree stump from your property, but each method varies in time and effort required. The majority of people would prefer methods that do not take long or require much energy to accomplish, which is why chemical use is the most popular option.