Tree Stump Removal Techniques and Tips

Are you sick and tired of mowing around that pesky tree stump in the middle of your backyard? Not only is it aesthetically displeasing, it also makes yard work more difficult that it needs to be. It’s time to learn some different tree stump removal tactics so that you can get your lawn or garden looking prim and proper again.

Techniques and Tips

Burning

One of the most highly regarded, age-old methods to removing a tree stump is the “burning technique.” It is said to be a “natural” way to get rid of a tree stump without hurting the environment. In actuality, this method is far from perfect. Tree stumps have roots that extend far into the ground, which makes it extremely difficult for the tree stump to receive the appropriate amount of oxygen needed for burning. A low oxygen burn can create an even bigger problem by leaving behind charcoal material that’s nearly impossible to decompose and remove.

Before you initiate the burning technique, use a chemical additive to make your stump more porous before burning. This will allow the stump to receive additional oxygen leading to a more productive fire. One highly regarded chemical additive is Gordon’s Stump Remover, which you can purchase at Blain’s Farm & Fleet. After application, wait 4-6 weeks and then use kerosene to burn the stump. Use a large metal bucket or can to create a makeshift open stove that can be placed over the stump to control the burn in that area. As you burn through each portion of the stump, remove the leftover charcoal from each section of the stump. This technique will take multiple controlled burns, but will be the most efficient and effective way to use fire for stump removal.

Make sure to keep fire safety in mind when you are conducting a controlled burn to your tree stump. Be sure to have on your fire resistant clothing and gloves, wear a pair of safety glasses, and keep a water source nearby just in case the fire gets out of hand.

Grubbing

Grubbing simply is the process of using manual labor to dig out your stump. It’s important to use the appropriate tools such as a shovel, pick axe, and axe, when using this method. The first step in grubbing is to dig a trench one to two feet out from the circumference of your stump and several feet deep. Then, begin to severe the roots and dig the stump up from under the ground. Grubbing sometimes may not be plausible, depending on the size of the stump you are dealing with and how hard the earth is around it.

Stump Grinder

There are four general steps to follow when you using a stump grinder:

1. Safety First – Be sure to wear sturdy work boots, work gloves, and safety glasses when using a stump grinder. All of these items can be found at your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet. Also, make sure your work area is clear of any yard decorations, toys, and other tools. Use a grass and weed trimmer to remove the grass and plants around the stump to help increase your visibility. Thoroughly look through the surrounding area around the stump to spot any rocks or sticks that could damage the stump grinder.
2. Cut with Chainsaw – In order to allow your stump grinder to be as effective as possible, it is critical to cut the stump as low as you can, while being safe, with a chainsaw. For instance, don’t cut the stump level with the ground as this is very dangerous and could lead to a trip to the emergency room. Use common sense when judging how much of the stump you can remove with the chainsaw.
3. Use the Stump Grinder – Read the instructions that correspond to your make and model of stump grinder before raising the grinder wheel to the appropriate level. Once it is raised, grind through the stump one section at a time and repeat this process several times until you have cut completely through the stump.
4. Fill in the Hole – Now that the stump is finally gone, you are probably left with a huge, gashing hole in the middle of your yard. It is important to refill the hole with some potting soils and grass seed. If the stump was in your garden, you can add organic soil and plant some flowers or vegetables.