Last Updated on January 27, 2023 by teamobn
If you’ve recently had a tree removed from your property and are looking forward to getting rid of the remaining stump all by yourself, you have several options to do so. You can either grind it, dig it out, burn it, or use chemicals to get rid of it.
If you’re planning to consider the Do-it-yourself (DIY) route in removing a tree stump, this article will discuss in detail some effective methods on how to go about it.
1. Dig Out The Stump
To dig out the stump, you’ll need a shovel dig around the tree stump. However, to make digging a lot easier, hire a mini digger. Besides making the work easier, this equipment prevents bending when performing the task.
Dig around the stump to expose the roots. Continue digging until the largest roots are entirely revealed. If the roots seem large and deep and it’s challenging to uncover them, consider an alternative root removal method as the digging method is suitable once you’re able to expose the roots to their tips.
After exposing the roots, the next step is to cut them off. You can use loppers, or a root saw to cut them into pieces. Ensure to cut the roots into sizes that are easy to pull out from the ground.
Using a grubbing hoe, wrench the remaining fixed roots out of the ground until you get to their tips. If it’s necessary to make additional cuts, go ahead as it will be easier to pull small pieces out. Continue removing the roots until you remove all primary roots and make sure nothing is left.
After removing all the roots, it shouldn’t be hard to dislodge the stump. However, you might need to use a shovel to dig under the stump and cut a few roots before pulling the stump out.
After everything is done, and the stump is out, the next step is to fill the hole. You can either fill it with sawdust or loam. If you leave the hole unattended, you’ll end up with a significant dent in your yard. Remember, as the filler material settles, the ground is bound to sink a bit. Therefore, you’re required to add more material to the area every few months until the ground is leveled.
2. Burn The Stump
Burning a tree stump is another easy way of getting rid of stubborn stumps. However, before settling on this method, it’s essential to check with your local authority if it’s allowed in your area. Additionally, ensure to inform your neighbors to avoid causing an alarm.
After determining that the law doesn’t prohibit you from burning the stump and that your neighbors have no problem with it, you can start with the burning process.
First, you’ll need to dig around the stump to expose as many roots as you can. Next, drill all over the stump as deep as you can. Then, pour stump remover powder to soften the stump and add some kerosene. Put on the fire and continue adding some firewood until the stump is completely burnt.
After the stump has wholly burned, remove the ash from the hole and discard it. Then, fill the hole with sawdust or loam. Ensure to keep adding filler material whenever the ground starts to sink until it’s the same level as the entire field.
3. Grind The Stump
To grind the stump, you’ll need a stump grinder. This machine makes the stump removal process painless as it grinds the stump and its roots to a depth of about a foot under the ground. If you don’t own a stump grinder, you can rent one from a rental machine house near you. When working with a grinder, it’s essential to wear gloves, ear protectors, and some goggles to keep you protected.
Take note of the manufacturer’s instructions while turning on the grinder. Put it on the stump and begin grinding. The machine will grind off the stump’s surface as it works down into the ground to access the roots. Ensure to move the grinder around the entire stump to access the aerial roots.
Once you’re done with the grinding, shovel out the grindings, this way, the ground will heal a bit quicker. You can add the stump’s grinding to your compost or decompose it in another way. Then add some loan or sawdust in the hole to avoid leaving an open spot in your yard.
4. Use Chemicals
Another way to successfully remove a stump is by the use of chemicals. Stump removal chemicals are readily available in local home improvement stores. However, stump removal by chemicals can take longer depending on the stump’s size and how deep the roots are. Nevertheless, the effort is minimal.
To successfully remove the stump using this method, first, you need to drill spaced holes all over the top of the stump. The holes should be at least 12 inches deep and three to four inches away from the stump’s edge. Drill the holes on the side, connecting them with the first holes to prevent the chemical from leaking into the ground.
After drilling the holes, put three to four ounces of the chemical into the holes and add some water to soak them. After a few days or weeks, you’ll notice the stump getting soft and spongy. Then, remove the stump with a shovel. As with other methods, ensure to fill up the hole that’s left behind.
Conclusion
While trees come with endless benefits, such as creating shade and enhancing landscaping, and air quality, the stumps left behind are no longer helpful once the trees are removed. Tree stumps can pose danger to families and the entire property. For instance, a stump can be a breeding zone for termites which might be hard to get rid of.
With that in mind, the only solution to stumps is by removing them. This article ensures that one of the above stump removal methods will suit you. However, if you aren’t sure that you can complete the task successfully, it would help to schedule an appointment with a professional tree removal company to help with the stump removal process.
