If you're new to felling trees in your yard, there are several options you can take to get rid of unsightly tree stumps. You can dig it up by hand, grind it, burn it, or use a chemical stump remover. Choose the best method to get rid of annoying tree roots.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Digging the Stump
Step 1. Dig around the roots
Dig up the area near the stump with a shovel, so you can see the roots around the stump. Dig in a circle around the stump and continue digging until all the large roots around the tree are visible. Dig deeper on both sides of the root so that all the roots are exposed.
If the roots look very large and deep, and it's hard to see them completely, you may want to try another method to remove them. This root-digging method works best if you can remove almost all of the root tips
Step 2. Cut the roots
Depending on the size of the roots, you can use pruning shears or a saw to cut them into smaller pieces. Cut the roots to a manageable size and remove any pluckable roots from the soil. Pile up the root pieces while continuing to clean them thoroughly.
Although you can cut the roots with an ax, this is not recommended as the ax can be damaged if it hits a rock, and will usually get stuck between the roots if the roots are not fully opened
Step 3. Remove the roots
Use a hoe to lift the roots that are still embedded in the soil to the tips of the roots. If you wish, you can cut them into smaller pieces so they can be easily removed from the soil. Continue your work until all the main roots are removed, then clean any remaining roots.
Step 4. Remove the stump
Once all or most of the roots are removed, you can easily remove the tree stump. You may have to use a shovel to dig out the bottom of the stump and cut off some of the roots underneath so you can get the stump out.
Once the stumps and roots are removed, you can chop up the wood and use it as compost
Step 5. Cover the stump hole
The final step is to cover the stump hole using sawdust or soil. If you don't seal it, the soil around the hole can crumble and create a large hole in the yard. When sawdust and soil fill the hole, the soil will sink slightly so you may need to add soil to the area every few months until the soil is level and doesn't sink anymore.
Method 2 of 4: Grinding the Stump
Step 1. Find a stump grinder
This machine can grind the stump and its root system to a depth of 30 cm from the soil surface. You can rent a stump grinding machine at farm machine rentals on a daily basis. If you don't want to do it yourself, hire a grinder and an operator to do your job.
You must wear protective eyewear, gloves and ear protection if you want to operate the grinder yourself
Step 2. Position the machine over the stump and start grinding
Following the manufacturer's instructions, place the grinding machine over the stump and turn it on. The machine will grind the surface of the stump and continue down to grind the roots. Move the milling machine around the stump so that all the roots are ground together.
Step 3. Remove the grind with a shovel
If you clear the wood at the bottom, the soil will return to normal quickly. Remove the mill with a shovel and put it in the compost heap or throw it somewhere else.
Step 4. Cover the hole in the stump
Replace the ground stump with sawdust or soil to cover the hole. Keep adding cover to the area as the soil will degrade over time.
Method 3 of 4: Burn the Stump
Step 1. Find out whether burning the stump is legal or not
It may be illegal to set fire to something in the open in your area, especially in dry areas. Before starting, contact the fire department in your area to determine whether burning the stump is allowed or not.
Step 2. Make a fire by stacking wood on top of the stump
It may be easier to use a piece of wood you just cut down to fuel the stump. Place the wood over the stump. Place more wood around the stump so that the stump is in the center of the fire.
Step 3. Let the fire continue to burn
Burning the stump can take several hours. Keep adding wood to keep the fire big and hot. Keep it burning for as long as possible until the stump burns out.
Step 4. Remove the ashes using a shovel
Once the stump has burned down, use a shovel to remove the ashes from the hole and remove the ashes.
Step 5. Cover the stump hole
Replace the stump ashes with sawdust or earth. Continue to add cover material to the area as the soil settles every few months.
Method 4 of 4: Using Stump Removal Chemicals
Step 1. Make some holes in the stump
Use a large drill bit to make several holes in the top of the stump. The stump will absorb the chemical through the hole, so make holes evenly in the stump.
Step 2. Add the stump removal chemical
Most stump removal materials are made from powdered potassium nitrate, which will react with the wood, making it soft and rot faster. Read the directions on the package and insert the product into the stump as directed.
Step 3. Keep this chemical out of reach of children and animals
If ingested, these stump removal chemicals can be harmful to children and pets. Make sure you keep it out of their reach.
Step 4. Monitor your stump
After a few weeks, the stump will begin to soften and rot. Now is the time to finish your work when the stump looks soft enough and easy to remove.
Step 5. Chop your stump
Use a shovel or ax to chop up the soft stump. Remove the stump debris from the hole, and continue your work until the stump is gone.
Step 6. Burn the remaining stump
Light a fire over the remaining soft stump and let it burn. This can remove all remaining stumps and roots.
Step 7. Replace the remaining stump ashes with soil
After the fire goes out, remove the remaining burning and throw it away. Cover the hole with soil or another material such as sawdust. Continue adding the filling material several months later until the soil surface in the former stump is level.
Tips
- Ask others for help, and don't be in a hurry when you do it.
- Try to cut off as many roots as possible before you shake and loosen the stump from the soil.
- Design each step carefully.
- Think about the bad possibilities that could arise before they actually happen.
- If the lower stem of the plant you are cutting is still long enough, use a rope tied at the top of the cutting to pry the stump up by hand. Shake the stump to loosen it.
- Make sure you use sharp tools and in good condition.
- Call a professional if you can't get rid of the stump after trying various methods.
- If this method doesn't work, cut the trunk near the base of the tree above the stump, then burn your stump.
Warning
- Wear eye protection.
- Put on gloves.
- Don't do it when you feel very tired.
- Be careful when using sharp objects, such as saws and axes.
- Drink lots of water if you do it in hot weather.
