6 Stump Removal Techniques and Considerations

How do you remove a tree stump? This guide exposes the various techniques that experts employ, as well as

After successfully removing a tree from its location, one thing remains; the stump. This can become a problem for many as it can either begin to sprout or take up valuable space for other things.

While stump removal can be done when removing a tree, it can also be done long after the tree must have been removed.

How to Remove a Tree Stump

We are interested in discussing ways to get rid of the problem (stump removal). We also assume that by reading this, you are faced with this situation and will want to find out how to go about it.

You’re in the right place!

This interesting article will provide you with comprehensive information on what it takes to have a stump removed from your property. Here is how to hollow out a tree stump.

Doing-It-Yourself Vs Calling The Professionals

While this can be a difficult decision to make for others, it won’t be the same for some. In other words, it all depends on what your needs are. Some persons will want to cut down on costs by finding ways to get the job done.

In any case, one thing is certain; tree stump removal is no mean feat (especially for large stumps).

Apart from the stump that you can see, there’s an elaborate root system beneath the ground surface that may need to be removed. This backbreaking job will certainly prove difficult unless of course, you have the right equipment and know-how to use them.

Here are some practical guidelines for removing stumps of some tree species.

Otherwise, it’s best to call for professional help.

Tree removal companies also provide stump removal services. Such companies are skilled in the provision of all tree removal-related tasks. Thus, it will save you a lot of stress to let them handle the job.

So, which is the best option; doing-it-yourself or calling the professionals?

There is no right or wrong answer here. The easy way out is to call the professionals. However, you can still get the job done if you have prior experience and also have the right equipment at your disposal. You must know how to use such equipment though.

What is the Ideal Time For Stump Removal?

The ideal time for stump removal doesn’t necessarily mean the time of year. Rather it refers to the best condition to get the job done. Fresh stumps will prove a lot more difficult to remove than old or dried stumps.

As such, it’s best to allow a stump to get dried before removing it. This only applies to the method of removal.

The method you use for removing a tree stump will determine the condition it should be in. A removal method such as chemical removal will best be done when the stump is still fresh.

6 Practical Stump Removal Methods

This section discusses all of the methods and equipment used in the removal of unwanted tree stumps. Recall that we earlier compared DIY stump removal strategies with seeking professional help.

Here, we won’t dwell on differentiating between the two.

Rather, we’ll include both in our stump removal methods. The more the options are, the better.

  • Stump Grinding

This is a mechanical method of getting the job done. Like the name implies it involves grinding the stump away using a grinder. By chopping the stump into bits, it removes it in no time.

Now, using the equipment will require an understanding of how it operates. In other words, you should be conversant with how to use the grinder.

A stump grinding machine can be rented wherever it’s available. The other alternative is to call the professionals to get the job done for a fee. Before using this machine to remove your stump, you should ensure there aren’t stones, metals, or whatever it is that can damage the machines.

Do you consider the stump as being too high? It can be trimmed down further before grinding. Consider checking all round the stump to ensure it’s ready and free of obstructions of any kind. Although stump grinding is an effective way to get rid of stumps, your safety should come first.

Before you begin, you should ensure you wear safety gear or equipment. This includes protective glasses for your eyes, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. You might also want to cover your ears to minimize the noise.

This is one of the fastest ways to get rid of a tree stump.

  • Natural Riddance

The most natural way to handle an unwanted stump is by allowing it to decompose.

However, this requires a lot of patience which you might not have. Removing stumps the natural way means doing very little or nothing at all. There are ways to speed up the stump decomposition process though.

Adding soil, mulch or even fertilizer to the stump creates an ideal condition for bacteria and fungus to thrive. This helps in further breaking down the stump.

So, is this stump removal method fit all cases?

Not at all. This method is best for smaller tree stumps. It will take a much longer time for bigger stumps to decompose. You might not have much time on your hands to spare.

What happens after a stump becomes decomposed? It becomes way much easier to remove. This can be easily dug up with minimal effort.

The natural method of stump removal has been used successfully with great results. You only need to adopt it and wait out.

  • Chemical Stump Removal

The chemical removal of stumps is similar in a way to the natural process. Only that this time, chemicals are applied into the tree stump, but first, the stump needs to be drilled. Thick drill bits are used to drill holes all around the stump.

The holes should be deep enough to contain the chemical compound.

Talking about the chemical compound to be used, you’ll need those containing potassium nitrate. These are clearly labeled and work to weak the stump by causing decay. You might want to seek professional advice on which chemicals to use. Such chemicals come in granules.

The granules are poured into the drilled holes followed by water which dissolves them into the stump. Within a considerably short time (within a few weeks or months), you should be able to dig up the stump easily as it turns soft.

This is one DIY method that can be used by anyone seeking to cut down on the average costs of stump removal.

  • Burning It Out

Smaller stumps can be gotten rid of by burning. However, you’ll need to make the stump ready for burning. This might take a week or more to get it ready.

For this to happen, you’ll need to drill holes with a wide drilling bit all over the stump’s surface.

A suitable fuel (except for highly volatile ones like gasoline) should be poured in to be soaked by the stump. This should be repeated for about a week or more. Having absorbed the fuel, it becomes ready for burning.

Light each hole with matchsticks and watch it burn out for several days. You can also get rid of stumps using charcoal.

When burning a tree stump, you’ll need to keep kids and pets off the area. You also need to observe to make sure it burns well. After burning out, the charred remains can be dug out to completely remove it from your grounds.

  • Remove Manually

Certain trees have shallow root systems. For such trees, one way to get the job done is by digging around the stump.

This action is taken to expose the root systems. It’s important to ensure you don’t dig too close to the stumps. If you do, there will be less wiggle room left for easy removal of the stump.

You can either hire someone to dig out the stump or do it yourself. It is important to note that larger stumps will prove more difficult to dig out without the use of machinery. The basic tools for the job include a shovel and pickaxe among others.

  • Call A Tree Removal Service

Tree removal services not only remove trees but also get rid of the stump. You can decide to get the stump removed immediately after the tree is felled or decide on getting it removed later on.

In a situation where you want the stump removed immediately after the tree is felled, you’ll incur additional charges.

Whether you want the stump removed immediately or prefer it done later on, tree removal services are always at your beck and call. These are professionals who have been in the business for a significant amount of time and provide all sorts of tree removal solutions.

This option is the easiest among all the others. Here, you won’t have to lift a finger as you only need to point them to the stump. Depending on your choice and the condition of your surroundings, certain removal methods may be preferred over others.

Whatever the case is, the job gets done at the end of the day.

The space occupied by tree stumps (both large and small) can sometimes become an eyesore. Such space will need to be freed for other purposes or just left empty. As such, the problem will need to be tackled immediately.

Here is what to do with stumps.

Here, we’ve discussed the various ways through which stumps can be removed. Each of these is quite effective, but more importantly, you can combine some of the above strategies for even better results.

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