how to remove tree stump

 When deciding to remove a tree stump, you'll need to consider its size, your budget, and the amount of time you're willing to invest, as there are many ways to get the job done.

A tree stump is an inevitable result of cutting down a mature tree, but it doesn't have to be a stigma on your backyard views. Here are some really creative tree stump ideas to turn it into a practical and even beautiful feature.

However, if you choose to remove a tree stump, it is important to establish whether you can tackle it on a DIY basis, or if you need to bring in a professional.

'The average homeowner will struggle to address a large stump without renting equipment, and you'll also need to factor in disposal, which is often limited at your run-of-the-mill green waste drop-off. '

However, if you are working with a small tree stump, have the time, or are willing to rent equipment, there are several DIY options worth exploring.

How to remove a tree stump by hand

Unless the tree stump is very large, it should be possible to remove it by hand. This involves digging it out of the ground using tools you have at home.

It's definitely worth taking this approach if you want to save your tree stump, and recycle it for a woodworking project. ``High-quality tree stumps can be upgraded into furniture and a variety of DIY projects,' says woodworker and founder of Joinery, Robert Johnson.

'Instead of wasting, I would suggest removing it by hand, as other methods such as burning, grinding or rotting will destroy it.'

Using hand tools will enable you to keep the stump as intact as possible. However, keep in mind that this method takes a lot of time and effort.

1. To remove a tree stump by hand, you will need to dig out the entire area around the stump using a shovel, picking up Matlock and/or digging bars. 'Keep digging until you've exposed as many roots as possible,' says landscaper Ray Treescape of Treescape Property Solutions.

2. Next, cut away large roots using an ax, loppers, or root saws. If you have a chainsaw you can use that.

3. 'When you work your way through the roots, you can see the smaller ones, which can be cut with clippings,' says Brosnan.

4. Take out the roots. 'A grub hoe will work to pull the remaining roots out of the ground,' says Johnson. 'You can cut more as needed to make it easier to get them out of the ground.'

5. Now you can start removing the stump from the soil. 'Most without roots, you should be able to remove the stump quite easily,' says Johnson. 'You may need to use a shovel to dig under the stump and cut a few more roots under it before you can pull it out.'

6. Finally, cover the hole with the surrounding soil, and add mulch and topsoil.

Removing a tree stump by hand isn't without its issues, however: "Along with a serious amount of work, it can potentially be disastrous to your yard," says Treescape.

'If in doubt about removing a tree stump without damaging it, leave it to a professional who will have adequate tools for the job.'

How to Use a Stump Grinder to Remove Tree Stumps

Using a stump grinder is a popular method of removing tree stumps, and can be done using hired machinery. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to do the work for you.

'Using the appropriate size of tree stump grinder, you can remove stumps quickly, and in a way that is safe for you and the environment,' says Cody Stout, TreeTree's head of operations.

Tree stump grinders are substantial pieces of machinery and can cost upwards of $200 per day to rent. They are moveable on wheels and use very sharp blades to grind stumps and roots several inches below the ground.

Do not attempt to grind down tree stumps in inclement weather, and make sure you have good work shoes, gloves, clothing, and face protection.

how to remove small tree stumps

Small tree stumps should be fairly easy to remove on a DIY basis. 'If the tree stump is small enough, you can remove it by cutting off parts of the root and pulling it up - you can use a truck to help you,' says Treescape.

'You can even remove it by hand with a few basic tools like a jigsaw, shovel, and hammer.'

For small tree stumps, you usually do not need to remove the entire stump and root system. 'By cutting a few inches below the grass line, you can remove the stump and put the turf up again,' says Lucas.

'If done correctly, it will be difficult to even realize that there has even been a tree and over the next few years the root system will gradually go underground.'

How to Remove a Tree Stump with Epsom Salt

When researching how to remove a tree stump, you may have heard of the recommendation of Epsom salt or rock salt.

It's a widely available, low-cost solution if you're not in a hurry, and the process is similar to rotting the stump.

• As when rotting a tree stump with chemicals, you need to drill several holes in the top of the stump.

• Pour Epsom salt or rock salt into the holes, filling them just to the top.

• Add water to moisten the salt, but don't add it so fast that the salt overflows.

• Cover the stump with a tarp or plastic bag.

• Check the stump every 3-4 weeks and repeat the process until the stump is dead.

How long does Epsom salt take to kill a stump?

How long it takes Epsom salt to kill a stump depends on the size and type of tree, but you can expect it to be effective within six months. It can take up to a year for a large stump to break down.

how to burn a tree stump

Another way to remove a tree stump is to burn it, which requires less manpower than digging it up and is also much faster than rotting it.

However, this method is only suitable where the stump is not located near buildings, trees or plants.

'This process can take up to two weeks to burn the stump daily,' says Stout. 'Before proceeding, you need to check whether it is legal to burn tree stumps in your area based on local ordinances.'

Issues With Removing Tree Stumps

Whichever tree stump removal method you take, you should check for any wildlife before you begin work.

“Be aware of what might be hiding around or inside stumps,” says Byington. “I recently encountered a formidable population of brown recluse spiders within a large old stump and my flashlight was grateful to shine and analyzed the area thoroughly.

'Venomous spiders like recluses and black widows love wood, especially dark, moist wood. From spiders and snakes to rabbits and rats, a variety of creatures consider the stump their home!'