Ways you can remove a tree stump from the ground

When you get a tree removed, often all that remains is the stump. However, this can be ugly in appearance and take up valuable space. While the roots and the stump will eventually die and decay, this process takes many years. It can be much easier to simply remove it yourself. It is not as easy a task as it may initially appear, and you need to be careful when doing so. Here are a few different ways to can safely remove a tree stump from your garden.

Chemical removal

There are a multitude of chemical products available in your local garden store that will rapidly increase the rate of decomposition of a dead tree stump. The majority of these products contain potassium nitrate, which acts as the catalyst. You can also use chemical fertilisers that contain high levels of nitrogen to further expedite the process of decomposition. To apply these products, you need to drill a few wide diameter holes into the stump and fill these holes with the product mixed with water. You then leave it to do its job, which will take a few months. After a while, the stump will become soft and will be easily broken up. Always ensure that you keep children and any pets away from the tree stump when using this method.

Mechanical removal

You should always wear the proper safety gear when using heavy machinery to remove a tree stump. You should be wearing long trousers, long sleeves, steel toe boots and protection for your eyes. The most common tool used in this scenario is a tree stump grinder. This chops away pieces from the stump, eventually making it small enough to easily take out. Make sure that the area is clear of any loose debris and stones. Use a chainsaw to first cut the stump as close to the ground as possible, and then you can use the grinder to finish the job. When you need to remove multiple tree stumps, this is the best method to use. You can rent or borrow the relevant machinery for the day or hire a tree removal professional to do the job for you.

Manual removal

If it is a relatively small stump, you can attempt to remove it manually. It will be too much work and time consuming to try and take the stump out completely with the roots fully intact. Dig a trench around the stump and clear away as much dirt as possible so you can see the roots of the stump. You can cut through the major roots with an axe or similar tool. Use a pickaxe in order to loosen the soil around the stump and wiggle the stump free.

For more information, you may want to contact a local tree services that specializes in tree stump removal.