An Overview Of Stump Removal Methods

Posted on: 15 July 2019

A tree stump in the yard is an eyesore, can attract pests, and can also cause trip and fall injuries. The following are some of the ways you can remove such a tree stump.

Burning

Burning is one of the relatively fast ways of getting rid of tree stumps. Burning can work on any stump, but it is best on a dry stump. You just need some scrap wood, heap them all over the stump, and set them on fire. Don't leave the stump unattended because the fire might spread and cause damage elsewhere. It might also be helpful to dig around the stump first so that the fire can burn as much of the wood as possible.

Excavation

You can also excavate the stump out of the ground if you have the right tools. In this case, you dig around the stump, cutting the roots you meet as you go deeper into the ground. Finally, you cut the main root or roots and pull the stump out of the ground. Excavation is fairly labor-intensive work, but it helps you get rid of the stump once and for all. Excavation is best if you only have one or two stumps to remove, and they don't have extremely deep roots.

Chemical Treatment

There are chemicals you can use to get rid of tree stumps by decaying the stumps. You drill holes into the stumps, pour the chemicals in the holes, and wait for the stumps to die and decompose. Just make sure you handle the chemicals properly to avoid exposure to pets, other people, and other plants in the area. Note that chemical stump removal takes time, so it is not best for those who need fast results.

Grinding

Grinding is one of the best ways of removing tree stumps, especially if you want to remove multiple stumps. First, you need to remove rocks and other hard objects around the base of the stump. These objects can dull the grinder's teeth. Secondly, you should cut or trim the stump as close to the ground as possible. You don't have to do this step, but it speeds up the grinding process.

Natural Decomposition

In this case, you just leave the stump to die a natural death via decomposition. Natural decomposition is not ideal, and you should only use it as a last resort. It only works for dead stumps and takes a lot of time. In the meantime, the stump may still attract pests or increase the risk of trip and fall injuries in your home.

Removing a tree stump is not an easy job, particularly if the stump is huge, if you don't have the right tools, or if you have multiple stumps to remove. Fortunately, many tree removal companies also handle stump removal tasks. Reach out to a tree removal company near you to learn more.

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