Why do you need to remove tree stumps?
Are you planning to cut a dead tree? Go ahead and remove it as soon as you can. A dead tree is not just about making the landscape of your property beautiful; cutting will ensure safety for your household.
Hazard
A tree stump can be a liability. This is particularly a serious concern if you have children or the elderly. A fall or a trip can lead to hospitalizations.
Decrease property value
Removing the tree itself might not be difficult for some people. However, removing the stump is a challenge, and leaving it open in the yard can affect your property value. Moreover, it makes your yard look unattended.
Attracts pest
A tree stump will attract all sorts of pests and fungi. Tree-eating insects can easily multiply and infect the surrounding plants in your yard.
Property damage
Do you know the roots can grow deeper in the soil, and this can lead to pipes issues
such as leaks and contaminating your water supply? You don't usually notice this type of issue until it causes serious damage to the property. Besides that, tool damages such as mowers can get broken when you do not notice the yard's stump.
Ways to remove tree stumps
Basically, there are three main ways to remove a stump. Stump removal requires more effort than cutting trees because it involves a few processes to eliminate it.
Before applying your chosen method, make sure to assess the situation properly. This will allow you to anticipate what needs to be done and what tools or materials are needed to prepare for successful removal. You wouldn't want to do a repeated removal, and this can be done when you are properly assessing the condition.
Few factors can help you determine what types of removal to choose. First is the type of tree. Pine trees are easier to remove than others because the roots are rather shallow and flat, while the deciduous tree has deeper roots.
The age of the tree is also a factor. A young stump is a challenge compared to old ones. Lastly, how many stamps do you need to remove in your yard? If you plan on removing it manually, can you do it with several stumps?
Removing By Hand
The most common option to try is removal by hand. However, many failed to realize that it is not easy as it looks and ends up disappointed in the outcome. Make sure to prepare all the necessary tools such as a digging bar, chainsaw, a shovel, chains, axe, and a four-wheel drive.
Using a chainsaw, remove any remaining trunks and branches. Leave sufficient surface that can be used as leverage. Using the remaining tools such as a shovel and digging bar, expose the roots and stump as much as you can. You can use a power washer to expose the roots further and remove dirt.
Using an axe, cut the major roots. Then try to move the trunk to see for more roots. Cut if you notice more roots being exposed. Do it repeatedly until the trunk is loosened and uprooted.
In the case where the trunk is still attached to the ground, utilize a wrapped chain and a four-wheel truck. Alternate the pulling and pushing until the trunk is removed.
Chemical Remover
If you do not have the time and effort to do a manual removal of the stump, you can opt for the chemical one. For this to be successful, you'll need a chainsaw, a drill, kerosene, potassium nitrate, and an axe.
First, cut the trunk as much as you can using a chainsaw. Then make holes by drilling around 8 inches deep for each hole around the stump. Add another hole on the sides of the stump in a 45-degree angle. Once the holes are there, pour the potassium nitrate into these holes generously. Add water until it fills the top of the holes.
You will have to wait for a couple of weeks before the stump becomes very soft. You can use an axe to completely remove the stump or add kerosene to burn it.
Let it rot
Another method to use is letting it rot. The process is similar to the chemical method, but this time you will use nitrogen substance and water to fill the holes. The stump will slowly soften, and you can chop off the pieces gradually until it is removed.
Once everything is clear, fill in the area with dirt to create an even surface and avoid unwanted injury.
When disposing of the stump, make sure to follow local guidelines for trash disposal. You can also use it as wood chips for your yard needs. However, if you find this method complicated and time-consuming, just call your local tree services for a stress-free removal.
