How To Remove A Tree Stump Painlessly
How To Remove A Tree Stump Painlessly
So the tree needs to go; it’s ugly, it’s dead, it’s infested, you have a new chainsaw that you’re just dying to try out.
Whatever your reason, the bottom line it you want that tree gone. This article will give you the basics of removing trees and stumps from your property with your own two hands.
As stated earlier, you’ll need a chainsaw. Now with that chainsaw comes the obligation to use it responsibly.
You like your arms, legs, and eyes don’t you? I thought so. So to ensure your safety and anyone working with you, you’ll need the following items; a logger’s helmet.
You don’t know how sturdy those branches are, a helmet will protect you from any falling branches which cause the majority of logging injuries.
Ear muffs and a face screen are also recommended. The sound intensity of a chainsaw is roughly 109 dB depending on the brand and without proper ear protection, it would only take two minutes to cause hearing loss.
Wood chips will be flying everywhere as you are sawing, hence the face screen to protect that rugged mug of yours.
Using safety glasses with a face screen may seem like overkill, but your glasses are specifically designed to keep dust that made it through your face screen out of your eyes while sawing.
Take the extra precaution. Finally Kevlar chaps; no I don’t expect you to get into a firefight with the neighbors, but Kevlar chaps will instantly stop a chain should you accidentally drop the saw against your leg.
To actually cut down the tree, we recommend having an experienced logger teach you.
There are some things you just need to learn in person in order to learn them correctly and safely.
However, once your tree is removed, we have faith that you can get rid of the stump all on your own.
How To Cut Down A Tree Correctly:
How To Remove The Stump:
You’ve put up with the stump for a year, maybe more and you have finally had enough; enough mowing around it, enough broken trimmer lines, enough aggravation. The stump has got to go.
But who has the time and muscle to dig under the stump, pull out the roots, and yank the sucker out like an infected tooth.
You barely have an hour to yourself every day, let alone the several needed to remove this dead eyesore.
And you sure as hell don’t want to pay someone to remove it. This is your house and by God you’ll take care of it.
There’s no law saying it has to be removed in only one day. Remember patience is key, now check your garage inventory, you’ll need the following tools.
Tools Needed:
- corded drill
- extension cord
- 12 inch bit extension
- stump remover
- safety goggles
You’ll require a corded drill, an extension cord for said drill, and a 12 inch bit extension.
And please practice safe stump removal by wearing your safety goggles.
Remember little eyes are always watching. If you’re short on a corded drill, no need to buy a new one, a drill/driver will work fine.
Bit size can vary, while we recommend a 1 inch spade bit, a slightly larger or smaller bit will suffice. And last, but not least; stump remover.
The bigger the stump is, the more holes you’ll drill. Begin with your 1 inch bit, drilling at least eight inches deep and roughly three inches away from the perimeter of the stump.
Continue around the stump with three to four inches separating each hole until you’ve outlined the entire trunk.
Now that the holes are in place, pour the stump remover into them and add water. Most stump removers are made of powdered potassium nitrate.
This concoction mixed with water will speed up the rotting process, morphing the once “rock” hard stump into spongy and rotting wood in about four to six weeks.
To ensure that children and pets steer clear of the stump, surround it with chicken wire and let the potassium nitrate do the hard work.
After four to six weeks have passed, work up a sweat and chop the rotten wood out with an axe.
A partial stump will still remain. Stump remover manufacturers recommend using kerosene or fuel oil, but NEVER gasoline to burn what’s left of your stump.
Pour the oil into the holes and wait another few weeks to allow the liquid to penetrate the wood entirely.
Once the liquid has penetrated, and you’ve removed any debris that could catch fire, i.e. leaves and twigs, drop a lit match into the holes.
This will cause the stump to smolder for days, once it burns itself out, you’ll be left with a charcoal filled hole.
Surround the stump with chicken wire once more.
An ax will finish the job up nicely, giving you the peace of mind that the stump is gone and never coming back.
Note, that stump removers work best on seasoned stumps, ones that have been dead for over a year. Freshly cut stumps will require different methods of removal.
Patience isn’t everyone’s strong suit, but patience will save you money, phone calls, and headaches.
And don’t forget you also retain the bragging rights of the Do-it-Yourself man or woman.
Who needs companies with their fancy equipment and monthly payments, when you’ve got brain, brawn, and internet.
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