If you recently cut a tree in your garden, you now have several options for getting rid of the stump that is left over. You can dig it all around by hand, you can level it with a stump grinder machine, burn it or use a specific chemical. Choose the method that best suits your needs and the type of strain you need to eliminate. Read on to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Dig the Stump
Step 1. Dig around the roots
Use a spade to clear the earth and expose the roots below. Work around the circumference of the stump until the largest roots are visible; it also clears the soil under the root system to expose it as much as possible.
If the roots are very large and deep it will be difficult to completely bare them and you will need to consider other techniques to eliminate the stump. This method only works if you are able to free them almost completely to the tips
Step 2. Cut the roots
Depending on their size, you can use shears, an ax or a saw. Break them up into pieces that you can easily handle and pull them out of the ground as much as possible. Collect them in a spot in the garden as you work to get rid of the greatest amount of roots.
Using an ax is possible, but it is still not a recommended choice. It could crack dangerously if it hits a rock and, moreover, it usually ends up getting stuck between roots that are not fully exposed
Step 3. Extract the roots
Use a hoe to pry up the last fragments that are trapped in the earth. If necessary, keep cutting the roots as you go to make them easier to extract. Continue like this until the larger roots are removed and then move on to the smaller pieces.
Step 4. Remove the stump
Once you have freed all or most of the roots, it shouldn't be difficult to dislodge the stump from the ground. It may be necessary to use a spade to dig under and cut a few more roots in order to extract it completely.
Once the stump is completely extracted, cut it into small pieces and add it to the compost pile
Step 5. Fill the hole
The final step is to close the ditch with earth or sawdust. Otherwise, the surrounding soil will collapse around the hole and you'll end up with a big depression right there in the garden. As the sawdust and topsoil compact, the soil will give way a little and you will need to add more fill to keep the garden level.
Method 2 of 4: Pave the Stump
Step 1. Get a stump machine
This type of tool mills the stump and the root system in depth, up to 30 cm below the ground level. You can rent one from garden stores. If you don't want to use the stump grinder yourself, ask someone who can do it for you.
You should wear protective gloves, goggles and headphones when using this type of machinery
Step 2. Place the machine on top of the stump and start milling it
Adjust the tool according to the instructions in the manual and start it up. The machine mills the surface of the stump down to the roots. You will have to move the machine over the entire surface of the stump so that it can also take the roots around.
Step 3. Shovel the sawdust
The soil reconstitutes more quickly if you remove the milled wood residues. Use a shovel and remove them by disposing of them in compost or otherwise.
Step 4. Fill the hole
Replace empty space with earth. Continue adding filler material as the previous filler becomes compact.
Method 3 of 4: Burn the Log
Step 1. Find out if it is allowed to burn
There may be restrictions on the use of fire in your area, especially if you live in a rather dry area. Before starting the fire, call the proper authorities to make sure it is allowed to do so.
Step 2. Arrange the wood on top of the log
It may be handy to use the pieces of the tree you felled earlier to fuel the fire. Place the wood on top of the log, surround it with other blocks so that it is in the center of the bonfire.
Step 3. Let the fire do its job
It will take several hours for all the log to be consumed by the flames. Keep adding lumber to keep the fire alive and at maximum temperature. Let it burn until you have reduced the whole log to ashes.
Step 4. Sweep the ash away
When the log has been completely burned, remove the ash with a shovel.
Step 5. Fill the hole
Use rich soil or sawdust. Keep adding filler material as the previous filler becomes compact as the months go by.
Method 4 of 4: Using a Chemical
Step 1. Drill holes in the log with a drill
Use a large tip and make several holes on the top surface. The log needs to absorb the chemical through the holes, so be sure to space them evenly.
Step 2. Apply the product
Generally, there are products available consisting of powdered potassium nitrate that reacts with wood, softening it and causing it to rot quickly. Check the instructions on the package and follow them strictly.
Step 3. Keep children and pets away from the strain while the chemical works
If ingested it is toxic, so make sure no one comes close.
Step 4. Keep an eye on the stump
It should start to soften and rot within a couple of weeks. When you feel it's simple enough to take off, it's time to get the job done.
Step 5. Cut it into pieces
Use an ax or hoe to split the softened wood. Eliminate the large chunks that form, continuing like this until you get to ground level.
Step 6. Burn what's left
Build a bonfire over the now softened root system and let it burn out completely. This way you will get rid of all residues.
Step 7. Replace the ash with rich potting soil
Eliminate what's left of the bonfire and dispose of it. Fill the hole with potting soil or sawdust. Keep adding filler material as the previous one compacts to keep the garden level.
Advice
- Find someone to help you and don't do the job hastily.
- If you leave a long portion of the lower trunk, you can use a rope tied to the top to use as leverage. Try a rocking motion to loosen the loose stump.
- Plan each stage carefully.
- Try to cut as many roots as possible before trying to shake the tree and loosen the stump from the ground.
- Think about what could go wrong before it happens.
- Make sure the tools are sharp and in good condition.
- If all else fails, call a professional.
- If this process doesn't work, knock down the log at the base above the stump, and burn the stump.
Warnings
- Wear gloves.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Be careful when using sharp objects, such as axes and chainsaws.
- Drink plenty of water if you are working in hot weather.
- Don't work if you are tired.
