How Can Tree Stumps Be Removed? In Detail

How can Tree Stumps be Removed? In Detail

Table of Contents

After the tree’s removal, the stump is left, which is quite tricky work that requires good physical training, specific skills, and sometimes specialized equipment. This article will explain how we remove tree stumps and what methods we use.

The life cycle of any tree ends sooner or later, and there is no choice but to cut it down. But the tree roots remain in the soil after sawing, so getting rid of them is also necessary.

This work is quite time-consuming and requires special knowledge.

Why Should Stumps Be Removed?

If there are stumps in the area intended for construction, it’s impossible to build a foundation without removing them. Failure to do so will result in reduced strength and cracking of the foundation.

Stumps and root systems are often removed for sanitary purposes. If they start to rot and grow moldy, they damage nearby trees.

Removing stumps and roots is often required for landscaping projects.

Tree stump removal.

How Are Stumps Removed?

There are several proven methods of stump removal. We will now look at each of them.

Manual Uprooting

If the size of the stump is tiny or for some reason, it is impossible to use equipment or chemicals.

The stump and root system are dug to a sufficient depth, then the roots are cut off, and the stump is pulled out with a crowbar, winch, or tractor.

Sometimes even car jacks are used for this purpose.

The main disadvantages of this method are high labor intensity and roots remaining in the soil. Only physically strong people should do such work independently; otherwise, health can worsen.

Also, manual uprooting is unsuitable for cleaning stumps affected by root diseases since most of the roots and pathogens remain in the soil.

Mechanical Stump Removal

Mechanical uprooting is the removal of a stump and roots using various, most often construction equipment.

Excavator

This is the most popular way to quickly and effortlessly uproot a stump, removing the stump and most of the large roots.

The excavator digs up the underground part of the trunk, including the top of the root system, then pulls away from the roots left in the ground and digs out the stump by picking it up with a bucket.

Bulldozer

This method is most often used when clearing an area of small forests. The bulldozer rests on the tree or stump and knives it out of the ground.

The main advantage of this method is the ability to remove the stump from a distance, as the tractor can be tens or hundreds of meters away if the cable or chain length allows it.

Chopper

Although these devices do not pull the stump and roots out of the ground but grind them into dust, the choppers are still classified as rooting equipment.

Without damage, the teeth of the chopper endure the meeting not only with the ground but even with stones; therefore, they are often used to destroy stumps and roots on stony soils.

Chemical Removal of Tree Stumps

These methods are used when other methods are unsuitable, which can take several months or even years.

Ammonia, urea, saltpeter, and copper sulfate are most commonly used as reagents.

Each reagent has a particular effect on the wood, so you can choose what works best for your situation.

For example, saltpeter is well suited for combating root diseases because wood impregnated with it burns even underground.

Urea makes the wood brittle and fills it with valuable substances, and table salt and vitriol stop the growth of roots so that they do not give young shoots in spring.

Fire

Burnout is only used where heavy equipment is not necessary, and there are no restrictions on using open fire.

This method of uprooting is often used when clearing gardens and orchards away from trees or buildings.

The underground part of the stump and the roots are dug out for burning, then covered with wood and set on fire.

Immediately after the wood is burned, you can plant any plants in the pit. The disadvantage of this method lies in the need to comply with the provisions of various regulatory documents; otherwise, there is a high probability of receiving a hefty fine.

how any why should stumps be removed infographic

When contacting our company, you can count on quality work done. We will carefully inspect the stumps, determine which method will be the most optimal in your case, coordinate it with you and get to work.

Table of Contents