Trees are a form of life and they complete the surroundings. Humans cannot survive without trees around as they depend on them for many things. It is a source of life.
A fallen tree leaves a stump behind. What are tree stumps? Why should you get rid of them?
The forest is filled with tree stumps, and so is urban life. Often you will pass by a stump left behind along the sidewalk, park, in a neighbour’s yard, or in your lawn. Whether you chose to have the stump dug on the ground, the objective is to get rid of it.
If you own a tree that has to be discarded for good, which method do you think is the best? Let’s read further on how to remove stumps.
What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is a method of removing a stump. But this technique doesn’t entirely “remove” the stump. Tree surgeons use special machinery, a grinder, to cut into small pieces the stump that protrudes on the ground.
Stump grinding is performed to avoid getting the stump as a biohazard. Aside from being an eyesore, it can pose a risk among passersby as a tripping object and cause an accident.
Tree experts from Alpine Tree Surgeons will offer stump grinding and stump removal. These are two different methods of taking away the tree stump.
When the stump is removed, the spot it left off can be used for other purposes.
The Process Involved in Stump Grinding
Stump hacks can involve different methods. However, since these are DIYs, the process is slower than when using power tools to quickly eliminate the tree stump.
With simple hacks, tree stumps are burned until they are dissolved into the ground. But this method is quite dangerous, especially with strong winds. The fire may scatter to dry leaves and twigs and can burn firewood.
Another method is to trim the stump to the ground using a chainsaw. This will help speed up the process, which is especially convenient for a large stump. Also, dig up rocks around the tree stump. Rocks and stones can damage the teeth on the grinder’s cutting wheel. So be careful with that.
The disintegrated stump, turning into wood chips can be spread over the spot of the stump. Repeat the same with mulch, and then add topsoil, and then spread an even layer of grass seed into the soil.
Tree care experts use a powerful mechanical stump grinder built with a rotating disc that cuts away the wood. If you want a quicker way of getting away with the stump, power tools should be used instead, seek the help of our tree company.
Some homeowners prefer to have the tree stump undergo decay. Though this is the slowest process, it is the cheapest as it will cost you nothing. The danger with this method is that the stump will serve as a harbouring spot for birds and bug infestation that will pose harm to nearby trees.
When you opt for the latter method, be sure that you know what you are getting to and that you are responsible for the consequences.
If you prefer a complete stump removal, read on to know the techniques.
Steps in Stump Removal
Stump removal is another laborious work but can be done easily by using the right techniques. After a huge and tall tree has been cut down, tree surgeons still have something left behind the massive workload, that is, the stump.
Before getting on removing the stump completely and immediately, it is important to assess the stump, because some stumps take a few days before they are completely wiped out and some take a few hours only.
Consider that trees have varied roots and branches. The thicker and wider the stump is, and depending on the characteristic of the wood of the tree, removing the stump may take a while. Also, the age of the tree is another indicator of how easy or hard to remove the stump. Old stumps are easier to remove.
Using an axe
Some old stumps are literally small, and it only needs a handful of tools in order to unearth the stump. If the stump is decayed or diseased, it is much easier to haul it up.
- Use a shovel, axe, digging bar, or chainsaw to remove the stump but don’t cut it levelled to the ground so you’ll have a remaining stump to use as leverage when you pull it up later.
- Use the digging bar and shovel to reveal the roots, and then cut the roots around the stump one by one.
- Push and pull the trunk to check if it is okay to be removed.
- Pour topsoil onto the hole after uprooting the stump and flatten the topsoil using the shovel.
Burning
If you feel hiring tree experts to remove the stump in your yard is costly, you can use the burning method. Although this is a little risky as it may violate certain rules in your area, try this method with some caution.
- Using a power drill, make holes on the top of the stump and on the sides, too.
- Remove the debris from the stump and pour kerosene (or pure vegetable oil if you’re not fond of harmful gases) on the holes.
- Using a matchstick, light up some dried woody stems (or coal) or anything flammable and insert them in the holes.
- Keep the fire burning until the stump slowly recedes its size and becomes hollow inside due to charred elements.
- Let it stay for a few days until the stump is weak and ready to crumble.
If you have several stumps to remove and you need the help of an expert, the tree surgeons from Alpine Tree Surgeons will handle the heavy job for you. They had acquired the skill and years of experience in handling stumps.
Our tree surgeons are trained to perform such highly risky and competitive jobs. For more information on tree stumps and other services, call and talk to our representatives. They are more than willing to serve happy customers.
