Tree stumps can be a dangerous leftover from cutting
down a tree. It’s far better to deal with them before they become a hazard.
Leaving the removal for longer can leave the stump a risk for tripping or just
an eyesore on the property. Since we’re going to remove this in the most
uncomplicated fashion possible, we’re going to need to get a list of tools and
materials we’re going to need for this task. Getting your tools in advance will
help you to avoid untimely trips to the hardware store, breaking your flow and
your concentration.
Materials and Tools:
·
12”-bit extension
·
Corded drill with Extension Cord
·
Safety glasses
· Stump
remover
Precautions
Before you start on stump removal, you should be aware
of the potential hazards that may affect your property. While there are things
we can’t plan for, there are a few things that we can skew in our favor. The
area around the stump should be clear of dried leaves and other flammable
objects. If there’s chicken wire available, we should run a small perimeter
around the stump to cordon it off from the rest of the property. Since we’ll be
using fire, this is of the utmost importance to prevent it from getting out of
control.
Methodology
- We’ll first remove as much of the stump as possible
using a spade with a spade-bit extension. Next, we’re going to drill a series
of 1″ holes around the edge of the stump. These holes are going to be
positioned about 3″-4″ from the side of the stump and will go down
about 12″ deep. Next, we’re going to drill holes between 3″ and
4″ deep at a 45-degree angle to intersect with the holes we bored along
the top of the stump. They’re useful as a way for venting the residue from the
rotting or burning process. - Next, we’ll pour between 3 and 4 ounces of stump remover
into the each of the holes and top up the rest of the hole with water. The
final death of the stump can take as long as three to six weeks. The difference
in removal time depends on the size of the stump and the amount of remover
used. Most stump removers are made out of powdered potassium nitrate, which
promotes the faster decomposition of the stump. - Clearing out the stump and the connected root system
comes next. We already have the holes that we drilled in the stump before
dropping in the stump remover. That remover should be all gone by this point,
so we’re going to fill those holes with fuel oil or kerosene. DO NOT use
gasoline. Once we’ve filled the holes in, we just have to wait for the wood to
absorb the chemicals. This process might take a few days to a few weeks,
depending on the porosity of the wood. - Once the substances are all absorbed, we can start the
removal process by dropping a match into the holes and watching the stump burn
down. The stump may smolder for a few days or weeks, which is why we placed the
chicken wire around it earlier on.
Important Notes
This type of tree-stump removal only works on
seasoned trees, not newly cut ones. The final bit of removal can be done with
an ax, once the stump has stopped smoking. If you need a younger stump removed
or require some advice on general tree removal, you can check out Smith’s Tree Removal for a quote.