How To Remove A Tree Stump Yourself

If you want to remove a tree stump yourself, you are going to have to make sure that you have all of the appropriate equipment. If you don't have the necessary equipment, then you run the risk of accidentally hurting your back or other parts of your body when you try to lift the stump out. If time is not an issue and you just want the stump to be gone eventually, follow theses steps for gradually loosening the stump and getting it out, with no machinery needed.

1. Cut Down the Stump as Far as Possible

First, cut the stump down as far as possible in order to reduce its mass so that the stump remover has less area that it needs to speed up the rotting process. You can do this with a chain saw.

2. Drill Holes in the Stump

Next, drill holes between three and five inches deep throughout the stump. Drill the holes at a slight angle, between 45 degrees and 60 degrees in order to make sure that they are all connected. These holes and tunnels will serve as vents for the rest of the process.

3. Pour Stump Remover into the Holes

The next step is to purchase and use a bottle of stump remover. Stump remover is a mixture of chemicals that speed up natural rotting processes of the stump. If you leave the stump alone for long enough, it will eventually rot away to the point where it can easily be removed. To use the stump remover, pour some of the solution into each of the holes. Make sure that you irrigate the stump with as much of the chemicals as possible. These chemicals are normally in a powdered form.

Once you've poured in the remover, you will need to activate it with water if it is still a powder. Take your hose or a watering can and pour water into each of the holes. Then, cover the holes with plastic wrap in order to stop the water from evaporating too quickly.

4. Let the Stump Sit

Next, let the stump sit for several weeks. To test if it is weak enough to be removed, use an ax to start chipping away it it. If you are able to remove large chunks with the ax, then there's a good chance that it's ready. If not, give it more time. Four to six weeks is usually enough time. Once it's ready, use the ax to remove the remainder of the stump. If the stump is proving difficult to remove, chop off all of the dead wood that you can and reapply the stump remover.

For more information, talk to a company that specializes in removing tree stumps, such as All Season Tree Service.


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