Difference between revisions of "Remove Tree Stumps"
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| − | + | If you recently cut down a tree in your yard, you have several options for getting rid of the unsightly stump. You can dig it up by hand, grind it, burn it, or use a chemical stump remover. Choose the method that works best for the root system you're dealing with. | |
[[Category:Growing Trees and Shrubs]] | [[Category:Growing Trees and Shrubs]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Fill in the hole. The final step is to fill up the hole with loam or sawdust. If you fail to do so, the ground around the hole will collapse and you'll have a large dent at that spot in your yard. As the loam or sawdust settles, the ground will sink in a bit, so you may need to keep adding material to the area every few months before the ground will stay flat. | #Fill in the hole. The final step is to fill up the hole with loam or sawdust. If you fail to do so, the ground around the hole will collapse and you'll have a large dent at that spot in your yard. As the loam or sawdust settles, the ground will sink in a bit, so you may need to keep adding material to the area every few months before the ground will stay flat. | ||
===Grinding the Stump=== | ===Grinding the Stump=== | ||
| − | #Locate a stump grinder. This machine grinds up stumps and their root systems to a depth of about a foot beneath the ground. Stump grinders can be rented from machine rental houses by the day.<ref>http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/question/0,,213280,00.html</ref> If you'd prefer not to operate the machine yourself, you can hire someone to come to your property with a stump grinder and do the job for you. | + | #Locate a stump grinder. This machine grinds up stumps and their root systems to a depth of about a foot beneath the ground. Stump grinders can be rented from machine rental houses by the day.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/asktoh/question/0,,213280,00.html</ref> If you'd prefer not to operate the machine yourself, you can hire someone to come to your property with a stump grinder and do the job for you. |
#*You should wear gloves, goggles and ear protectors if you plan on operating the machine yourself. | #*You should wear gloves, goggles and ear protectors if you plan on operating the machine yourself. | ||
#Position it over the stump and start grinding. Following the manufacturer's instructions, position the stump grinder and turn it on. It will grind the stump's surface and work its way down into the ground to grind up the roots. You'll need to move the stump grinder around the circumference of the stump in order to take care of the aerial roots as well. | #Position it over the stump and start grinding. Following the manufacturer's instructions, position the stump grinder and turn it on. It will grind the stump's surface and work its way down into the ground to grind up the roots. You'll need to move the stump grinder around the circumference of the stump in order to take care of the aerial roots as well. | ||
#Shovel out the grindings. The ground will repair itself more quickly if you remove the ground up wood. Shovel it out and put it in your compost pile or dispose of it in another way. | #Shovel out the grindings. The ground will repair itself more quickly if you remove the ground up wood. Shovel it out and put it in your compost pile or dispose of it in another way. | ||
| − | #Fill the hole. Replace the grindings with loam or sawdust to fill the hole. Continue adding matter to the area as it depresses over time.<ref | + | #Fill the hole. Replace the grindings with loam or sawdust to fill the hole. Continue adding matter to the area as it depresses over time.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Burning the Stump=== | ===Burning the Stump=== | ||
#Find out if it is legal to burn the stump. There may be restrictions in your area for open fires, especially if you live someplace with draught conditions. Before you begin, call the local fire department to make sure it's okay to burn your stump. | #Find out if it is legal to burn the stump. There may be restrictions in your area for open fires, especially if you live someplace with draught conditions. Before you begin, call the local fire department to make sure it's okay to burn your stump. | ||
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===Using a Chemical Stump Remover=== | ===Using a Chemical Stump Remover=== | ||
#Drill holes in the stump. Use a drill with a large bit to drill a series of holes in the top of the stump. The stump will absorb the chemicals through these holes, so make sure you space them evenly. | #Drill holes in the stump. Use a drill with a large bit to drill a series of holes in the top of the stump. The stump will absorb the chemicals through these holes, so make sure you space them evenly. | ||
| − | #Apply the stump remover. Most stump removers are composed of powdered potassium nitrate, which reacts with the wood to soften and rot more quickly. Check the directions on the package and apply the stump remover to the stump as instructed.<ref>http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/how-to-remove-a-tree-stump-painlessly/view-all</ref> | + | #Apply the stump remover. Most stump removers are composed of powdered potassium nitrate, which reacts with the wood to soften and rot more quickly. Check the directions on the package and apply the stump remover to the stump as instructed.<ref name="rf2">http://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/how-to-remove-a-tree-stump-painlessly/view-all</ref> |
#Keep children and animals away from the stump. If the stump removal powder is ingested, it can cause harm to kids and pets, so make sure they don't go near it. | #Keep children and animals away from the stump. If the stump removal powder is ingested, it can cause harm to kids and pets, so make sure they don't go near it. | ||
#Monitor the stump. It should begin to soften and rot within a few weeks. When you deem it to be soft enough to easily remove, it's time to finish the job. | #Monitor the stump. It should begin to soften and rot within a few weeks. When you deem it to be soft enough to easily remove, it's time to finish the job. | ||
