A tree stump that is left behind after a tree is felled is not only an eye sore but can take up yard space, make it difficult to mow your lawn and will cause a hazardous area where people walk and children play.  They also attract insects and cause new tree growth.

Stumps can be extremely difficult to remove without the use of a stump grinder.  If you’ve decided to do it yourself, the following is a list of some methods that you may consider.  Beware, some of these methods will require you to roll up your sleeves and get ready for some labor-intensive work!

1. Renting a Stump Grinder – Most large hardware stores rent stump grinders.  We don’t recommend using them if your stump is more than a few inches in size.  They operate by grinding the wood into small chips but typically don’t have enough power to remove larger stumps.  If you go this route, be safety conscious.  Any stump grinder will have some kickback and can be dangerous if not used properly.

2. Digging and Cutting – Get out your shovel and an axe and start digging!  The part of the stump that you can see is just the beginning.  The stump is connected to a vast network of roots that will need to be separated from the stump before it can be removed.  We recommend digging around the stump and eliminating roots as you remove your stump.  Given how intense the labor will be to do this, you might want to consider getting a friend or two to help!  Be sure to fill up the hole that will be left when your finished so that the ground around the hole won’t collapse.

3. Chemicals – There really isn’t a chemical that will rid your lawn of your stump.  Chemicals will eat at the wood and gradually, over weeks, break it down to the point where it can be broken apart into small pieces, but typically some portions will remain and require burning.  If you go this route, be sure to keep your stump covered so that children and animals don’t come in contact with the chemicals.

4. Burning – In most cases, fire is a very slow process for removing a stump.  It will smolder for hours and will need to be watched until it burns out.  Stumps flare out when underground and the low oxygen environment can make it difficult to burn it out of the ground.  This method requires patience and a willingness to endure many fires over your stump.

5. Accelerated Decomposition – This process could take years for the stump to completely rot.  You will need to drill some 1 inch holes in your stump and add high nitrogen fertilizer.  Keep it covered with a tarp and keep it damp.  After the first year, you can use carbon based additives like sugar instead of the fertilizer.

Taking on the job of removing a stump yourself can be a lengthy, messy ordeal.  If you’re starting to have second thoughts about doing it yourself, we don’t blame you!  Hiring a professional with a high powered stump grinder is the most effective way to remove your stumps.  Beaver Tree Service, LLC has the skill and experience using our high powered stump grinders to grind out even the toughest stumps to a mere pulp in a matter of minutes.

Give us a call today for a free estimate and get your stumps removed in a quick and efficient manner.  Office:  (334) 347-6119 or Cell:  (334) 379-2549.