Trees offer a range of benefits for property owners. They provide shade from the sun and can create a barrier against strong winds in some cases. They can be used for aesthetic appeal and provide privacy by blocking the outside world. Of course, trees also provide the much-needed benefits of drawing in carbon dioxide that’s harmful to people and transforming it into essential oxygen.
Getting Rid of Tree Stumps
All that being said, trees sometimes need to be removed. They may sustain storm damage or succumb to pests or diseases. On the other hand, they may need to be cut down to make way for construction or landscaping projects. When trees are too sick or damaged to save or they need to be removed for the sake of land development, they leave behind stumps that can impede progress. Property owners can use several measures to get an old tree stump removed.
Burn the Tree Stump
One of the easiest and most common do-it-yourself strategies for removing tree stumps is burning them. To do this, remove as much of a problematic stump as possible beforehand. Then, drill holes in the remaining portion and pour kerosene, lighter fluid, or another flammable substance on the stump and into the holes. Allow the flammable substance to soak into the wood for a bit. Then, simply set the stump on fire and allow it to burn.
Keep in mind, certain flammable liquids may contaminate the soil. As such, it’s important to exercise caution with this method and heed any relevant local regulations. Burn permits may be necessary as well. Each state has its own rules regarding this type of activity. Keeping an eye on the fire and ensuring it doesn’t get out of hand is also crucial.
Pull the Tree Stump
Another common option is to pull up the tree stump. As is the case with other methods, it’s important to remove as much of the stump left above ground as possible. From there, dig around the stump to make the process easier. Then, chop the larger roots away from the stump if possible.
Once all that is finished, it’s time to pull the stump out of the ground. It may be possible to pull small stumps by hand. Otherwise, it may be necessary to hook the remains of the stump to a winch or chain the stump to the bumper of a truck and pull it out of the ground via mechanical force.
Chemical Decomposition
Tree stumps decay on their own, but this natural process takes years. For those who can’t wait that long, chemicals are available to help fast-track the process. To use chemicals to speed up decomposition, drill holes in the stump and fill them with water. Then, pour the chemicals into the holes. This method will take several weeks or even a few months, but it’s still faster than waiting for nature to take its course without human intervention.
Getting Tree Stumps Out of the Way
All these strategies require a certain amount of manual labor. Safety factors also come into play. When burning a stump, there’s always a chance the fire could get out of control. Chemicals are relatively safe, but they take time to work. Pulling a tree stump could cause damage to personal vehicles and other equipment used in the process. In general, contacting a professional tree removal company is recommended for maximum safety, effectiveness, and simplicity.
