With just a little patience and perseverance, you should be able to remove a tree stump with ease. Keep in mind that it is important to remove it in order to prevent fungal root and suckering rots. Despite being large and heavy, you can always remove stumps with the use of the right equipment. If you do not have the time to do so, then just give a call and hire a tree stump removal company.
But before you look for a tree surgeon near you, let’s take a look at the right way of removing tree stumps. From digging to cutting to removing, these techniques can be used regardless of the size of the stump.
Removing Tree Stumps Facts
In case you are not interested in removing tree stumps, then you need to understand why there this process is necessary. For starters, if you leave stumps in the ground after felling, they can lead to a deluge of problems. A common one is where suckering tends to introduce new shoots, most of which can rise from the roots and trunks. If you have a completely dead tree stump, it can serve as a host of many root diseases, with honey fungus being the most infamous one. Considering the consequences of not removing a tree stump, it is only imperative that you do not leave it.
When You Should Remove a Stump?
Interestingly, you have every opportunity to remove a tree stump, especially since it can always be removed physically. But if you want to the most convenient route, which is often the ideal way to go, you can always hire a tree surgeon. Basically, he will be responsible for removing a stump after it fells the tree. Sure, it can cost you a bit of money, but it is your most convenient option (not to mention the fact that the process can be quick).
If you do not see hiring a tree surgeon to be an option, you can always go with chemical stump killers. Just make sure to apply them to the freshly cut wood. Applying these killers immediately after felling will give you the best outcome. If not, there is a need for you to recut prior to applying the product.
How to Remove a Stump?
Now that you have an idea of how important removing a stump is, it is time to learn how to actually remove one. Here are some proven methods to keep in mind:
Physically Removing Stumps
This is without a doubt the most ideal solution. Your best course of action is to always remove the trump entirely. However, if doing so is not really plausible, you can go with alternative methods to get the best results. For smaller trees, a winch should be enough to pull the stump. If you are unsure of what to do, it is ideal to hire gardeners as they have the knowledge on how to use a winch properly.
You can also a mechanical mini-excavator if grubbing the stump out by hand is not possible. This machine should be more than enough to remove the stump completely. If you want to make the process much easier, make sure to cut down the tree first. That way, a significant length of the trunk is present and can even give you the leverage in removing the stump.
Using Stump Killers
Stump and/or root killers have become a popular item in the market. All of them are known for containing glyphosate or triclopyr. When applying stump killers, you should always remember to always follow the instructions the manufacturer has mentioned. This could mean drilling holes around the living edge of the stump or cutting the surface of the stump before application.
Also, you cannot just apply stump killers any time you prefer. The best times are autumn and winter. You should avoid treatment during spring or early summer because these are the times when the sap tends to rise. If you move forward with a weedkiller, remember to only apply this to a fresh stump. That is because live tissue is essential for its uptake. If the stump appears to be only a few days or weeks old, simply cut the top off in order to expose the live tissue. This is when you will finally apply the treatment to get the best outcome.