Tree stumps aren’t the easiest thing to take out of your yard, even if it is the remnants of a dead plant. The roots are still pretty much secured to the ground. Leaving it will cause many problems, mostly if it were in the backyard of a family home. Besides being an eyesore, it can be a safety hazard for kids that run around. That’s why if the house you live in has a stump outback, it is time to take it out.
Methods of Removing a Tree Stump Safely
There are several methods to remove a tree stump.
One of the most controversial ways to go about it is to use chemicals. This way is the least labour-intensive, but it does involve using stump killers, which are generally harmful to the environment and to humans and animals they may be exposed to.
Another way is to burn the stump, which is also not a great solution. This method is less toxic than chemical processes since it involves burning the wood. But depending on the stump’s size, it could cause a smoke storm that could alert the neighbourhood and lead to complaints.
The most labour intensive way is to dig it out, which will be much harder the bigger it is and how thick the wood is. And for this method, you’re going to need some help.
Tools to Remove a Stump
The process of stump removal requires a few tools, including the following:
- Mattock – a hand tool that looks like a pickaxe
- Axe – strong and sturdy enough to hack through the wood
- Digging bar – a lever tool used to remove the stump completely
We have updated modern machinery with large, medium and handheld grinders for the hard to get to areas. Large or small stumps are no problem throughout most of Sydney and surrounds.
Removing a Tree Stump Manually
Using the broad end of your hatchet, dig around the tree stump to loosen the soil up a bit. Remove the loose dirt until you start to see the roots. Keep digging and chopping until you find the taproot. Then, take your axe and chop through the taproot. This process allows you to wiggle the stump out, which could take anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
Big stumps can be removed by sectioning them out. The help of a chainsaw may be what you need to make this process a lot easier. Since the task is challenging to do, it’s best not to do it on your own.
When is the best time to call in a professional?
Some stumps are stuck into the ground and may take you a whole day to remove. These stumps are usually from big trees with thick wood. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t have experience with power tools like chainsaws, it’s best to step back and hand the reins over to an expert.
After the Stump
Once the stump is gone for good, you can start replanting. Note, however, that whatever was planted there before may not grow there again. It’s most likely that you will have to plant new grass seeds in this area. To plant another tree, find another site in your yard where you can grow one.
Conclusion
Removing a tree stump is not only for aesthetic purposes. It is a necessary landscaping step to ensure the safety of people. The creatures and fungus that may accumulate can also post a health risk. The process may seem more complicated than it should be, but it will pay off in the future.
Not everyone has the tools and skills necessary to remove a tree stump. If you’re one of those people, you need a gardening company with quick stump removal services. Northside Tree and Garden Services is a landscaping company and tree management service that can take care of the root of your problems. With a team of expert gardeners, your yard will be in good hands. Contact us today!
