Introduction: Removing an old tree stump from your yard can be a challenging task, especially without professional help or heavy machinery. In this guide, we explore various cost-effective methods to remove tree stumps, including manual digging, stump grinders, chemical stump removers, and a unique DIY approach that involves burning the stump. We also cover the necessary precautions and steps to ensure a safe and effective process.
Removing Tree Stumps the Cost-Effective Way
The most straightforward methods of removing tree stumps involve manual digging, using a stump grinder, or applying chemical stump removers. These methods can be effective but often come with associated costs or the need for specialized equipment.
Why Not Hire a Professional?
While hiring a tree stump removal professional is an option, it can be expensive. However, if you enjoy working with machinery and rough labor, you can save significant money by renting a stump grinder and doing the job yourself. Plus, you can explore the most economical method, which involves burning the stump.
Burning Tree Stumps Safely and Effectively
Burning a tree stump can be a viable and cost-effective option, but it requires careful planning and safety precautions. Before you begin, make sure you are in compliance with all local and state laws and regulations.
Materials and Preparation
To prepare for burning the stump, you will need:
Five or six eight-inch cinderblocks Metal sheeting (such as an old car hood) Digging tools (such as a shovel) Fuel (firewood or scrap wood) An old fan (window or other portable fan) Extension cord (if needed)Step-by-Step Guide
1. Organize Your Tools
In a line close to the stump, place three or four cinderblocks on each side, ensuring the lines are parallel. Place the metal sheeting supported by the blocks on each side, with an old car hood being ideal for this task.
2. Expose the Stump
Go around the stump and expose as much of it as you can, being careful not to dig too deeply.
3. Prepare the Fire
Pile some firewood on one side of the stump and light it. Place the metal sheeting over the fire, resting it on the blocks on each side.
4. Use the Fan to Amplify the Flame
Attach an old window fan to the ground close to the metal sheeting on the side where the fire is. Angle the fan to blow under the sheeting and out the other side, so it generates an airflow from under the sheeting and out the other end. Use an extension cord if necessary, as these fans typically draw only two to three amps and can be up to 150 feet long.
Procedure and Patience
Once everything is in place, it should take about ten to twenty minutes to start the process. You may need to add fuel to the fire a few times, depending on how much wood you have and the stump's size. I'd light the same fire multiple times per evening and let it burn itself out, reducing the stump to about five to six inches below ground level.
Fill the area with soil, add grass seed, and water as necessary to encourage new growth. This process, which takes only a few hours of easy work, can eliminate stumps that would have cost hundreds of dollars to hire professionals to handle.
Important Considerations
This method won't work if there are significant roots above the ground. Only the part of the stump beneath the metal sheeting and between the cinderblocks will be burned down. Be cautious and in compliance with local regulations to avoid any potential safety hazards.
Conclusion
Removing an old tree stump from your yard doesn't have to be a daunting task. By exploring methods like manual digging, stump grinders, chemical stump removers, and the DIY burning technique, you can find the most suitable and economical solution. Always prioritize safety and legal compliance to ensure a successful and hazard-free process.