Cutting a tree down is simple compared to removing the stump left behind and there’s more to the removal of a tree stump than you might think. The cost of stump removal isn’t usually included in the cost to remove the tree. This is the reason that many homeowners have tree stumps on their property. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to leave a stump behind after you remove a tree. Tree stumps can attract pests and no one wants to look at a stump sticking out of the ground. They’re even uglier when weeds and branches start to grow around them. Plus they take up space that can be used for other things. Most people want as much room in their yards as possible and a tree stump will just get in the way. Tree stumps can be dangerous. Some can stand out but others can be hidden by grass and weeds and can be tripping hazards.

Ways to Remove a Tree Stump

Method 1-Remove the stump by hand. This is easier with smaller stumps, trees stumps that are older or from a tree that was diseased. You’ll need a chainsaw or limbing saw, a pick mattock, a shovel, a diffing bar, an ax, a 4WD vehicle and a chain. You’ll need to remove as much of the stump as possible first but leave enough so you’ll have leverage. Use the shovel, pick mattock or digging bar to expose the roots and cut the major roots with an ax. If the stump won’t budge with pushing it, you can put the chain around it and connect it to the 4WD. Alternate between reversing and pulling forward to dislodge the stump until it’s uprooted.
Method 2-Tree stump killer/chemical stump removal. If you prefer to avoid manual labor, you can go the chemical route. You will need a chainsaw, a drill, potassium nitrate and an ax. Use the chainsaw to remove as much of the stump as possible. Use the drill to drill holes with 1- inch diameters into the stump. Try and get the holes 8-12 inches deep and pour the potassium nitrate into the holes, followed by water till the holes are full. Leave it for four to six weeks so the stump becomes very spongy. You can then take the ax to break the stump up.
Method 3-Burning the tree stump. This as another option to get rid of a tree stump. Use a drill to make a hole in the center of the stump that is about eight to ten inches deep and clean all the debris away. Drill more holes and put the potassium nitrate into the holes followed by hot water. Keep pouring the water into the holes until the potassium nitrate dissolves. Take the debris you cleaned up and place it on top of the stump and light it and wait for the stump to begin burning. Afterwards you can use a shovel to break up larger roots or stump pieces left behind. Then you can fill the hole with dirt.

Tree Stump Removal in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville & Hampton as well as Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties in Central Georgia

Some tree stumps will be easier to remove than others and will require different techniques and tools. Think about the time, effort and cost to rent tools to remove it yourself. The best option is to leave it to the tree removal experts at Milam’s Tree Services. Contact us today!