Expert’s Guide To Alternative Stump Removal
Remaining tree stumps can be unsightly and problematic. While you may be relieved to have finally gotten rid of the troublesome tree, the stump left behind can cause just as many issues. However, stump removal is not a simple process and it can take longer than you may like to bring your garden back up to par following tree removal.
Professional tree surgeons like our team at Beechwood Tree Care can offer comprehensive tree removal, site clearance and stump grinding services to keep your garden clear and safe at all times. However, there are some cases where stump grinding is not suitable, meaning you need to search for alternative stump removal methods.
At Beechwood Tree Care, we appreciate that not all properties are the same, and you may not have access to a stump grinder on your land. In this guide, we are exploring alternative stump removal methods to help you get rid of these pesty remnants.
No Stump Grinder? No Problem!
While a stump grinder is the most effective method for stump removal, it is not the only one and there are other ways you can try to clear your landscape.
Some of the most common alternative stump removal methods include:
Manual Removal
Manual stump removal can be an effective solution for small stumps or shallow-rooted trees. It is also a great stump removal alternative for those seeking a more environmentally friendly solution, as no harmful chemicals or specialised tools are needed for this process:
- Use a shovel or mattock to dig around the tree stump and expose as much of the tree roots as possible. Aim to reveal large roots or lateral roots, if you cannot expose large surface areas.
- Once the roots are exposed, cut through them using a pruning saw or bow saw. If the roots are thick, an axe or chainsaw may be required for a precise cut. The aim, whatever the method you use, is to sever the connections between the stump and the surrounding soil so it can be removed.
- Now that these connections have been severed, you should be able to loosen the stump from the ground. Gently rock the stump back and forth to loosen it. Steps one and two may need to be repeated at this stage to help sever more ties.
- Once the tree stump is loose enough, lift it out of the ground. This may not be a one-man job, based on the size and weight of the tree stump.
- Fill the remaining hole with soil to level it.
While manual stump removal can be an effective solution in some cases, it is important to remember that it is time-consuming and labour-intensive so may not be suitable for everyone.
Chemical Stump Removal
If you are dealing with larger stumps or those with deeply entrenched roots, chemical treatments may be the best alternative stump removal method. Chemicals can help speed up the decomposition process, killing off the stump and making it easier to dig out.
While there are many chemical treatments out there, a great alternative for stump removal that is easily accessible and environmentally friendly is Epsom salt:
- Use a drill with a long bit to create holes in the top of the tree stump and along the sides, leaving between 10 to 20 mm between each hole. Using the long bit allows you to make deep holes and you should aim for as deep as possible to ensure complete penetration of the chemicals.
- Pour Epsom salt, or your chosen chemical, into the holes until they are full. If you are using salt and want to ensure results, you can also create a mixture of the Epsom salt and water which can be poured over the stump to cover it completely.
- The solution needs to be left to work for several weeks to a month (although the time may vary based on the chemicals you choose), so cover up the tree stump with a tarp or similar heavy-duty, waterproof material to prevent rainwater from getting in.
- Once the stump has become soft and crumbly from the salt, you can begin the removal process by breaking down the stump and cutting out the roots.
Epsom salt is a great alternative stump removal method, as long as you can leave the salt to do its work over several weeks or months. The time will vary based on the size of the stump and the climate, but over this time the Epsom salt should dry out the stump and accelerate the decay so it will be easy to remove.
This can be an effective process for large stumps that do not require as much labour as other alternative stump removal methods. However, this is not the right method for those seeking quick results as it can take weeks or months for the salt to have the right effect. Although chemicals can be used for faster removal, these too will require patience.
When To Call The Experts For Stump Removal
Although there are some effective alternative stump removal methods, they are not always suitable for your needs. Each of the methods highlighted in this guide comes with some serious considerations and may not always deliver the results you want even following all the work required.
Luckily, professionals like Beechwood Tree Care are here to offer an effective stump removal solution. We provide a comprehensive stump grinding service which can be tailored to suit all landscapes and tree stumps, delivering the results you want without the time and energy required of these alternative methods.
Hiring professionals like us is the best solution if you are dealing with large stumps or those with deep root systems, as we have streamlined the process and rely on professional skills to get it done right.
How To Prevent Stumps From Becoming A Problem
In most cases, prevention is better than the cure and this is also true for stump removal. Preventing stumps across your land in the first place is the best way to deal with this issue, and this starts with the tree removal process.
If you are planning to remove trees from your land or garden, professional tree surgeons are the best solution for this. Hiring professional tree surgeons for tree removal not only ensures an effective and timely removal of trees, but it will also prevents stumps from being an issue.
At Beechwood Tree Care, we also offer stump removal and grinding which can be performed at the same time as tree removal to deliver a comprehensive solution. We can also offer site clearance, to leave your landscape better than we found it.
Handling stumps at the root of the issue is the best method and a surefire way to keep your garden safe, attractive, and healthy.
Conclusion
Stump grinding is the most effective method to remove pesky tree stumps from your landscape. Following tree removal, stumps may be left behind and continue to be an eyesore or tripping hazard in your landscape – which is why removal is so important.
However, while stump grinding is not the only method it is the most effective in many cases. Alternative stump removal, such as chemical removal or burning, is not always suitable for all tree stumps and can leave you with remnants that you don’t want.
Working with professionals like Beechwood Tree Care is the best method for tree and stump removal, as we offer a comprehensive service to keep your landscape in prime condition at all times.
Contact Us Today
For our professional stump removal services or to learn more about what we do, please contact the team today.
