How to Remove Tree Stumps
Dig around the roots., Cut up the roots., Pull out the roots., Remove the stump., Fill in the hole.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Dig around the roots.
Use a shovel to dig next to the stump, exposing the roots underneath the surrounding dirt.
Move around the circumference of the stump and continue digging until you've exposed all of the largest roots around the tree.
Dig deep on either side of the roots to expose them as much as possible.
If the roots seem very large and deep, and it's difficult to completely uncover them, you might want to consider a different root removal method.
The digging method works best when you're able to uncover the roots almost to their tips. -
Step 2: Cut up the roots.
Depending on the size of the roots, use loppers or a root saw to cut them into pieces.
Cut them into manageable pieces and pull what you can out of the ground.
Toss them into a pile as you go, clearing away as much of the root system as possible.
Using an ax to cut the roots is possible, but not recommended because it can shatter dangerously if it strikes a rock, and it will usually end up stuck between roots if they are not completely exposed. , Use a grub hoe to wrench the remaining embedded roots out of the ground to their very tips.
If you need to make more cuts as you go, do so — it will make pulling them out of the ground easier.
Keep going until you've removed all of the major roots, then go back and pull out anything that's left. , After all or most of the roots have been processed, you should be able to easily dislodge the stump.
You may need to use the shovel to dig underneath the stump and cut a few more roots under it before you can get it out.
Now that all the wood has been removed, you can chop it up and add it to your compost pile. , The final step is to fill up the hole with loam or sawdust.
If you fail to do so, the ground around the hole will collapse and you'll have a large dent at that spot in your yard.
As the loam or sawdust settles, the ground will sink in a bit, so you may need to keep adding material to the area every few months before the ground will stay flat. -
Step 3: Pull out the roots.
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Step 4: Remove the stump.
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Step 5: Fill in the hole.
Detailed Guide
Use a shovel to dig next to the stump, exposing the roots underneath the surrounding dirt.
Move around the circumference of the stump and continue digging until you've exposed all of the largest roots around the tree.
Dig deep on either side of the roots to expose them as much as possible.
If the roots seem very large and deep, and it's difficult to completely uncover them, you might want to consider a different root removal method.
The digging method works best when you're able to uncover the roots almost to their tips.
Depending on the size of the roots, use loppers or a root saw to cut them into pieces.
Cut them into manageable pieces and pull what you can out of the ground.
Toss them into a pile as you go, clearing away as much of the root system as possible.
Using an ax to cut the roots is possible, but not recommended because it can shatter dangerously if it strikes a rock, and it will usually end up stuck between roots if they are not completely exposed. , Use a grub hoe to wrench the remaining embedded roots out of the ground to their very tips.
If you need to make more cuts as you go, do so — it will make pulling them out of the ground easier.
Keep going until you've removed all of the major roots, then go back and pull out anything that's left. , After all or most of the roots have been processed, you should be able to easily dislodge the stump.
You may need to use the shovel to dig underneath the stump and cut a few more roots under it before you can get it out.
Now that all the wood has been removed, you can chop it up and add it to your compost pile. , The final step is to fill up the hole with loam or sawdust.
If you fail to do so, the ground around the hole will collapse and you'll have a large dent at that spot in your yard.
As the loam or sawdust settles, the ground will sink in a bit, so you may need to keep adding material to the area every few months before the ground will stay flat.
About the Author
Megan Perry
Megan Perry specializes in lifestyle and practical guides and has been creating helpful content for over 5 years. Megan is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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