Removing Old Tree Stumps in Your Landscape

Cutting down a tree is easy. The hard part comes when you have to remove tree stumps in your yard. You must understand that removing tree stumps is important to avoid the possibility of growing new shoots from the roots and trunk. Meanwhile, even though they are dead, you still have to remove old tree stumps since they can become hosts to fungi. Lastly, they make your garden look unattractive.

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How to remove old tree stumps

Those who have done this always say that removing tree stumps is not an easy task. For instance, during the old days, the farmers used their horses or oxen to pull out the remains of trees. But where can you get oxen these days if you live in the city? Well, here are some ways to remove old tree stumps without the need for farm animals:

1.   Dig it out.

While not the easiest, this is the simplest method of removing old tree stumps. You only need a shovel to dig a perimeter around the stump. The goal is to expose the tree’s roots because they are the ones that hold the stump in the ground. When the roots are already uncovered, use a saw or axe to cut them.

2.   Burn the stump.

Make sure that you have enough space around the stump so you won’t burn the neighboring plants or grass. Put several sticks on top of the tree then pour some lighter fluid over the old tree and set it on fire. Burning can be an effective way to get rid of stumps but it can be time consuming. For instance, small stumps can take 6 to 12 hours to completely burn. Thus, the larger ones can burn for over 24 hours. It is also important not to leave a burning stump unattended.

3.   Use stump killers.

If you don’t like manual labor, there are stump and root killers available on the market to help you get rid of the remains of your old tree. When using them, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Autumn and winter are usually the best times to apply stump killers.

When all else fails, seek professional help. Removing old tree stumps requires work so if you think this is too big a job you can always hire a professional to do it. Professionals who engage in tree service removal have both the tools and expertise necessary to properly remove old tree stumps. Sometimes, you think that you have removed everything already but there are times when owners tend to leave parts of the root structure behind. Professional landscaping and tree removal companies will remove all the remains of your old tree, including its roots structure.

Written by Robert Thompson, owner of LC Lawncare & Landscaping, where they are one of the best companies for tree service in Columbia, MO.