Why Should You Remove A Tree Stump?
Growing or fully grown trees are always a positive asset to the decor of your lawn. Tree stumps, however, add the opposite effect. Regardless of why you had to remove a tree, you are left with the stump and have two options: remove it or wait patiently for the tree to start growing again. Essentially, the job isn’t finished until the tree stump has been removed.
Tree stumps are more than just unsightly to your lawn. They are hazardous, able to attract insects, cause surrounding tree growth, take up valuable yard space, and an overall a pain to maneuver around. Tree stumps can also cause serious and expensive plumbing problems in the future when not dealt with accordingly.
In addition, tree stumps can be obvious or hidden amongst the grass which can be a catalyst to injuries, especially for small children. It would be even worse if a neighbor, friend, or outsider trips on the tree stump as it is a liability that will fall into your hands. Tree stumps also have the power to cause a significant amount of damage to your lawn mower. While tree stump roots are not strong enough to penetrate underground or sewer pipes, the root expansion process can be easily sped up if there is a leak. This will lead to paved surfaces being penetrated through.
When a tree stump is left as is, it will take quite some time to rot away completely. As the stump decays, it will ultimately attract beetles, ants, termites, and other pests that can cause an issue to your lawn. Keep in mind that you may not mind them being in your garden, but they can eventually spread closer and closer to your home.
Tree stumps may contribute to new sprouts growing in the surrounding area. As such, this can also be unsightly to your landscape. When left long enough, this can become quite costly to remove because the sprouts can keep growing back which leads to the need for chemical usage. These small sprouts also steal nutrients from other trees nearby and spread diseases.
If you don’t have a spacious yard, tree stumps, and tree roots can take up a significant amount of space that prevents you from doing any landscaping to your yard. Lastly, tree stumps are a frustrating obstacle to maneuver around when weeding or mowing your lawn.
Okay, so we can all agree that tree stumps can be a nuisance and an eyesore. If you are currently considering removing one, it is recommended to speak with an expert to analyze how the removal can be conducted and if it can impact your home plumbing.
Contact A Local Hy-Pro PlumberHow Can Tree Stumps Affect Your Plumbing?
By not eliminating your tree stump, you are keeping its roots safe and healthy which puts your drainage system in a bad position. Roots naturally gravitate toward pipelines and sewer lines as they provide the essentials for a great breeding ground of water, nutrients, and oxygen that roots crave. When a root finds a leak, it will quickly grow into the pipes which will lead to blockages and other serious plumbing issues for homeowners.
Tree roots have the ability to fill your pipelines with multiple hair-like root masses at each point of entry. These root masses can quickly become saturated with grease, toilet paper, or other debris that flow from homes to the main sewer.
If left unattended, tree roots will continue to grow and expand, exerting pressure on your pipelines at the crack or joint. This increased pressure will ultimately break your pipes and result in total collapse.
Remove your tree stumps as soon as possible. Tree roots grow fast and cause more danger than you may have initially thought. Before the problem becomes too large and too costly, know and be considering your options for tree stump removal. If you have a question, contact Hyp-Pro Plumbing & Drain Cleaning to speak with a tree root removal specialist.
How Can You Manually Remove A Tree Stump?
Removing a tree stump is not an easy task. However, some can be easier to remove than others. As such, different techniques can be applied. By doing a little bit of research and being prepared ahead of time can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. For example, the older the stump is, the easier it will be to remove. Pine tree stumps also fall into this category when compared to its deciduous stump counterpart. Roots of pine trees tend to be flat, wide, and relatively shallow while deciduous tree stumps are long and deep. Smaller tree stumps are also easier to remove than larger ones.
Before choosing a stump removal method, consider the total number of tree stumps that have to be removed. Do you want to remove five tree stumps by hand? Maybe you don’t want to even remove two or three. Here is a simple guide to help you in your tree stump removal decisions. Keep in mind that all of these options have their disadvantages and advantages with the biggest disadvantage being unaware of your surroundings. Always be cautious of the equipment you are working or planning on working with and ensure that you know how to use it and what is necessary to protect yourself.
Grind The Tree Stump Away
Renting a grinder can be costly. These heavy-duty machines weigh approximately 1000 pounds and cost roughly $100 to $200 to rent one for a few hours. In addition to the grinder, you will need a shovel, mattock, chainsaw, and a rake.
First, you will need to use the shovel to clear away surrounding rocks. Then, cut away as much of the stump as possible using the chainsaw. Try to get it as close to the ground as possible. Following that, you will use the hydraulic lever and raise the grinder wheel a couple of inches above the stump. Once it is turned on, you will lower it roughly three inches into the stump then move it side to side. After grinding down to about four inches with the grinder wheel proceed to move it forward. This last process is repeated until the entire stump is at least four inches below the ground.
Always wear protective gear! A stump grinder is a dangerous piece of equipment that you should always be carrying out with extreme caution. Wear protective goggles or glasses to reduce the chances of debris flying into the eyes. If you have never used a stump grinder before, have an expert, show you first before renting the equipment out.
Remove The Tree Stump By Hand
Removing a tree stump by hand is done best when the stump is small or if the stump is relatively older or diseased. To remove a tree stump completely by hand, you will need a chainsaw, a shovel, a digging bar, a pick mattock, an axe, a four-wheel-drive-truck, and some chain.
First, use a chainsaw to remove any excess branches or debris that is on or surrounding the stump. Remove a significant amount of the top portion of the trunk but leave enough to use as leverage. Use the shovel, digging bar, or pick mattock to reveal the roots around the stump. Use a hose or power washer to reveal more roots if needed. The major roots can be removed with the axe. Try pushing the trunk and if more roots are exposed, cut them with the axe. Continue pushing until the stump is entirely uprooted. If the stump refuses to budge, connect it to the truck with the chain and pull it up slowly, occasionally wiggling the stump until it is uprooted.
Chemical Stump Removal
Removing a stump chemically is great if you are not in a big rush as it takes a couple of weeks for results to show. The chemical method is a largely hands-off approach, so it appeals greatly to those who do not want to exert much effort or costly equipment required that is usually required to remove a stump. To remove a stump chemically, you will need a drill, potassium nitrate, an axe, fuel oil or kerosene, and a chainsaw.
First, remove as much of the stump as possible with a chainsaw. Next, drill one-inch holes around the stump which you will then move inward by approximately 3-4 inches and drill more holes. Depending on the size of the stump, these holes should be between 8-12 inches deep. Drill additional holes around the sides so they create a 45-degree angle with the other holes. Next, pour a decent amount of potassium nitrate into the holes. Fill the holes with water, and your stump should become spongy four to six weeks later. Lastly, use the axe to break up the spongy stump.
Two optional methods you can use instead of the axe is to saturate the stump with fuel oil or kerosene and let it sit for another week or so. Or, ignite the stump and let it burn until it is completely gone.
Keep in mind that most chemical stump removal products are powders but are often marketed as containing fine granules. Granules are preferred to its liquid counterpart because the former is easier to apply. Liquids also evaporate over time which makes them less efficient or effective.
If you have never purchased chemical stump removal products before, there are three top products that are most recommended:
- Bromide Stump-Out
- Spectracide
- Tordon RTU
There are no chemical removal products that are eco-friendly. The most economically friendly way to remove a stump is by using a stump grinder or removing it by hand. If you aren’t sure, always consult with a professional for safety.
Burn Your Tree Stump
Instead of investing in methods that can hurt your back and wallet, you have an option of burning your tree stump. Before you get started, however, it is a good idea to consult with your local fire department and never burn your stump during a burn or fire ban. To remove your tree stump with this method, you will need a drill with a one-inch spade bit or other wood boring bit, an 8-10 inch extender for the bit. You will also need potassium nitrate or saltpeter, a plastic scoop or garden trowel, a bucket of hot water, a cup with a spout or a funnel, pieces of dry scrap wood, matches, and a shovel.
First, drill a hole into the center of the stump about 8-10 inches deep. Then, clean out all of the debris from the hole. Continue drilling holes but leave one inch between each hole. Pour some potassium nitrate first and then hot water into each hole. Until the potassium nitrate has completely dissolved, continue pouring hot water. Place the small scrap pieces of wood on top of the stump and light it up. After the fire has consumed your stump, use your shovel to break up any large roots or stump pieces that are left over. Lastly, fill the now empty hole with soil.
Rot Your Tree Stump
Similar to the method of burning your tree stump, you also have the option of decomposing your tree stump away. For this removal procedure, you will need everything you need in the fire removal method minus the matches and pieces of scrap wood.
First, you will need to drill holes into the stump using the spade bit and extender. Holes should be roughly 8-10 inches deep and drilled at 30-degree angle. Next, use the plastic scoop or trowel to fill the holes with your high-nitrogen substance. Dip your plastic cup with a spout into the bucket of hot water and pour water into each hole. An alternative method is to insert a funnel into each hole and pour water directly from the bucket. Keep pouring until the nitrogen source has been dissolved. As the stump gradually softens, use your shovel and chip off its pieces. Once the stump has been eliminated, fill the hole with dirt as needed.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional?
There are many ways to manually remove an unwanted tree stump, but having expert involved can provide peace of mind and confidence. The other methods presented all require time, energy, and expertise to be done appropriately and properly. Also, depending on how many tree stumps you want to remove, you might need to invest more in getting the job done.
It is extremely important to keep your home safe when removing tree stumps. By hiring a professional, you are ensuring that not only your home is protected from flying debris but also frustrating roots that may have entered your pipelines. You may have the ability to remove the tree stump on your own but do not have the necessary equipment to check or remove its roots. It’s important to give your pipelines a thorough check up once the stump has been removed to prevent unexpected and costly future damages.
Hy-Pro Plumbing professionals also have an insurance cover. You run the risk of injuring yourself if you decide to remove the stump on your own. Sometimes you may believe you have taken all the necessary precautions but have missed an important component. The biggest takeaway of hiring an experienced professional is ensuring the safety of you, your home, and your pipelines. Tree stump removal can be a tough and dangerous task. By hiring a professional, your landscape will look as clean possible.
Experienced professionals are well equipped with all of the necessary equipment and training to protect you, your home and your pipelines. Contact Hy-Pro Plumbing today to get the right advice!
