How to remove small stumps

[Pizpoppa]

One of my customers has recently asked me to remove a stump she has in her property; and before telling her yes or no, or referring her to a real tree removal place (not really worth it though because its 1 small stump) I thought I would ask any of you if there is an easy and/or convential way of doing it? Thanks.

[thelawnguy]

How small is small? Under 12 inches get out there with grub shovel and prybar and make short work of it, if its any bigger better off paying someone 50-100 to grind it then tack on a bit for your expertise and send the bill.

[Ssouth]

Pick, axe, and 6' prybar. One hour and lots of sweat. If it's located close enough put a chain around it and pull it out with your truck.

[mdb landscaping]

if theres still a stem on it, we just hook it up to the trailer hitch with a chain and yank it right out. if its not visible, use a pick and cutters

[CCLC]

If it is under 12" I would get someone to dig it out. Pick, shovels, axe. If it is over 12" hire it out.

[lx665]

Another idea is to rent a stump grinder. Most rental shops will rent them for a half day. The half day cost in Va. is $75.00.

[Mowman]

My rental place rents a small stump grinder. I think it's like $25.00 for 4 hours. Small enough to throw in the back of the truck. It has a 5.5 Honda engine. If you don't want to rent something then you'll have to work your BUTT off with a axe or something else.
Good Luck,
Mowman

[rdh]

i have a cordless dewalt saws all ,works good if you want to just put them a few inches be low the ground so you can mow with out hitting one ,


i all so like it to remove buches and stuff out of the fences.

[Currier]

I just finishes tearing some stumps out a few weeks ago. Miserable work...but if you only have one and it is not huge, you may only need to break half your back getting it out.

One thing to think about (I love to worry) Are there any utility lines that could get caught up in pulling the stump from the ground?

For some of the stumps I just did I hooked a cable
come-a-long around the stump and cranked it up. Then it was mainly a matter of axing/chainsawing/somehow cutting away at the base until it popped out. The best advice I can give...Use the RIGHT TOOL for the job!...usually your back is not the right tool:)

[dmk395]

Real Simple, just get a chain and wrap it around the base of it after digging a little around it, then just hook it to your truck. All done, 5 minutes.

[mowerman90]

I don't want to get anyone in trouble but, do you know how farmers remove tree stumps? If it's out in the country and not near anyone elses property, a little amonium nitrate, a little diesel fuel and BOOM! No more tree stump.

[Vibe Ray]

For those of you saying to use your truck....won't this tear up their lawn???

[syzer]

I would recommend a stump grinder, easiest most efficient way of doing it. You can rent a small one and make easy work of it!



Chris
Precision Landscaping.

[plow kid]

Originally posted by Vibe Ray
For those of you saying to use your truck....won't this tear up their lawn???
put it in 4-low and drive off slowley, most times when all the slack comes out of the chain it jerks the stump and she will pop right out

[MJ]

Vibe Ray, yes, it'll tear up your lawn and your truck too. Especially if you get a running start. I tore the rear bumper clear off an S10 that way. I tried taking up slack and using 4Low with the Dodge on another stump. Finally got it, but probably didn't do the tranmission, transfer, rear end etc any good. Best bet would be a stump grinder.

Mick

[Greenkeepers]

Dynamite!!!!!!!!!!

For just one and I was worrying about the lawn then I would just dig it out by hand.

[MJ]

Isn't dynamite illegal? Also, too dangerous around the house or family.

Mick

[gene gls]

In Massachusetts you are required to carry stump grinding insurance to use a grinder,even if you only rent one. Save your truck and your back and hire some one with a grinder. Around here the rate is $2.00 for each inch in diamiter.

Gene

[Trimline]

Pizpoppa,

I wish you would tell us how big the stump is, and where it is located, so we could help you better. How much is left, is it near any big trees or asphalt?