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Removing Stumps - small tree/large bush

I have a tree stump that needs removing. I've cut it back myselfso far from small tree bush

There are small four trunks forming the stump. 3 of these are about 2 inches in diameter, the 4th and largest about 3 inches in diameter.They are between 4 to 5 inches in height.

Should I cut back to ground level,then cut the roots with a chain saw and try to leveredge the roots out with an an iron bar ?

I know using a winch may be helpfull as well but I don't have one and would have to rent one.

I have tobe carefull not to damage the garden walls which are only a foot or two away from the main roots

I could also hire a tree surgeon and get it done all in one go too !!!

 

 

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  • PRO

    Just done a job like this.  Removed two ancient Lilacs, cut to the ground with a reciprocating saw..  One tree was growing in the corner of two dry stone walls, access from one side only, with a pond on the other side, about 2-3 ft of space.  Pondered the task for quite a while.  Got a Roughneck hole digger, with the chisel head, managed to chop through 2" roots, and lever the root mass away from the walls.

    The leverage was awesome, as usual wish I bought one years ago

    Got it from Screwfix which was the cheapest option, 17lb Post Hole digger, cost £37.49 last weekend

    Roughneck 17lb Post-Hole Digger
    Order online at Screwfix.com. 17lb (7.7kg). Hardened and tempered, drop-forged alloy steel. Tamper head and chisel point. Polished tip. FREE next day…
    • I bought a similar one a while back and it was great digging up the laurel with it's roots etc.

      But this tree with it's roots is a tough bugger to get through,it's a bit "elasticy " when I try and cut with the post hole digger. I was pretty knackered when I attempted to do this at the end of a hot day.

  • PRO

    Doesnt sound that big.. Dig round it, expose the roots and use a mattock or big cheap axe to just blast through the roots.  Find it better to leave about 2 ft of stump to whack / pull / heave etc when you've got the surrounding roots cut through.  Long crowbar or that tool already linked also quite useful for levering and digging...

     

  • You'll make a right mess of your chainsaw, chain will be really blunt and it will wear the guide bar - just because of the soil particles.

    I'd give that a miss and dig around the roots as others have said, maybe a small pruning saw will go through them easily?

  • PRO

    There are a few You Tube videos of taking out stumps with a high lift jack. It has worked for me a few times but I'm not sure you'll have enough stump left for the chain to grip.

  • PRO

    mattock and digging bar are my tools of choice when it comes to stumps, i also have a 5ft pry bar and a 1/4 sleeper for leverage, bloody hard work but works everytime.

  • as PG says easier if there is 2-3 ft to pull at above ground i dig round the root with a spit and cut the roots with a axe and a old pruning saw and loppers till you can start getting unserneath to the tap root DO NOT use a chain saw in the ground it is dangerous and could cause you searious harm never mind the damage it will do to it 

  • PRO

    sharp axe and post hole spade for me every time and dig a good 18inch from stump to start with,

    you will want to take out that 18inch in size from the top roots which will give plenty of room to access the lower root system of the stump, i also would say to leave 6ft of the trunk inplace so you have a lot more leverage to push against but you have already taken it down low so your going to need a good solid bar as well

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