Stump Removal?

[ozarkshillbilly]

Howdy Folks! Does anyone know a home remedy to remove a tree stump without using harsh chemicals or expensive machinery? Seems when I was a kid I remember an elderly neighbor who knew of a process that was quite successful. Sadly, I didn't pay close enough attention to this wise ole fellow to remember it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time. :)

[PhilosopherStorm]

Well this may fall under the "expensive machinery" category, but in the past I have use stump grinders which can be rented from most equipment rental places. One of the methods I use to reduce costs of any rental equipment is to share it with neighbors, friends, and family members. So for instance when I rent a pressure washer, I usually get three uses: 1. The job for which it is originally intended. 2. My own home, car and other personal uses 3. At least one friend, neighbor, etc. So the cost is only a third what it would otherwise be. Also, if you have several stumps a day's rental is cheap per stump..

I believe that the last time I rented one it was right around $50 for a day.

[bunch]

You might try burning it out . Pile dry wood an brush around and over it and burning it . This will work best on a stump that has been dead a few years and will proably take more than one burning . I have heard you can also use charcoal to do this but have not tried it . Good Luck

[jammar9082]

I am going to use a method that I have read about but have not tried it myself. I have three stumps that are now too green to burn.

A stove is essentially made to cover the stump and maintain a fire. A gas water heater case should work as it already has an opening in the top to fit a metal pipe flue into to maintain a draft of fresh air. If using an electric water heater case then a hole must be cut into the top for the flue. The case is set on bricks to permit fresh air to enter at the bottom of the case to feed the fire. If bricks are not available then openings can be cut in the bottom edge of the case. Build a small fire on the stump and place the "stove" over the fire and stump. Place a heavy weight on top of the stove to prevent it falling over. Be careful with the fire and the possibility of it getting out of control. I think this burning is a winter project with snow on the ground for safety purposes and better yet constant monitoring with a water hose to be safe.

[drobinson]

If you have a while to wait, try boring large holes (i"+) into the top of the stump and then fill the holes with compost or soil. This allows the rotting microbes from the compost or soil to access an enlarged area of the stump wood and hasten the decaying process. My father used to say that drilling holes into the stump and filling them with salt-peter would work, but I have no experience with that and it sounds like the salt-peter would not be good for the soil left after the stump is gone.
The stump grinder idea mentioned by another is the quickest way. If you have a chain saw and are skilled, you could hollow out the center of the stump, fill it with soil and plant flowers....... (smile!)

[basicsunchild]

Drill holes in the stump big enough to drop in pennies or coppier wire. The copper speeds up the decomposition process. In a short while, and for just a few cents, the stump will begin to deteriorate and you can rake it away.

[Okie]

I have taken a metal bucket that had the bottom rusted out and placed it over the stump, soaked the stump in charcoal lighter fluid, then just kept adding the tree limbs and brush from the tree as the fire burned down. Seemed to work ok for me, at least on the dead tree I was dealing with.

[sweetersappe]

We have managed to burn off some pretty big stumps by digging out around them, then rinsing some of the dirt off of the roots with the garden hose. Then you let it dry for a week or so and build a fire that can get under the stump. It burns a lot quicker and when it's gone, you can smooth out the ground so you can't even tell there was a stump.

[Pharmerphil]

If you are to burn it, go with sweetersappe's method, tried it, and the others mentioned, and it works the best, or the next easiest is pay the 50 bucks, and generate some wood chips for mulch.

[Cliff Timmons]

I normally get rid of stumps by mowing over them with my brush-hog. Not on purpose, but you know,.... :mad:

I've done the same as some of you by digging out around the stump and then placing charcoal in there and letting it slowly burn away.

[landscapepro]

for anyone else that comes across this posting, I just found a site that lists a bunch of stump removal methods with descriptions of each. I found it pretty helpful.

http://knowledge-nuggets.com/the-ultimate-stump-removal-guide/

[SpaceAge]

...you guys are all out of your minds !

you NEED THIS !

http://us.cdn2.123rf.com/168nwm/dkapp12/dkapp120606/dkapp12060600179.jpg:eek::eek::eek:

[Pepper]

drill hole (1 inch) drop copper wire pcs in (no coating on the wire ) put rock salt in, keep damp keep adding salt as needed if they have large roots do same thing to them about 6 months later (Depending on size) it should pop right out with a little help!;)

[ovenbird]

I know a gal who spent her youth helping an uncle remove stumps by the following method: Drill a hole diagonally under the stump. Carefully place two sticks of dynamite in the hole with plenty of cable connected to the blasting cap plunger box. Stand far off, press plunger and cover ears.

I am NOT recommending this method! LOL

[Denninmi]

I love stumps. Just let them be, unless they MUST be removed because they're where a driveway is going, that sort of thing. Then, plant the appropriate type of mushrooms in them, turn them into benches, hollow out the top and plant hens and chicks and sedums in them, that sort of thing.

[AcidRain23]

Then, (and I know this sound sophmoric, but it really is fun!) there is the Game of Stump!

Stump is an American drinking game played with a hammer, nails, a tree stump, and beer. The exact place of origin is vague, but evidence suggests it was invented somewhere in the northeastern US, probably Maine.[1]The game is common in northern Maine and New Hampshire. The game is likely a derivative of Hammerschlagen.

Equipment
1 Hammer
1 Tree stump or flat portion of tree trunk
1 nail per player, at least 2.5" (7 cm) long
Beer

http://www.worldstump.com/clipart/asahistump.jpg

Preparation
One person should be designated to prepare the stump for play. After the first game, it is common for the winner to assume the honor of preparing the stump for the next game.
To prepare the stump, determine how many players (or teams) will participate in the game. One nail should be hammered into the top surface of the stump for each player. The nails should be hammered into the stump straight and as little as possible, however, they should be far enough in that they are sturdy and will not fling out if they are hit at an angle (usually an inch or so will do). The nails should be spread evenly in a circle around the surface of the stump.
Each player "claims" a nail by placing his or her finger on the nail. This will be his/her nail for the duration of the game. It is generally understood that people will claim the nail directly in front of them, though this does not necessarily have to be the case.
Each player must have a beer (can, bottle, cup, or other suitable container containing beer) on his or her person (defined as being supported entirely by said person and their clothing, not by any other objects) at all times. The only exception to this rule is during Home Improvement (see Rules of Play), when a player can legally put his or her beer down until Home Improvement is completed.
The seasoned veteran may choose to light the stump on fire before play. A crowd favorite.

[edit] Rules of Play
The winner is the last player whose nail remains standing.


Basic hammer toss.Each player, in turn, shall toss the hammer such that it makes at least one full 360-degree rotation before he touches it again. The player shall not be allowed more than one toss per turn for any reason (unless it is part of a Trick - see Rule 3).
Once the hammer is caught the player shall attempt to bring it down immediately and without hesitation upon an opponent's nail, driving it into the stump. Any attempt at "cocking" or "aiming" the hammer shall be considered foul play and subject to criticism.
The standard toss is a back flip, such that the hammer flips claw first. However, all non-standard tosses are acceptable and encouraged, provided the toss does not violate Rules 1 or 2. Non-standard tosses are often referred to as "Tricks". If the Trick includes a double toss, it must remain a continuous motion and should not be an attempt to gain better control after a sub-par first toss. Attempting Tricks is considered to add general excitement to the game, and if successful, carries with it the potential for increased penalties for opponents (see Rule 4).
If a player succeeds in striking an opponent's nail, and the nail becomes visibly shorter or bent, that opponent shall sip from his beer an amount proportionate to the damage inflicted, with additional amounts consumed for any showmanship or Tricks displayed in the toss and catch (see Rule 3), in which case the number of sips should be a direct reflection of the victim's respect for the Trick or showmanship.
If any player sees sparks resulting from the hammer striking a nail, it is a Social. Every player must take a sip from his own beer. The common announcement one makes when he sees sparks is "Sparks!"
If a player drops the hammer during the toss, the player must then take a sip from his own beer.
If a player drops the hammer during the toss, and the hammer comes to rest directly on top of the stump, the person in the direction the handle of the hammer is pointing must chug his entire beer. The toss is still considered a Spazz, and the player who tossed must take a sip from his own beer.
If a player's nail should become bent during the game, he may, during his turn only, choose to fix his own nail. This process is called "Home Improvement". The player can take as long as he likes to fix the nail to his satisfaction, though his efforts are subject to comment by the other players. It is considered honorable to ensure that the nail is straight and in a position to be hit cleanly. During Home Improvement, it is generally expected that all other players will place a foot on the stump for stability. "Home Improvement" is often not recognized as a legitimate rule.
A player is eliminated from the game (and thereby takes no more turns) once any part of the head of his nail passes below the level of the surface of the stump (including bending over the edge of the stump without actually entering it). A generally accepted test of whether a player is still active is whether one can pass a fingernail underneath the head of the nail without obstruction. Any obstruction of free movement shall result in the player being deemed inactive.
Should a player's nail bend such that the head passes below the surface of the stump, thereby eliminating the player, this player can be resurrected if another player strikes the nail, regardless of intent, in such a way that the head of the nail emerges from the surface of the stump. The resurrected player will re-enter the game in the same rotation pattern as before elimination.
Inactive players should continue to comply with Rules 5 and 8.


See also: http://www.worldstump.com/about.html