These are the easiest methods

the essentials in brief

• There are basically four ways to remove a tree stump: dig it up, treat it with chemicals, treat it biologically or have it removed by a specialist.
• One chainsaw and / or a milling cutter makes mechanical removal considerably easier; roots can be pulled out better with a winch.
• Yeast or compost accelerate the natural decomposition process of the tree stump; Salt can also be used in small amounts.

What methods are suitable for removal?

The most effective solution is to dig up the old stump by hand. Anyone who has neither a mini excavator nor a winch is faced with an arduous task. Trees with shallow roots can be exposed with relatively little effort. If it is deep-rooted such as fir trees, it usually takes several hours. The job will be made a little easier if you just dig up the top of the root system and cut the roots with a chainsaw.

You can invest some money and hire a horticultural company to come up with a stump grinder. But it can also be done without digging. You can use chemistry to effectively kill tree stumps. However, the agents are harmful to the environment and not suitable for use in your own garden. Of course, you can also use biological means to accelerate the rotting process of the tree stump on the spot.

Chemicals

The use of potassium nitrate causes the wood to decompose faster

Potassium nitrate, which is sprinkled into the wood as granules, serves as a decomposition accelerator. The decomposition time can take between three and twelve months, depending on the size of the tree and the type of wood. Compared to natural rotting, chemical agents save a lot of time. Since these products have a negative impact on people and the environment, you should think about alternatives. Children and pets should stay away from the stump after treatment. Damage to health can occur if inhaled.

This is how the remedy is used:

1. Drill holes in the tree stump
2. Sprinkle powder in the holes
3. Watch tree stump
4. if it is soft enough, the wood can be chopped up
5. Repeat application if necessary

Mechanical aids

If you don't have an excavator at hand and want to remove the stump without a grinder, patience and muscle strength are required. Smaller stumps can be removed with manual methods. For large root systems, consider alternatives. After removing the stump from the ground, you should fill the hole with sawdust or clay. The material will settle in the coming weeks, so you will need to add fresh substrate on a regular basis.

Milling machine

Stump grinders are ideal for removing root systems that grow to a depth of 30 centimeters. These can be rented in hardware stores. Stump grinders work hydraulically and shred tree stumps and roots by rotating a knife disc. The device is placed over the tree stump so that the cutting knives gradually mill off the wood and work it into small pieces. Finally, the wood residues are removed. You can use the substrate as a Mulch(€ 239.00 at Amazon *) reuse.

With ax, shovel and jack

This method is only suitable for shallow-rooted trees, as you cannot fully expose the root system of deep-rooted trees. Use a shovel to dig up the large roots and cut them through. Depending on the strength of the roots, you will need an ax, pruning shears or a root saw to cut through.

With a special root hoe, you can tear the underground runners out of the ground more easily. After all of the roots have been severed, you can get the stump out of the hole. It's easier if you place a jack in the middle under the stump and lever it out.

Cable winch or hand cable

With these tools you can easily remove stumps from deeply rooted trees. Again, you need to expose some roots first so that the tree stump loses its hold.

The winch turns around a Tree roots and attached to a stable object. It could be a tree standing nearby. Then the rope is put under tension so that the tree stump moves slowly. Work the stump further with ax and spade. Expose and clip roots until you can pull the root system out of the soil.

Cable pull facts:

• Steel cable with at least one ton of pulling force is necessary
• Cable pulls with a pulling force of two tons are common
• Lever mechanism facilitates operation

high pressure cleaner

A high-pressure cleaner is ideal for exposing roots and comfortably loosening heavily ingrown tree stumps. This method is particularly recommended for large trees with particularly tight roots. However, you will need large amounts of water to wash away the soil. There is also the formation of sludge, which you can then use with a shovel and wheelbarrow need to remove. The Tree trunk get you out of the hole with a winch or jack.

fertilizer

Old stumps are great fertilizer for the soil

Tree stumps are left in the forest so that nature can do its work. Mosses, bacteria and fungi remove the stump naturally. However, this process takes up to ten years. You can help and accelerate the decomposition process with fertilizers. With regular use, the stump will decompose after a year. Drill enough holes in the tree stump and fill them with the appropriate substances.

Suitable fertilizers:

• compost: Microorganisms colonize the wood
• Calcium cyanamide: supplies microorganisms with important nutrients
• yeast: accelerates decomposition and produces heat

Fire

Burning out old root systems only works superficially, because fire requires oxygen and therefore cannot penetrate to the roots. Nevertheless, the tree stump is severely damaged and the underground root remains are gradually decomposed by microorganisms. However, wood residues that are covered with a layer of ash rot badly.

method

Saw several slots in the tree stump to make a recess. Fill the cavity with the sawed-out wood scraps and layer paper between the wood. This way you can light the fire easily. Pay attention to the wind direction and repeat the burnout if necessary so that the stump does not burn on one side. Alternatively, you can arrange larger logs around a higher stump so that it is in the center of the fire.

What you should do without

Do not use the so-called root explosion method, in which mixtures of saltpeter or sodium nitrate and petroleum are burned. The substances cause a smoldering fire. If used incorrectly, kerosene can contaminate the soil. In addition, this method creates a lot of smoke and not only endangers the environment but also health. Alternatives with diesel or fuel paste are also not recommended.

Caution is advised:

• Observe the regulations of the municipality
• do not use fire accelerators
• Pay attention to the surrounding vegetation

Kill with salt

Salt helps kill the tree, but in large quantities it is not good for the soil

If the stump is still alive and tends to sprout, you can kill it with salt. Table salt is unsuitable for this method, as it not only damages the tree stump and its roots, but also endangers the surrounding soil.

Drill holes 8 to 12 inches deep in the stump, making sure they are evenly distributed. Fill the holes with salt and leave some space on top. Then drip candle wax into the hole so that it is sealed. Cover the stump with an opaque plastic sheet so that the stump dies faster.

Suitable salts:

• Rock salt
• Epsom salt
• Epsomit

Ineffective and unsuitable methods

Again and again there are adventurous tricks for removing tree stumps that you should better avoid. Some measures damage the soil and the organisms living in it.

acid

Chemical clubs such as hydrochloric acid are highly hazardous to the environment because they cause protein denaturation and kill microorganisms. Such means not only ensure that the stump is killed, but also prevent future plant growth.

Copper sulfate

Copper sulfate is a substance that is used to kill bacteria and is said to accelerate the rotting process of tree stumps. The duration of action is between three and twelve months. Since copper sulphate has a highly toxic effect on microorganisms and is a major threat to water, it is not advisable to use it in the garden.

Digression

Blue water nails

Copper nail

Copper nails damage the tree stump, but do not ensure that it dies completely. The amounts of copper are too small to damage the wood. Several nails made of copper, lead, iron, and brass were hammered into trees in the 1970s. The wood reacted to copper and discolored the wound. However, the trees did not die as a result.

Alternative: tree stump as a garden decoration

Unearthed tree roots do not necessarily have to be disposed of or burned. They are interesting decorative elements in shade beds or heather gardens. If you have no way of getting the tree stump out of the ground, you can also integrate this decoratively into the garden.

This is how you can use the tree stump:

• Stand for bird bath
• Location for planted flower bowls
• Support for climbing plants
• Feeding place

Plant stump

A planted stump looks pretty and gives it a second life

Hollow out the tree stump with a hammer and chisel and seal the wood so that moisture cannot penetrate later. This is suitable Tree sap or linseed oil. You can then fill the cavity with soil and insert the plants you want.

frequently asked Questions

Why does a stump have to be removed?

The root system of deciduous trees lives on after they have been felled, so that new shoots emerge. The roots continue to grow, so that supply and drainage pipes or old masonry are at risk. The remaining roots are also able to lift cobblestones. The root system of shallow-rooted trees takes up space, so you cannot create a bed or sow lawn in this area.

Do I have to pay attention to anything if I want to remove a tree stump?

You don't need a permit to remove a stump. However, there are rules about clearing trees. In Germany, trees are not allowed between 1. March and 30. September because birds breed during this time. There is no time limit for removing stumps. However, you should weigh the methods against each other. It is not allowed to make a fire in the garden everywhere. Find out more from your local authority, as each federal state has its own regulations.

How can I remove my lilac with tree stump?

Lilac has a strong tendency to shoot roots, which is why you have to remove the roots from the ground as completely as possible after felling. When felling, leave 100 to 150 centimeters of the trunk and then cut off the root area with a spade. This should be as large as the former crown diameter. You can then remove the root ball with a Digging fork loosen. Move the trunk in all directions to loosen the roots in the substrate. With large trees you have to cut the roots. You can then pull the tree stump out of the ground.

How can I remove a stump from a willow tree?

Saw off logs above ground to about 100 centimeters above the ground. Then dig up the roots so that the main roots are exposed. The root strands are completely severed. You can then pull the tree stump out of the ground with a hand cable.

Have a company remove the stump - what does it cost?

On average, you should expect a workload of two hours, depending on the size of the tree stump. The companies also charge travel costs, which is why you should hire companies in your area. Also keep in mind that disposal by a company costs between 50 and 80 euros. When working with a grinder, there are no disposal costs because you can use the material as mulch. Get offers from different companies to get the lowest price.

Average hourly labor cost:

• Excavation with an excavator: 70 to 80 euros
• Removal with the stump grinder: 90 to 110 euros