How to Remove a Stump

No more Stump

Removing a stump in your yard can be a hard job and sometimes better left to the professionals, but if you want to try it, here are some tips to help you do it.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy Chain
• Hatchet/Saw
• Truck

Instructions

1. 

   Begin by chopping the tree down with a hatchet or saw. Then using a shovel, start digging around the roots and chopping away at the exposed roots.

2. 

   Keep digging around the roots to expose them. Use a crow bar or long pole to dig dirt from underneath the stump with the goal to create a hole going from one side of the stump to the other.

3. 

   Tie a chain around the stump and the other end to a truck. Your chain should be sturdy and thick enough so that it doesn't break. A chain from a dog leash will not be thick enough and will break.

4. 

   Have someone drive the truck forward very slowly to pull the stump out. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses so that the wood chips don't get in your eye. Pulling out the stump too fast may result in it whipping around and hurting someone.

5. 

   Once you get the stump out, take pictures of it as it will be a memorable event.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tree is more than two years old, you may not be able to remove it on your own.

• A stump grinder can be renting at Home Depot or a tool rental place.