How to Remove a Sapling Tree

A sapling tree is one that is more than just a start, but not a fully mature tree yet. Saplings won't pull out of the ground easily by hand, but they don't require all the work that removing a mature tree does. You can utilize tools and skills to make removing a sapling tree easier.

Things You'll Need

• Hand saw
• Round-tip shovel
• Work gloves
• Pick ax
• Yard rake

Instructions

1. Cut the trunk of the tree with a handsaw or the ax part of the pick ax, leaving a stump about 18 inches high.

2. Shovel a trench around the base of the tree, approximately 1 foot from the trunk. This should expose the roots of the sapling.

3. Chop through the exposed roots with the ax. Use the pick to dig under the stump, lifting it and separating the roots from the soil.

4. Turn the pick ax sideways and hammer the flat side against the stump to further loosen it. Alternate Steps 4 and 5 until the sapling stump and roots come out easily.

5. Rake the area after you remove the tree to redistribute the soil and pull out any small roots that remain.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wear work boots, you can also kick the stump to loosen it.