Non-Toxic Stump Removal

Try removing a stump with tools before resorting to chemical methods.

Reserve the non-toxic, do-it-yourself stump removal method, which is done with hand tools, for smaller, shallow-rooted trees. Some trees have deep, straight roots that make this method nearly impossible. For those larger stumps, rent a stump grinder or backhoe from a local hardware or large-equipment rental store. These machines work by grinding or digging the stump out. If you have no experience operating this type of machinery, ask for extensive instructions and what safety precautions you should take.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Axe
• Pruning or root saw
• Grub hoe

Instructions

1. Dig into the soil around the stump with a shovel until you expose the roots.

2. Break up the roots with an axe until all roots are severed. Use a pruning saw or root saw on roots that won't cut easily.

3. Pull the roots out of the ground. Use a grub hoe to dislodge bigger roots and pieces of stump.

4. Place the stump and roots in the compost pile or dispose of them in the trash.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't need to remove the stump quickly, let it decay naturally. Cut back sucker growth before it grows 8 inches tall to deplete stored food. Natural decay may take up to 10 years.

References

• This Old House: Removing Tree Stumps
• TreeHelp.com: How to Remove a Tree
• The Family Handyman: How to Remove a Tree Stump Painlessly