While you may have removed the dead tree in your yard, removing the stump is the last bit. However, it can prove to be a challenging task for many homeowners.
If you leave the stump as is, it can lead to new growth, pests in your garden, and many other issues. This is why it is best to opt for tree stump removal.
So, if you are wondering how to get rid of a stump in 2 – 3 days, you are in the right place. Here is a comprehensive guide created by our lawn care experts in Mississauga.
How to Get Rid of a Stump in 2-3 Days: 6 Effective Methods
There are various ways to answer how to get rid of a stump in 2 – 3 days. However, according to our lawn care professionals in Mississauga, here are the six most effective methods for tree stump removal.
1. How to Remove Tree Stumps by Hand
Are you wondering “how to remove tree stumps by hand?” Well, this process is extensive and you will need various tools and techniques to begin removing the tree stumps manually.
First, we recommend gathering materials, for which you will need:
- Mattock
- Shovel
- Work gloves
- Bow saws
- Axe
- Digging bar
- Work boots with steel toes
- Water
Once you have gathered all your materials, here are the steps you must follow:
Dig Around the Tree Stump
Use the broad end of the mattock to begin digging around the tree stump. Then, you must go to the tree roots that require cutting.
You can use a shovel to ensure all the loose dirt is out of your way. Remember that the larger the stump, the more dirt you will be removing around the stump.
If there is too much of it, you can also utilize a pressure washer or hose to wash away any extra dirt and expose the roots as you descend.
Cut Out Any Visible Roots
Now, it is time to use the other end of your mattock to sever away any tree roots you can use. You can also use a saw to uncover the tree roots.
Keep digging and make your way under the ball of the roots to get to the taproot. Once you do, you must clean off any excess dirt from the taproot using a wet rag before you begin to cut.
Finally, ensure that the area is clear of any important pets or objects. If that is the case, use a bow saw or axe to cut off the taproot.
Please note that we recommend you don’t use an axe unless you know how to handle it. If you are a beginner and not confident in your abilities, then you can opt for a bow saw.
A bow saw is safer, but it will require you to dig more to expose the roots.
Take out the Tree Stump from the Hole
Finally, this is the last step of our tree stump removal using hands. You must pull out the stump from the hole.
You may use chains or ropes for this purpose to make it easier. If you need, you can also ask other people to help you with this process.
If the stump is too large, you might need a vehicle to yank out the stump from the ground. You can check the size of the stump and then assess what will work best for your needs.
2. Tree Stump Removal Chemical Method
If you don’t want a highly labor-intensive method to get rid of tree stumps, then using the tree stump removal chemical method id your best bet.
It is affordable, and you can easily rid the stump in 2-3 days unless it is a very large stump. If the stump is huge, then it might take a year to remove it as you are utilizing the chemical to rot the stump.
It is crucial to care for the way you use this method as the chemical can also kill the life around the tree stump. We recommend using chemicals that contain glyphosate or trichlopyr, as they work best for most tree species.
Once you have the right chemical or herbicide, be sure to follow the instructions on the label for tree stump removal. You must also wear protective gear as you use this method to protect yourself from the chemicals.
3. Tree Stump Grinder Method
Do you have a lot of tree stumps you need to remove or a very large one that you think requires a lot of effort? If that is the case, then we recommend using the tree stump grinder method for removal.
You will easily find a stump grinder at your local hardware store. Typically, they cost between $100 and $250 for renting the equipment.
However, for effective stump removal, you will also require other tools such as a chainsaw, rake, mattock, and shovel. Once you have all of this, here are the steps you must follow to remove tree stumps through a grinder:
- Use a shovel or mattock to clear rocks, debris, and dirt away from the tree stump.
- Utilize the chainsaw to cut down the tree stump as much as you like. The ideal level to which to cut down the tree stump is ground level.
- Keep the wheel of the stump grinder a few inches above the stump and turn it on.
- Lower the grinder at least three inches and use the lever to move it from one side to another.
- Utilize the grinder wheel to grind the stump around four inches and keep repeating until the entire stump perimeter is four inches below the ground.
- Then, you must use wood chips (the remaining pieces of your tree stump) to fill the hole. On the other hand, if you wish to plant grass in the area, then you will have to remove these chips to clear the area for planting grass.
Please note that a grinder is heavy and can be complicated to operate for someone without any experience. You can talk to your local hardware store to get the best safety gear.
You can also opt for tree stump removal services in Mississauga for professional tree stump removal. This will save you time and money in the long run.
4. Tree Stump Removal through Burning Method
Many people feel intimidated by the tree stump removal burning method, but it is effective if you are safe and protect yourself with the right methods.
Our lawn care experts suggest you follow these steps to effectively get rid of tree stumps through burning:
- Drill holes into the tree stump that go very deep, and then sprinkle some product of powdered stump removal. Doing this will ensure the wood becomes porous for burning.
- Pour some fuel oil or kerosene inside the tree stump holes. Let the wood absorb the fuel. (Please don’t use motor oil, diesel, or bleach)
- Use fire to ignite the tree stump and let the stump burn. Make sure the flame is smoldering while burning. Once it has finished burning, you can add some topsoil to put out any of the remaining fire.
Please note that you will have to check your local ordinance before using this tree stump removal method, especially if you live within the city. You might require an open air burn permit in Mississauga for this purpose before you begin.
You might also need a fire permit so be sure to check what you require before you decide to burn the tree stumps in your backyard.
5. How to Remove Tree Stumps Using Epsom Salt
Another popular method is using Epsom salt. We don’t recommend this because it can take very long and is deadly to plants in large quantities, but you can try this method if you like.
Here is what you can do to get rid of tree stumps through this method:
- Drill holes deep inside the tree stump. We recommend using a power drill and creating a hole that is at least one inch wide.
- Fill up the hole with Epsom salt.
- Sprinkle some water on the tree stump.
- Keep the stump covered with a tarp to keep the rain from washing away anything.
- Repeat this for a few weeks to make it effective.
The process can take between two and three months, which is why it is not the best way for tree stump removal. It can also take a year to come to full decay.
We also recommend you don’t use any table salt or rock salt, as this can harm the quality of the soil. Be sure to stick to Epsom salt for this purpose.
6. Opt for Professional Lawn Care Services in Mississauga
If it is taking too long for you to conduct tree stump removal, then we recommend opting for professional lawn care services in Mississauga.
They will ensure you can get rid of the stump n 2 – 3 days without any issues. You can get in touch with Falcons Landscaping in Mississauga to help you with any lawn care task you may have.
How to Choose the Right Tree Stump Removal Method?
While we have provided you with six effective methods, you might wonder which one is the best for your circumstances.
Thankfully, here are some factors to consider when choosing the right tree stump removal method for your needs:
1. Size of the Tree Stump
The size of the tree stump is a significant factor in determining the best tree stump removal method. Here are the best ways to remove a tree stump based on its size:
- How to remove small tree stumps: Using chemicals, manual method, or through burning.
- Removing medium-sized tree stumps: Any method we stated above can be useful for this. Be sure to check the root system and the stump age to determine the best method.
- Large tree stump removal: If you want quick results, we recommend calling a professional for this purpose. If you want to do this yourself, then we recommend the burning or chemical method.
If you don’t know how to dispose of the tree stump, be sure to connect with the local waste disposal authority in your region for the best results.
2. Tree Stump Removal Cost
The tree stump removal cost is another important factor that will determine the method you select. The most cost-effective way to get rid of a tree stump is to burn it, remove it manually, or use chemicals.
For other methods, you will require tools and equipment or you will have to call in a professional for this purpose. For example, just renting a stump grinder can cost you between $200 and $400 or more for a professional grade grinder.
On the other hand, a tree stump removal service in Mississauga can cost you between $200 and $500. They will take care of everything from removal to disposal without you having to lift a finger.
If you are confident in your abilities, you can do it yourself, but if you think it will cost you more, then it is best to opt for tree stump removal services and they will professionally remove the tree stumps.
3. Time Required
Natural decay will take the longest time for tree stump removal, as it can easily take a year or more. However, if you want a quick method, then it is up to you to choose the fastest method for tree stump removal.
Typically, the fastest way to remove a tree stump is to do it manually or call a professional. Both of these ways can quickly take care of the issue for you.
4. Labor
You can easily remove a small tree stump by yourself. But, if it is a medium or large tree stump, then you might require some extra muscle work to help you remove the stumps.
If the tree stump is very large, you will require more people to assist you. So, in this case, it is best to opt for professional tree stump removal to save your time, money, and effort.
The 3 Don’ts of Tree Stump Removal
While it is good to know how to get rid of tree stumps and what to do, it is also just as important to know what not to do when removing stumps, especially if you are a beginner.
Here are some of the top things you must not do when getting rid of tree stumps:
Don’t Use Diesel Fuel
When using the tree stump removal chemical method, it is important not to use diesel fuel. It burns very quickly, making it ineffective for the purpose you need it for.
On the other hand, the surrounding environment and plants will also incur damage because of the diesel fuel. So, we recommend using kerosene rather than diesel fuel.
Don’t Use Bleach
Yes, pouring bleach will kill the stump but also harm the surrounding grasses or plants. It can also contaminate your local drinking water, which is why you should not use any bleach during tree stump removal.
Instead, Epsom salt is a better alternative to bleach and will help you eventually kill the tree stump. It is best to use ways that are safe for the environment for effective results.
Don’t Forget to Wear Safety Gear
As you are working towards tree stump removal, it is crucial to wear the right safety gear and take precautions to maintain safe conditions for yourself and the environment.
If you are using the burning method, then you must monitor the fire until it has completely finished burning so that it doesn’t spread from the region you have intended.
Also go to your local hardware store and invest in the right tools for the most effective results. They can also help you with choosing exactly what will be useful for you.
Reasons to Opt for Tree Stump Removal
Now, you might wonder why tree stump removal is needed. Yes, you can have a tree stump in the ground, but the roots will decay if you don’t do anything about it.
This is why it is important to safely remove the tree stumps from your outdoor area. Here are some of the top reasons it is important to opt for tree stump removal:
- Safety Reasons: If stumps get hidden by vegetation or grass, they can pose a tripping risk for those walking in the region.
- Controlling Pests: Tree stumps can easily attract various pests, which can spread to the remaining area. So, removing the stump will ensure that pests are controlled. Here are some other pest control methods you can learn.
- Improving Aesthetics: Tree stumps can reduce the aesthetic appearance of your yard.
- Planting New Trees: Tree stumps can hinder the planting and growth of new flowers, trees, and more. Removing them can make space for new growth.
- Efficient Use of Space: Make efficient use of your yard space by getting rid of unwanted tree stumps. You can then use this space for gardening or landscaping.
So, if you want to make your yard look great and ensure the growth of new plants and life, then be sure to opt for tree stump removal. It will help you make the best use of your space.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?
The fastest way to get rid of a tree stump is by using a stump grinder. It will break apart the wood and tear down the roots of the tree.
Can you remove a tree stump by yourself?
Yes, there are several ways you can use to remove the tree stump by yourself. These include through chemicals, burning, grinding, Epsom salt, and much more.
What is the best chemical to remove tree stumps?
Potassium nitrate has proved to be the most effective chemical at removing tree stumps and the most effective. You can also use sodium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate to remove the stumps.
What is the best way to remove tree roots?
The best way to remove tree roots is to divide the roots into four sections and then prune them evenly. You can cut them with shovels or chip away at them. You should cut off the whole root from the tree so that a disease doesn’t set in.
Contact Our Lawn Experts in Mississauga for Tree Stump Removal
If you are struggling with tree stump removal, then it is best to connect with our lawn experts in Mississauga. We take care of everything from start to finish to ensure you don’t have to worry about a thing.
For more information, please feel free to connect with us today.