Remove stump with chainsaw: A detailed guide

Remove stump with chainsaw: 6 easy steps and useful tips

After cutting the tree down, there will be a stump left.

It is important to remove it to avoid any sort of injury and imperfection of your property.

If you plan to use that part of your yard space, you have to know what are your options and how can the removal of the stumps be done.

There are a few options you can use for tree stump removal. In this article, we will guide you through the process, so you know how to remove stump with chainsaw.

Why would you want to remove the tree stumps?

This is a common question people ask, why is it important to completely remove a tree stump?

  1. The tree stumps ruin the look of your land. Especially if you are planning to create a new lawn or place a barbecue, or a kid’s playground. The tree stump will be in the way.
  2. A stump removal has to be performed because of safety issues. If you leave a tree stump, your family might get injured by tripping over it and falling.
  3. The process of wood decay isn’t fast. There will be enough time to attract pests such as insects or rodents. It will be difficult to fight them as they can relocate somewhere else around your property. It is way easier to remove tree stumps before they become someone’s home.
  4. Leaving tree stump roots might cause the growth of a new tree, hence why removing stumps is important. A new tree might pop out somewhere closer to your driveway or your house, destroying the concrete blocks. In addition, it is another tree to fight with in the future. Stump removal will eliminate this issue.
  5. Tree stumps located on your property sufficiently reduce the space you could use for something else. Removing the tree stumps once and for all will give you more room to play with.

Those are the main reasons why you should consider tree stump removal. The next thing to find out is how do you remove a stump with a chainsaw.

How to remove tree stumps with a chainsaw?

One of the ways you can remove a tree stump is by using a chainsaw. You will have to be extra careful and follow the instructions below:

Step 1 – Wear protective gear

Working with a chainsaw blade requires you to be cautious as it might be dangerous. You must wear all the gear to prevent any injuries from flying debris and sharp wood.

What is the necessary protective equipment to have when working with a chainsaw:

1. Hearing protection such as safety ear muffs
2. Eye protection – safety glasses
3. Chainsaw safety gloves
4. Chainsaw safety chaps
5. Cut-resistant chain saw boots
6. A chainsaw protective jacket

Do not neglect this step as it is your safety after all.

Step 2 – Start cutting stumps to the ground level

It is important to remove as much stump with a chainsaw as you can. Usually, there are long tree stumps left after the removal. Ensuring you cut the most out of stumps down is the key. It is recommended to clean the area around the stump, so you have a better view and can remove any rubbish that can damage the chainsaw chain.

Achieving the best results is possible if you know how to operate the chainsaw. Work in a slow and straight manner. Use a practical stump removal method to create diagonal cuts. Cutting the tree stump diagonally will allow the pieces of wood to slip down away from the tool easily.

After you have removed most of the tree stump, including all the brunches, it is time to clear the area for handling the tree roots.

Step 3 – Clearing the area around the stump

This step is a bit time-consuming. You have to make sure the stump roots are fully exposed for further easier removal.

It is better to use a shovel to remove all the dirt and soil around the root system. The more roots you are able to track down, the better the result of removing a tree stump will be.

Bear in mind the location of the tree stumps as they can be near the water system. Ensure you know the plan for the water piping before starting.

Step 4 – Cutting tree roots

Once the area around the tree stump is cleared, it is time to remove all the roots. This step might be a difficult one if you haven’t performed the previous one well.

Your chainsaw must be able to cut through tough wood, otherwise, the result won’t be satisfying. Section by section, slowly move the chainsaw diagonally, removing the tree trunk’ exposed roots. Avoid touching the ground as it can damage the tool.

For the best and clear view, remove all the debris and mulch. Once you feel the tree stump is getting loose, it is time to move on to the next step.

Step 5 – Remove a tree stump

Moving the tree stump in different directions will help you to loosen it enough that it can be pulled out. If you feel that the roots are still holding the stump firmly, you have to keep working with the roots.

You might need some tool to help you to remove a tree stump. Look into using a digging bar to try to scoop the stump.

In some cases, the removal might take a while, especially with large tree stumps. You might need a tractor to help with pulling them out. The chain will have to go around the stump and a tractor will have to pull it in different directions until they are out of the ground.

Step 6 – Disposal of the stump

Once the stump is removed, you have to dispose it. There are a few ways you could do that.

Diagonal cutting into small pieces will give you enough firewood you could use in your fire place, so nothing will be wasted.

Another option to consider is contacting the local service for the stump disposal. They will come and collect your stumps for a fee.

Some people rent a wood shredder to help turn the stumps into a mulch that can be used in your garden.

Read also an in-depth article on What to do with leftovers from tree removal.

Tips for removing tree stumps

If you struggle with removing tree stumps, below are some valuable tips you could use to help you.

1. Use a high-pressure hosepipe

It will help you to clear the area around the stump and the roots, making it easier for you to see the spots that have to be cut.

2. You don’t have to remove all the tree roots

If you leave any roots deep in the ground, it is not a big deal.

Sometimes the roots can spread meters away from the tree and there is no way you can get everything out.

Just cut the roots that are holding a stump.

3. Use your vehicle or a tractor

If a tree stump is large, and you struggle to pull it out of the soil, you might consider using a vehicle or a tractor to pull it out. Attach some rope or a chain around a stump and start pulling until it is out.

4. Remove stumps after rainy weather

Ensure sufficient dampness of the soil before you start the removal process. It will be way easier to get rid of tree stumps if the soil is damp and soft.

5. Avoid the dirt when cutting the stump with a chainsaw

Perform the diagonal cuts when dealing with a stump and the roots. Cutting through the soil might damage the chainsaw you are using.

Other methods of removing tree stumps

1. Using a Stump Grinder

You might consider renting a stump grinder to help you to remove the stubborn stumps.

You will have to start with cutting a stump with a chainsaw first. Then make sure all the rocks are removed from the area around the stump and the roots. After it is done, use the grinder as per the instructions in the user manual.

2. Use the chemical method

This method takes around 2 months to remove a stump. You start with a chainsaw, making sure you cut as much stump as you can.

Make a few holes around whatever is left from the stump and the roots using a drill.

Add a special chemical mixed with water into the holes for activating the rotting process.

When the remnants of the stump become soft, remove them and dispose.

3. Burning the Stump

You can consider this method if it is allowed in your area. The process must be properly organized, considering the safety precautions.

Before the burning stage, you have to cut the most of the stump using a chainsaw and to make a lot of holes in a stump with a drill.

After that, fill the holes with a chemical and add hot water. Using firewood, start the fire right on top of the stump. Once it is burnt, remove the remnants and cover the spot with a soil.

FAQ

Can you use a chainsaw to remove a stump?

The initial stage of removing any sort of stump requires you to have a chainsaw. Using a chainsaw, you remove as much of a stump as you can, cutting diagonally. Once it is done, follow the instructions above how to get rid of whatever is left.

What is the best equipment to remove stumps?

The chainsaw is the most commonly used tool that helps you to remove the stumps. The other tools you might need are the axe, the drill, and a special machine like a grinder for removing the stumps.

What is the easiest way to remove tree stumps?

The easiest and fastest way is using a special machine that grinds whatever is left from a tree into a mulch. You still have to do some preparations to a stump before using the machine, though.

How do you remove a stump without a stump grinder?

You can do it with a chainsaw, cutting as much of a stump as you can reach. Avoid cutting through the soil to prevent the chainsaw from breaking or becoming blunt. After that, you clear the space around the area and expose the roots. Cut the roots using a chainsaw as well. Once it is done, pull the stump out of the ground and dispose it.

You will also find it helpful to read our articles: Best Electric Chainsaw – Ultimate Guide for You and Chainsaw not cutting straight.

To summarize

We hope this article has helped you to understand the process of removing the tree stumps and the importance of doing this. We have highlighted a few different methods that will help you to perform the task.

Share the article with your friends if they are searching for the information of how to remove the tree stumps. Do not hesitate to leave the questions in the comment section below.

Serg Cooper
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