Tree Removal

[StephenBrookes]

Hello,

I have just realised that my endeavour to remove a tree in my backyard is proving difficult. Can you advise on any further strategies please? Can you suggest a stump grinder business/person please? Thank you.

 

[RohanMelb]

Hi @StephenBrookes 

I had a similar problem and the best solution I found was to use my pressure washer. It liquefied the soil and I was able to use a bucket to remove the sludge and it was so much easier. 

I got the inspiration from some workman who were putting in some new water pipes in the street and used high pressure water to dig the holes 

[AlanM52]

Hi @StephenBrookes,

I had to stop and think for a while about how to put into words what I usually do for tree that size.

I clear away as best I can all the soil from under the surface roots.
With the chainsaw I make the first cut.

Using brick(s) for leverage I then pry up the root as high as I can with my biggest crowbar.

Holding down crowbar with extended foot shove in brick(s) on left side so root stays propped up, cut other side.

After working all the way around surface root system is hopefully disconnected from the rest.

I then start prodding with crowbar to locate a hidden root and boar out the center with corded electric drill...

And spade bit with extension, taped over so they stay together.

Keep going and start heaving on the trunk to find a likely spot where it starts give, work in that area.

Just keep going until enough is cut to wiggle/crow bar the thing out.

I know... convoluted and somewhat comical, usually works for me.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @StephenBrookes 

I really like @RohanMelb's suggestion for removing the soil so you can see what you need saw through!

I also would be doing pretty much what @AlanM52 has suggested. With one extra tool to add to the list. A saber saw (Reciprocating Saws ) and I would go for a corded one. I have previously used -

- mattock

- axe

- crowbar ( @AlanM52 )

- flat blade shovel (used to slice through thr roots and works resonably well)

The recipricating saw is on my wishlist for those hard to get to places that need some oomph, clean the area with a water blaster and then start chopping. I have never come across an easy stump removal

We cant offer any buisness suggestions (way to many and all over Aus and NZ) I would look up local buisnesses on social media and have a look at their work for stump grinding. I had a old very large ironbark stump removed and it was well worth it. Any tree trimmers may also be able to suggest their prefered stump grinder companies.

Dave

[stob1924]

With a square edged spade,  bow saw,, and hose you can dig a trench spade width around the stump, cutting cross roots out to a spade width as you work around.  Dig as deep as you can in one location, washing surrounding sand into it and removing it as damp sand.  Easier to remove than ldry sand when the hole gets deep.   Eventually you'll end up with aerial roots which can be chopped with a bow saw or a hired reciprocating saw with a bow saw type blade.

[JacobZ]

Hi @StephenBrookes,

There isn't too much I can add, as everyone has already recommended such fantastic solutions.

Hydro excavation is a great technique for this kind of work, as it will liquefy the soil around the roots, which you can then cut through with whatever type of saw you'd like. It removes the difficulty you'll have digging through the root system with a traditional method, as your digging tool will not strike the roots as you try to dig. Companies that do hydro excavation to unearth underground utilities without damaging them use a large vacuum truck to remove the liquefied soil. In your situation, you might like to try a similar thing with a wet and dry vacuum like this Ozito 1250W 12L Stainless Wet And Dry Vacuum to remove the soil once it is liquefied.

If you'd like to give this technique a try, this could be an improvement you could try.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with.

Jacob

[JacobZ]

Hi @stob1924,

Thank you for jumping in straight away with some advice. It is fantastic to have new members like yourself who are willing to help out.

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We hope to see more of your helpful advice in the future.

Jacob

[StephenBrookes]

Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions. We had success with hydro this am ... first stage, I mean. Again, thanks for your time and guidance. Stephen