Posted in: Gardening
Date: October 16, 2009
In this article, I will explain three methods to remove a tree stump. Method number one jump starts the natural decomposition of the stump. It's an easy method but it take the most time to complete. Method number two involves burning the stump. It is faster than method one, but still takes at least 11 weeks. Method number three is very labor intensive. It involves lots of sweat, pain, agony, and toil. I highly advise against it.
Another option you might consider is growing blue oyster mushrooms in it.
Step 1:
First you will need to head to your local hardware store and buy yourself a bottle of Stump-Out® (brand name Bonide®). What this product does is dissolve the lignin between the cellulose layers of your tree stump, thus making the stump porous. This is good, because it makes it easier for composting bugs to eat your tree stump.
Step 2:
Next, you will need to drill some holes into the tree stump. The directions on the bottle of Stump-Out® say to drill one inch wide by ten inch deep holes into the tree stump. If you don't have a ten inch drill bit, you can use a smaller sized bit. Keep in mind that if you drill smaller holes, the decomposition will take longer.
Step 3:
Using a hose, wet the tree stump and surrounding area. Then Sprinkle the tree stump with Stump-Out®.
Step 4:
Cover your tree stump with mulch and decaying matter. Dry leaves, dead plants, and pulled weeds will all work fine. This will encourage microorganisms to move in and begin decomposing your tree stump.
Step 5:
Cover the tree stump and mulch with a plastic covering. This will keep moisture in, and create a healthy environment for all the composting critters. Put some dirt on top of the plastic, so it doesn't blow away.
Step 6:
Wait. Eventually your stump will decompose, creating some really amazing compost.
Step 1:
Drill vertical, one inch wide by ten inch deep holes into the tree stump. In this method, the size of the hole does matter. Then into the side of the stump, about four or five inches down from the top, drill holes slanting downward toward the bottom of each of the vertical holes.
Step 2:
Fill each hole with 4-6 oz. of Stump-Out®, and fill the holes with water.
Step 3:
Wait 4-6 weeks. After that, fill the holes with kerosene or fuel oil. Wait another 4-6 weeks.
Step 4:
Pour enough kerosene onto the stump to ignite it. The stump will now burn with a smoldering red glow clear down to the roots.
Step 1:
Buy an axe or similar sharp instrument. Large power tools may be helpful as well. Start cutting, hacking, and pounding at the tree stump.
Step 2:
Return to Step 1 until the tree stump has been removed.