Do-It-Yourself Stump Removal

Do-It-Yourself Stump Removal WOODLOT EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 25-2-27 "Most tree stump removal services don't go more than 2 or 3 inches below the ground because they don't want to dull their chippers, and they charge $50 to $100 a stump," says Jeff Lang, Newport News, Va., who says he takes out stumps himself using nothing more than an old chainsaw. The key to his method is "washing the stump". He digs down 8 to 10 in. around the stump, depending on the size and amount of roots. At that point, you make some additional holes around the stump. These holes are to receive water as you wash the stump down, removing ground and small stones. You might have to use a large screwdriver or putty knife to get off some of the ground around the stump as you wash. Once you've washed out around the stump, you can start cutting with your chainsaw. You cut away roots and cut into the stump as far as you can, laying the saw in one of the deeper holes. Then you split off as much as you can and move onto the next hole. It can be a time-consuming process, washing and waiting for water to drain away in the holes, but if you have an old chainsaw bar and chain and about a 14 to 18-in. saw, it works real well," notes Lang. "You have to proceed slowly, running the saw at no more than half speed because no matter how well you wash the stump, you'll cut into dirt and stones. Be sure to wear eye protection and just use common sense while doing the job. But if you do it right, it'll save you money and you'll actually get a better job." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jeff Lang, 111 Deep Water Cover, Newport News, Va. 23606 (E-mail: ninahunsch@email. msn.com).

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