Glasgow Tree Stump Removal Methods
Depending on the size of the tree and tree stump, various methods can be used:
- 1) Digging and cutting by hand
- 2) Winching or towing
- 3) Excavators or mini excavators
- 4) Stump Grinding
- 5) Chemical Treatment
- 6) Burning
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- Digging and Cutting by hand
Tools: A shovel, axe or chain saw can be used to sever the roots from the main stump. Once you manage to get through all of them you will be able to pull out the stump.
Positives:
- No heavy machinery needed
- Easily access awkward areas with only small hand tools
Negatives:
- Labor intensive, hard work!
- Can be a very slow job taking a long time if the stump is large
Tools: A cable can be tied around the stump or around the trunk if the trunk has been left tall enough. The cable is then pulled or towed.
Positives:
- If there is enough space to get the tractor or vehicle with a winch in place this can be a quick method.
Negatives:
- This causes a lot of disturbance to the ground around the stump and can cause a lot of damage to the ground where the vehicle is stationed.
- If you are looking to protect a lawn or neighboring plants or trees this is not the best method.
Tools: Excavators or mini mechanical diggers can be used to pull stumps out with brute force.
Positives:
- Similarly to winching this can be a quick method.
Negatives:
- The soils and area around can be chewed up and disturbed. This is fine if there is a lot of landscaping being done afterwards but not the best method if lawns, trees and plants need to be protected around the stump.
Tools: Mechanical stump grinders come in many sizes from something of similar size to a lawn mower pushed by hand for very small stumps all the way up to tractor sixed machines. We choose the machine based on access to the site and the size of the tree stump.
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Positives:
- These are usually the preferred method.
- The grinders are compact and fast.
- Generally very little damage and disturbance to the soil around the stump leaving other trees and plants undisturbed.
Negatives:
- Stump grinders are powerful dangerous machines and it is best that they are only used by experienced operators.
- Sometimes protective screens should be placed around the stump to stop debris flying out.
- Chemical Treatment of Stumps
Tools: Treatments are either painted onto the freshly cut stump or holes are drilled into the stump and chemical is left in the holes to be absorbed by the stump.
Positives: No physical mechanical work.
Negatives: This is generally not a method we would suggest. The chemicals are not environmentally friendly and are poisonous to children and animals playing in the area. The chemicals will generally kill the stump stopping and regrowth but are not always successful at stopping honey fungus growths.
Tools: The stump generally has to be dug out to some degree before burning. The hole can then be set alight with wood and the chopped remnants of the stump.
Positives: This can help stop spread of honey fungus if the is an infection.
Negatives: Fire is sometimes difficult to control and can burn deep into the ground if the soil is flammable. This should only be used in safe situations with non-flammable soils.