How to Remove Tree Stumps | Ask This Old House
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- Опубліковано 28 сер 2024
- This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner dig out a stubborn tree stump. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Shopping List for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
- Loam [amzn.to/32p20aE], for filling stump hole
- Grass seed [amzn.to/2Y2WQSa], to plant over backfilled stump hole
Tools for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
- Pointed shovel [amzn.to/2l5yoOf], for digging around stump
- Bypass loppers [amzn.to/2l6WRCL], to cut small tree roots
- Pruning saw [amzn.to/2l5YAZ8] or reciprocating saw [amzn.to/2jDpQO7] with pruning blade [amzn.to/2l7xsbZ], for cutting large roots
- Iron digging bar [amzn.to/2jF9Tam], to chop through roots
- Gas-powered stump grinder [amzn.to/2l5ZeG2], for power grinding stumps
- Garden [amzn.to/2jDqrPR] and lawn rake [amzn.to/2l7hP4w], used to smooth loam
Steps for How to Remove Tree Stumps:
1. Use a pointed shovel to dig out the soil around the tree stump. Continue digging until you’ve exposed the roots all the way around the stump.
2. Cut small-diameter tree roots with bypass loppers.
3. Use a pruning saw or reciprocating saw to cut through larger tree roots.
4. Chop through hard-to-reach roots with an iron digging bar.
5. After cutting all the roots, push over the stump, then roll it out of the hole.
6. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil and loam.
7. In the spring, rake grass seed into the soil and water frequently.
8. If you have to remove more than one stump, rent a gas-powered stump grinder.
9. Remove any rocks from the around the stump, then use the stump grinder to slowly chip away at the stump.
10. Stop grinding when the stump is 6 to 8 inches below the surface.
11. Rake away the wood chips, then fill the hole with loam.
12. In the spring, plant grass seed.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Remove Tree Stumps | Ask This Old House
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One weekend in Texas, I needed to pull up a magnolia. It was taking me awhile to get it to wiggle, until I realized there was no music. Once I had ZZ Top playing, ten other guys showed up with four cases of beer. We had it up in ten minutes, and then listened to Billy and the boys play for another hour.
Deguello.
“Backbreaking work” sums it up pretty nicely. Gave a try removing two stumps today in my backyard with just a 4lb axe and a steel mallet. The stumps won today, but I did a little bit of damage to em
I got a huge oak stump when you're done!
Similar situation. Will be back later.
Been 3 years, Stump still there?
They make this look easy. There is nothing easy about removing a stump. I’d put the difficulty up there with planning the Normandy invasion.
2:46 His face after he did all the work and they have a power tool LOL
He died inside
looks silly but the point is to illustrate to the viewer what different tools would work for the job.
He played the ish out of him...ROOKIE🤣🤣🤣🤣. Should've used that in the first place🤔🤔🤔
That face should become a meme.
Better to just dig the stump out but your gunna break your back
I've been watching a lot of stump removal videos, and you are the first one who does it the right way. Digging it out is far quicker than burning, chemicals, etc. And it does a far more complete job.
I used chemicals on mine....wated about 6 months, and it was as soft like styrofoam....came out with a minimal effort.
Or you could do it the right way with a stump grinder🤣🤣🤣
@@dancooper6002 yes because people want you setting off explosives in there back yard lmao. Lay off the crayons
@@dancooper6002 you clearly are missing the point god bless MURICA
I'll just cut it lower and have a stump grinder on the back of a compact tractor.
RIP Roger Cook. We learned so much from him and he always made sure landscaping seemed easy.
I just removed a stump today after watching this video. I had already started to remove it yesterday but thought I was doing it wrong, but it turns out I was on the right path. However, this video did help me to realize that I needed to dig even further under the roots. Basically, all it took was a shovel and my $20 battery powered, refurbished Ryobi recip saw.
I went to Home Depot & asked the associate where they keep the “law-puhs“. He just stared at me
Lolololololololololol. Don't forget yod
I think those are Cindy's loppahs! Lol I love the East coast. Like pawk caw, winda, wata.
No you didn't
Greg R they keep them in the yahd
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Roger: "Here you use this old dull hand saw that I don't use anymore while I use the powered reciprocating saw with a brand new blade".
Homeowner:. "Thanks dad!"
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
😂
As usual, This Old House comes through. This was the best and most thorough 'manual stump removal' site on the internet! Thank you! Keep it going.
What about the roots? Decaying and causing sink holes?
yeah i thought the same thing, best video on youtube
Back in the day, before I had an excavator I removed many stumps, one trick I used was a come along and keep tension on the stump while digging, sawing chopping, very rewarding work when the stump would finally start to wiggle, this come along requires a tall stump and a very stationary object to anchor it to
This is a classic manual job, I actually enjoy work like this. However, I use a reciprocating saw on the larger roots. I bought it when I had to dig a 100 foot plus trench by hand in a wooded area, I though that one job would kill the saw, but I still have it. It's covered in dirt and has removed stumps, and helped me dig two more trenches too!
Thank God . I came across this video . Bought a reciprocating saw and was able to remove 2 out of 3 spruce stumps . They had many roots. Thanks again.
I love reciprocating saws! I’ve female and don’t have the muscle power for saws and sometimes loppers...
I've done about 7 stumps in my yard before watching this. It turns out I've been doing it the right (but labor intensive) way. The best thing... I don't need to go to the gym afterwards.
Dan Vaught also use water you be surprised how much easier it is when you wet the floor and dig out the mud vs digging out dried dirt
@@jorgeochoa223 the dirt is wayy easier... If you spill water, it just soaks into the dirt and makes it double as heavy
That’s what I like bro. I want that hard work aspect.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattock
@FactsOverFeelings Matter Absolutely no one digs out stumps manually for a living.
You guys made this look so easy. I just spent the past 6 hours trying to get rid of a stump and am so far unsuccessful. It is brutal.
is it still in the ground?
Did you use lawpaws?
Yea all these stump removal videos the roots don’t seem to go down that far.They seem fake
i love how he makes him use the hand saw first knowing full well he had the electric saw right next to him!
Yeah well that's for those of us who have to cut em with a saw
It's 1:21am. I have no idea how I ended up at this video. But that guy's voice is very soothing.
And you might be gay lol 😆🤣
I’ve removed a lot of stumps but key is knowing tree hardness (pine vs oak) and root depth and growth patterns (shallow silver maple vs white oak tap roots). For large hardwood stumps it’s best to chainsaw close to ground and rent stump grinder. Good advice to remove all wood chips and replace with topsoil; otherwise grass won’t grow.
Do you only have to remove the big roots and the stump or also the medium/small roots too?
Just watched about six videos on this subject . This one is the best , you obviously know what you are doing . Congratulations from England
A ricip saw is my favorite tool for hand-clearing small trees and bushes from a lot.
Now, that is the way to remove a stump. I did this with a 65-ft linden tree's stump, 4' wide, over a few weeks, and really enjoyed it, exploring the root system in the soil. Chipping leaves chips in the soil, and leaving roots leads to sunken ground as they rot.
I've watched so many video on how to remove my tree stumps, but this is hands-down the best! Thank you!
Gotta love CAAAHBIDE TEETH!
Don't forget the roots getting cut by the lahhhpahhs.
And the reciprocating sar
God bless for this program. Didn’t care too much until I got my own house and that’s when reality kicked in 😂
Ive always wanted to use a shahhpend end of an iyon diggah baaah instead of laahpuhhs and a cutting wheel with caaahbide teeth...
lmaooooo.
In the gaw din
Lmao
I laughed out loud for 2 mins, my gf asked whats wrong with you? That was good
@@jesusojeda6310 Same reaction from my wife when I did. LOL
Thank You so much .
I don't know if I can do it but , it's certainly worth a try . I have more time
than $ so , if I can I'll do as much as I can . You make this seem reasonable , affordable , and I noted you're using all safety measures 🙂 .
You obviously put so much thought in what you teach your viewers ...🕯.
I appreciate All of You so Much ❗
Have a great day 🌤.
Phillis I too have more time than cash. I have a rotten pecan tree next to my house that I have been “working on” for years now 5! It’s like sponge on inside but granite on outside! I have no tools so just shovel and and handsaw!
I've done my share of stumps by hand. The one thing I noticed is they didn't get very dirty. I know I get covered Head To Toe with dirt wood chips and that stump never rolls out like that the first time you try.
There's always a root still hooked. Always. Lol
This old house comment sections are the best on the tube
Yea, i love reading how Roger/Richard/Tommy are morons who know nothing about their trade, coming from keyboard warriors.
Wow, Roger makes the homeowner use a hand saw when he had an electric saw all this time...
The whole point is showing how much easier the power tools make the job
And for those who can't afford the power tools but have hand tools.
and to top it off......he using a corded reciprocating saw......i guess battery powered tools werent invented back in 2016
what moron doesn't already know that? that's the point of power tools. @@mrsticky005
Mark Paul psh. Corded tools will always deliver more power than battery tools. Less convenient but way more consistent power
This dude's accent is amazing. I love this video.
Great video but in my experience I would not have wasted my time renting the stump grinder for that size stump. Using a pick axe on stumps that size works wonders, use the pointy end to split it down the middle then the flat end to pry it out. It’s backbreaking but so is loading/unloading a stump grinder. Also you won’t be able to backfill a large stump like the first one with the existing dirt. With the roots being gone and that dirt being loose that area will settle and leave a dip, you’ll definitely have to bring in some soil to top it off and keep it level.
We used to chop roots for years at work with a mattocks. I finally tried a sawzall and it was so easy.
Homeowner: "So, Roger, what is a better tool for lopping off the roots?"
Roger: Well, hahahah, ya dah wanna hah da ba? Huh? hahaha! Let me ha da bah on dah bamma da.
Gotta love Roger, his accent and his skills
This comment still has me in stitches days later lol!
Hahaaahaaaahaahahah🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’d love To listen to a conversation between Roger and Boomhauer. Love this old house and I’m really going to miss these guys once they all retire.
There's another way that I found to get rid of a tree. Get a 1/2" drill bit 8" long or so. It'll turn smaller trees into swiss cheese easily and pushing sideways cuts too. That can cut thru 8" under the dirt as well. It speeds up the rot for sure. Just have to be careful, the bit can grab and torque your thumb.
I had 7 stumps removed for $400. 5 were wider than this one and he was in and out in an hour. The grindings make good fertilizer.
Classic roger lets the homeowner do all the work
My side is hurting from these comments 😂😂😂😂
I love doing this! I had a 5 old tree stumps in the garden... had the time of my life. I've even helped the next door neighbour get rid of some of theirs.
wtf
Ask this old house drinking game, take a shot whenever someone says "sounds good". I'm drunk already.
“Wanna use a chainsaw!?” 😂😂 he was excited
What I do is dig around the stump, place bricks around it and turn it into a bar-b-q pit. In time it will burn below ground level, Cover with dirt
thats idea burn the stump.
Great idea
Try this: Get a heavy digging bar, shopvac and a sawzall/chainsaw. Use the bar to loosen soil, use the vac to suck it up all the way around the root (top and bottom). Then chop the roots completely free of dirt. You can hose the roots down if you wish them extra clean and then chop them after the water is gone. I like to cut big roots twice and take out a section so it doesn't bind when the stump is overturned and removed. You'll find the bar will help you to more easily discover "hidden" roots. Good luck!
i like your technique. i wish i could find what i thin is called an air auger to simplify the root exposure part. I think it takes a massive air compressor (100cfm@90 psi). I like the 12" carbide pruning blade for the Sawzall method. I also think that an axe is pretty useful if done right.
I am still working to find the best home method to "lower" a few inches large horizontal roots.
@@larryseibold4287 I've taken out roots of 10 inch diameter with my simple technique described above. I needed to use the chainsaw for them so needed them well clear of dirt. I found the shopvac cleared the dirt fast enough for me. Good Luck with the Battle!!!
a pruning blade on the reciprocating saw, nice tip! i'll use that one for sure!
I agree, great advice!
Reciprocating saw! What a master. Great idea.
"This hand saw is alot of work"
He didn't even cut one root 😆
Now, He's the "proud Owner of a Stump". (3:51) "Thank you.". - 3:55.
Plum. - 🤣
Well in theory methinks !
How do you know how much he cut, from this heavily edited video? Were you there watching in person?
We had a big windstorm that blew down our old good-neighbor-fencing last fall. In preparation for the fence contractor to do his work, we felled the 16-20 foot high growth leaving the exposed the stumps about 16-inches above grade. Some of the stumps had grown to as big as 24-inches in diameter. After pricing the stump-grinder option, we decided on using the 12-inch long carbide-toothed sawzall blades by Diablo. It was muddy work that only a contortionist could appreciate but after the roots were cut, we used a chain, a shackle, and a tow strap connected to a tow hitch with a shackle to pull the stumps out of the ground. Several of the stumps were stubborn to pull which meant we initially missed some roots but after the corrective discovery, all went well. Lucky for us, the work was located in our front yard and close to the street in-lieu of the backyard. We were able to clear all the stumps prior to the fence contractor mobilizing to complete his work which also helped for easier spring soil preparation, not having to worry about undermining the integrity of our new fence.
I will use nothing but Diablos now. They are worth the price asked.
Another vote for Diablo. I took out the stumps and roots from a patch of giant timber bamboo that a former owner planted in my back yard sometime during the Kennedy administration, and Diablos performed like champs.
Man I miss Roger.
finally an honest video of how to handle tree stumps. Good vid
That’s sah-chasm
When he started hand sawing I was like get in that hole and really put effort
Victor Hernandez first time he ever did any work. Ever. Can’t cut a 3 inch diameter piece of wood with a hand saw. I have no words.
“You’re the proud owner of a stump.” That’s what she said... :-(
"Thanks!" - John Bobbit
I dug out a stump of a small tree in my garden, wow, it was still hard work.
use a mattock for everything - digging, cutting small roots, big roots. It's the tool to rule them all.
No, that would be my backhoe. LOL
Legend has it that He spent hours trying to hand-saw that single root --- 😆...
Straight to the comments. "Chainsawr" "Iann digging baa". Love it.
My man's dressed like a Brooks Brother's ad to remove a tree stump.
eric modica 😂🤣😂Well dang, he wanted to look good on camera!
I know right. 😆
Yeah, he doesn’t get out much.
To be fair, if you had a thought that 100,000 people would be looking at you... you might wish to wear your best clothes. ... let alone 1.6 million+
"It's just too big for tha lappas"
Use a sawzall but I used the long construction demo blade for wood with nails. You can go all into the dirt and the blade does not dull.
I used my neighbors 1970s lifted Ford and a logging chain and yanked a hickory stump out out on first pull.
Anyone else just enjoy watching these videos for fun? Reminds me of watching old HGTV programs with my mom when I was a kid.
And magically the stump was suddenly loose.
After the camera crew towed it atttttt with their crew truck
Lmao shoulda rocked that thing back and forth a few times at least. They just made it look ez. It's not easy. I've dug out a few stumps in my life.
The wonders of video editing. LOL
@assassinlexx Let it rott. Throw fungus or mushroom spores on it. Bury it under a bed of leaves; the heat & fungus will it away at it quick.
Yeah. Not until you get underneath and cut all the vertical and tap root is that coming loose.
I had to dig up a stop and one thing that I did that help tremendously was after I had dug down a little ways I got my pressure washer with the most powerful nozzle on it and I just washed away all the dirt that was hanging to the limbs are the roots and that made it easier for me to get the stump from there
Somebody needs to make an hour long video with the various ways to get rid of a stump and let people vote for the best way at the end. Guess they'd need a building lot with maybe 100 stumps as a starter. After that we can use a truck bumper, (with and without wetting the ground) farm jack, all the variations of other jacks, saws-all, chain saws, stump grinders, fire (assisted burn and free burn), maybe a few with dynamite, automatic weapons, etc. As a finishing touch maybe a few that were drilled out and left to rot, while filling the time using heavy machinery on a few more. Winning categories could be most laughable, most creative, most work involved, and genius level. (no sweat)
You forgot dumping a bunch of corn cobs on the stump and renting some pigs. They'll eat the cobs stump and all. 😁
When I was young, I did that just like you're showing. I got wise over the years and now I use a backhoe or pay s ok meone to grind them out for me.
Me too. I keep my spare back hoe next to the garden for just such the occasion.
When I’ve done this, I just used an axe on the big roots. Easy
Pruning blades don't like dirt, use a demolition blade. They are designed to cut wood and nails and will hold up longer.
Wish these had been around when my kids were under 10 - would have been perfect for them to learn basic, common sense stuff. Thanks guys and keep up the good work.
This was so helpful, I’m going to use these tips when I cut down my tree, thank you :)
Used both that wood blade with a recip saw and chainsaw. Actually the chainsaw chain is cheaper as it could be sharpen many times plus much faster.
But if it hit the dirt, you run the risk of damaging the bar. Bars are far more expensive than CHAINS to replace.
I stopped using pruning reciprocating saw blades for roots. They dull too quickly. I now use blades with carbide tip teeth. They last much much longer. Every so often, I find myself cutting through a rock before realizing I am. But, the blade is still good. Rock will round the teeth on a pruning blade.
This would have been better if the homeowner was shown while holding a Starbucks latte.
Cutting roots is essentially a must,then use a tire with wheel intact,wrap stumproots with chain draped over tire,then hook on to trailer hitch on truck and slowly drive away with stump in tow.there you have it
Ya know, if you take a hose to the root ball it cleans it up for the reciprocating saw. If you have a wet dry vac you can run the muddy water back into the yard getting rid of the dirt at the same time.
1) Have a large crew. 2) Have unlimited time. 3) Have a TV show pay for it.
I've been binging these videos and the comment section of every single video is just shitting all over Rogah's accent
I am so proud of this community
Lmfao
1:16 -- that's my wife watching while I do all the work. It never changes.
Yeah guy shoulda jumped in there and grabbed the other handle and helped out right
Homeowner: “What? You had a “Saws All” power tool the entire time?”
Lol
"Doesn't require any specialized equipment, just a strong back"
"Here's a stump grindah"
These are far safer methods than what my neighbor, Leon, and I did to remove a big pine stump next to his cabin. I wrote all about it so no one would ever again use the stump removal method we tried.
Do give us a hint. I think the statute of limitations has run out.😊
@@JohnnyArtPavlouprobably tannerite
WAYYYYYYYYY TOO MUCH LABOR FOR ME!! THANKS THOUGH GUYS!!!
You had a reciprocating saw the whole time?
Roger playing games.
Call Bud’s Tree Stump Service, open a beer, write a check when Bud is done removing the stump. Easy enough.
Roger, “I hope you have a strong back”. Home owner stands there and watches Roger do most of the work.
Kind of like where I work.
The best thing about these videos are the comment sections
Had to let him do the real work on the big stump so he could appreciate the stump grinder on the others. 😆
heavy axe for the roots, bottle jack and crow bar for the stump
Next episode - how to use a rake!!
Arnold: Get to the Lahpa!
Mr "MAAAk it" "SHAAAAP it" "CAAAB BITE TEETH" made that guy suffer with that crappy hand saw.
Carbide, not carbite.
roger is from the northeast. why make fun of their accent?
'Cause it's funny?
nah, not really.
Sure it is. It's hilarious! :-D
I got rid of a tree just by packing mulch around it. The roots started coming out of the dirt on it's own. It eventually died and I just kicked it over and the roots just came all the way out. It wasnt as thick as the tree in the video but still a nice size
I don't think this home owner was expecting to put this much work in lol.
His wife definitely “convinced” him to do a TOH episode. Maybe she bribed him with that shiny new “work jacket”. I’d like some behind-the-scenes of how this all came to be. 🤣. He’s adorable.
Should use a 12" carbide reciprocating saw blade to cut all the roots and use a wedge or an axe to split the stump.
The way he says "garden" 😂
After all the visible roots have been cut stick a 3 ft Jackall on a piece of scrap wood under the stump and start lifting it with a jack, easier then pulling it manually or wrecking your 4x4 which a lot of people do.
That homeowner seems likes hes never done any labor work in his life before
He looks like a guy who has always opened up his wallet rather than doing the work himself.
Can you say millennial.
Ed Wo
Snowflake
I used to be like that, until circumstances forced me to be more hands on, once you learn and get to it, no problem.
Looks like he is keeping him awake
I would recommend the Barrito hydraulic stump grinder those methods mentioned here are very hard back breaking labor. The Grindr they used is for very small stumps. Hydraulic grinders are the only way to go makes the job easy peasy. I can do a stump in one hour or less depending on how big the stump is.
"I'AN DIGGIN' BAH'
Yea because we all have one of those.
Roger is showing everyone the real hard way to do this job. The real easy way is to dig up the roots so that they are at least partially exposed. Then, get either an electric or battery operated reciprocal saw with a 12" landscape blade ($10 for a pack of 5 at Menards) and cut all the roots. The entire root-ball should come right out. BTW, those landscape blades I mentioned do NOT dull when used in dirt.
That might work on some trees but I’ve had some with roots flaring out in every direction, stacking on each other in so many layers that you can’t easily expose them with a shovel.
They should show the workers who do the actual work before they step in to look like they've been doing it.
No
So you're saying knowledgeable professional doesn't do any of the work? Why?
Roger Cook = Legend!