How To Remove Tree Stumps

The easy bit of removing trees in the garden is getting rid of the bit which you see above the ground. Once you’ve dealt with the trunk, branches and leaves you’re left with the stump and roots, and that can often be the part of removing a tree which is the trickiest to deal with. It’s not always something you need to get the professionals in for though, and there are just a few simple steps you have to follow.

The reason why you can’t just leave the tree stump alone after you have chopped the tree down is because of a phenomenon that gardeners called suckering. This is the name for new shoots and growth springing up from the cut root, and this happens when the stump has not been completely killed off, and the root system of the tree is still alive. Dead tree stumps won’t cause this sort of regrowth problem, but might attract some sorts of fungus which can spread to the rest of your living plants. So it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’ve removed the stumps as best you can.

The only way of getting the tree stump completely removed is to get the tree surgeons in with a high powered winch and have the tree stump completely pulled out from the ground. This can only be done when there is a metre or more left of the tree protruding from the surface on the ground, and is usually done by a tree surgeon at the same time as they remove the rest of the tree. Make sure when you are asking for prices that you specify that you want the stumps removed too. Prices will vary hugely depending on the type and size of tree, but you can expect to pay upwards of £300 for the job. Always shop around for the best price, and approach at least three local tree surgeons for a quote.

One of the best DIY options for getting rid of stumps which are too small for removal with a winch is by using stump killing chemicals. These are widely available from garden centres and DIY stores and are priced anywhere between £10 and £40. Read the instructions as to how the product should be used as they are not all designed to work in the same way. With many, you will have to use a chisel or drill to make notches or holes in the surface of the stump, and then pour the liquid or granules into the holes. The best time to do this is over the autumn and winter period when there is no growth. Some of the chemicals used in this process are quite strong, so keep them away from children and animals, use protective clothing and gloves while working, and once the job is complete, cover the stump with some plastic sheeting to stop the chemicals being washed away in the first shower of rain.