A large majority of homeowners opt to remove one or more trees from their yard during their length of ownership. While not necessarily costly, homeowners quickly discover that various aspects to the process which they initially assumed would be reflected in the final tree removal cost actually cost extra. Among these is tree stump removal and root extraction.
Tree stumps can be challenging to remove as they are securely braced in by the tree’s roots. However, with the average cost of tree stump removal at over $100, it would be unwise to not at least attempt it yourself. Although the use of stump grinders can make for an easier removal process, they can be expensive to rent and won’t offer much in the way of performance for larger stumps. Fortunately, there are powerful chemicals which you can use to help you breeze through the process without any expensive rental equipment or the prospect of back pain. Furthermore, you will feel a sense of accomplishment by being able to pocket a sizeable chunk of money that would have otherwise gone to cover the cost of tree removal.
If you visit your local home improvement store’s gardening department, you will likely find a product that is known as a tree stump remover. These removers are typically nothing more than pellets of potassium nirate. This is a compound that expedites the rate at which the wood begins to rot. Alternatively, you can also use nitrogen fertilizer. In order to get the nitrogen to absorb properly, you will need to drill some holes into the stump. Once this complete, it is simply a matter of filling the holes with the stump remover and letting it get to work. This can take a few weeks, so be patient.
Now that the few weeks have elapsed, you can move forward in multiple ways. You can try to manually remove the stump using an axe, or you can burn the stump. The latter can be accomplished by soaking the stump with kerosene. Repeat the same application technique that was used for the stump remover and gradually continue adding more kerosene over the course of several weeks as it is absorbed by the tree. At this point, you should be able to light the tree on fire. You won’t need to brace yourself for a tall wall of flames or anything remotely dramatic. It should smolder for a few days after which the stump will be gone.
You will want to keep an eye on the process as to ensure that any stray embers don’t go about causing a fire. Be sure to check with your local laws before going about burning your stump. The entire project should cost you no more than $20 for the stump remover and some kerosene. If you are patient and exercise some vigilance to prevent problems, this is a surefire way to detract from the expense of tree removal.