Removing a tree stump

sevenhills

I have just sawn down a tree in my garden, it's a healthy tree but it was too closed to the path.
It's at least 12" in diameter and a similar amount in height. As I haven't used a chainsaw before, I didn't want to strain myself too much by cutting it lower. It was still hard work, for me.
I am thinking about burning it, but will it burn?
I have drilled a few holes in it, so air can help it burn.
I am hoping for a slow burn, as it's close to the fence

daveyjp

It will burn, plenty of videos on youtube.  I wouldn't burn anything near a fence though!

baser999

Try digging around the stump and cut the roots with the chainsaw

Ganga

Yoou should have left more of the tree trunk above ground ,dug around the roots and cut them with a saw OR if you feel confident a chainsaw then you could have rocked the tree with the stump to locate any roots that you cannot see ( underneath and going straight down ) then cut the trunk into managable chunks.

TELLIT01

Too late now but you should have left at least 3 foot of the trunk.  That would give something to lever with once you had gone round the tree and cut the main roots. 

sevenhills

daveyjp said:

It will burn, plenty of videos on youtube.  I wouldn't burn anything near a fence though!

I did give it a try tonight. Just at one side, the firelighter burnt but the stump didn't catch light.
I did drill some holes in the stump, but if it does catch fire it might take the fence with it.
I do have an old axe, I will sharpen that and see how easy it is.

Eldi_Dos

Never seen any farmers or estate workers burning a stump,I would imagine there is a reason it is not common practice.

Those videos on youtube of some gung ho cousins are good entertainment but thats all I think they are entertainment.

Unless you really want stump out could you not just plant a shrub in front of it and let nature take its course with the stump.

sevenhills

Eldi_Dos said:

Never seen any farmers or estate workers burning a stump,I would imagine there is a reason it is not common practice.

Those videos on youtube of some gung ho cousins are good entertainment but thats all I think they are entertainment.

Yes indeed, especially as mine is near a wooden fence.
I may enjoy attacking it with an axe. If that is unproductive, drilling holes in the stump will hasten it's demise.

FreeBear

Shoving a chainsaw in to the ground (even after digging soil away) is a quick way to knacker the chain. Drilling holes in to the stump will hasten it rotting away, but it will take years (5 or more). If you want it gone fast, hire a stump grinder for the afternoon.

Don't try burning it out despite what the redneck videos suggest - The wood will be very wet, and you may well will set fire to the fence.

markin

Cut it very low then use the chainsaw to grind it lower or 100 holes with a spade bit 10 holes an hr to keep the bit and drill cool.

A new chain must be cheaper than a stump grinder rental.

[Deleted User]

A tree surgeon, or gardener, will do it with theirs in a few minutes, worth the £40 just to get the job done for you if unable to DIY.
Yes, i did, 5 years ago.