Stump removal

[axescot]

I was wondering if it is possible to remove these stumps with a 69-in Digging Bar or if I need to get a stump grinder?

This is what I have:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Truper-Tru-Pro-69-in-Post-hole-Digging-Bar/3055437

Is it feasible or are they too large? Thought I would ask before I kill myself trying.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Being in that proximity to the structure I would excavate around those with hand tools and expose roots. As I encountered a root I'd wash it off with a garden hose and cut the root with a Sawsall

After all feeder roots were cut, if there is a tap root I'd grind that out with the tip of my chain saw. Consider all of this speculation because we're going into the un-known as every tree is mostly unique.

 

[Tetters]

I would be a bit concerned about the stump being very close to the building for a stump grinder, although that`s the quickest way. What trees were they? That could influence the best kind of removal.
There is another way which requires much less effort but a lot more patience. If these are sawn down lower - as low as possible, and you drill some nice big holes down into the roots, fill the holes with as much epsom salts as possible and cover with black plastic (firmly fixed on) they will rot down in about twelve months.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

EDIT:
I failed to mention, unless you are 100% positive where all of your utilities are located, this would be a good time to consider doing a 1 call for utility locations. It can be rather expensive if lines are cut and sometimes dangerous.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

part of me would consider a chain around them, and latch it to your car and pull it out.

 

[Sheal]

But if the roots lay under the footings @Esther Knapicius, pulling it out could take the building with it!

 

[Tetters]

But if the roots lay under the footings @Esther Knapicius, pulling it out could take the building with it!

It wouldn`t do the car a lot of good either would it.

 

[Sheal]

Looking at the new shoots on the tree in picture 1 suggests to me it's a Cordyline. If that's correct then it will have a tap root. I would be inclined to use the method that Tetters has suggested in post #3 for both tree stumps.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

But if the roots lay under the footings @Esther Knapicius, pulling it out could take the building with it!

saw that, that is why I used the word consider. I have done the car thing on a few areas of our property.

 

[axescot]

I think the 2nd one is a pine tree. This is the best pic I could get of it. Not sure about either.

 

[Tetters]

I wondered about that one, and thought it might be pine or similar. There is no chance of that stump producing new shoots from the bottom, and it will rot down well if given the big overdose of epsom salts as I described.
The good thing about this method is that although it requires some patience, the epsom salts that might leech out to surrounding plants will only feed them - the salts will only be lethal to the stumps you need to get rid of....so it`s win win

 

[Sheal]

saw that, that is why I used the word consider. I have done the car thing on a few areas of our property.

You may have Esther but were the stumps as close to your house as those axescot has?

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Again, consider. I am not there to actually judge the distance, and shallowness or depth of roots.

 

[Tetters]

Nit picking doesn`t really help Esther does it. We are only trying to be helpful for axescot.

 

[axescot]

Nit picking doesn`t really help Esther does it. We are only trying to be helpful for axescot.

And it's been helpful. The Epsom salts are a good idea. When I was doing research on how to do this, some people will cut it down to a lower stump, hollow it out, and use it as a planter. This might be the best idea yet.