Top tips to remove tree stumps in Glasgow

It feels like summer is approaching in Glasgow, and at this time of year there is a lot of tree removal activity as people look to get their gardens ready. With this activity us arborists are leaving a trail of stumps in our wake, and homeowners across Glasgow are on the hunt for ways to remove the stumps. Dead stumps in your garden can attract fungus, insects and pests in search of a home, so if it is possible, it’s usually best to remove the tree stumps.

If you are needing to remove stumps, you have a few choices. You can manually dig out the remnants, use a stump grinder machine, or try a chemical stump remover. Each option will get the desired result but in very different ways and on different budgets and timelines.

The Manual Stump Removal Solution
Sometimes it’s not possible to get a stump grinder to the base where a tree once stood, and if you are up for it and want a good workout, then the manual method could be right for you. Removing a tree stump by hand works best on small to medium-sized stumps for obvious reasons. Here’s how to tackle this project:

1.     Clear away debris from around the stump and dig around the stump into the soil enough to expose the lateral roots (as opposed to the tap root which goes straight down from the trunk).

2.     Use a mattock to sever the roots around the stump, pulling up debris to toss aside.

3.     If needed, hose off the area to expose more roots and then continue chopping until you sever all the lateral roots.

4.     Once you can rock the stump back and forth a bit, chop it into several sections to sever the taproot. 

5.     Remove all parts of the stump and dispose of them. 

6.     Fill in the hole, you’ll have built up a decent pile from all the digging. You will probably need to add to this as the material settles.

In summary, removing a tree stump by hand is a simple process, but that doesn’t mean it is easy work, and it’s certainly not a quick job, expect to take a few days if it’s you’re first time. With the right tools and a strong back, however, you can have an all-natural stump removal method. And truthfully, sometimes doing a little hacking and chopping can feel pretty good. 

But if you would rather have someone do the work for you, reach out today to The Glasgow Tree Surgeon https://www.theglasgowtreesurgeon.co.uk/contact. We’re your stump removal experts in the Glasgow area and can remove your tree stump using our stump grinders

The Stump Grinder Solution

Stump grinders come in different sizes, some are wheeled, and others are on tracks. Depending on the size of the stump and the access we bring the right stump grinder to the job.

 Removing a tree stump using a stump grinder can be straightforward with the right machine however there are a number of steps that must be followed to ensure the job is done safely and satisfactorily.

1.     Ensure there is clear access to the stump for the grinder, gates, steps, lawns and flower beds are all common obstacles.

2.     Check the ground around the stump is even, it’s much harder to operate a stump grinder on a slope or uneven ground.

3.     Clear the ground, like the manual solution digging around the stump by hand before the stump grinder is used is the smart way to go about this job.

4.     Ensure there are safety barriers to the front and back of the grinder, stones can ping off the spinning grinder and travel some distance. Therefore we always use barriers to protect property and windows!

5.     Once the stump has been ground down, back fill with the material that has been created, we also recommend adding to this with top soil or similar as the area is likely to sink.

 The No-Chemical Stump Removal Solution

The most eco friendly way to remove your tree stumps is by hand, however if that’s not possible then the next best solution for you could be the eco-plug. Eco plus work best if applied to the tree stump within a couple of days of the tree being removed. These plugs limit the damage to the surrounding area so if you are wanting to protect your surrounding garden then don’t use a weed killer, but the eco plug could be right for you as it doesn’t spill out. Simply drill holes around the base of the tree stump (diagonal towards the ground). You’ll need to use an eco plug every 2-3 inches apart. And hammer them into your pre drilled holes. This solution takes time for the stump to decompose, eco plugs claim they half the time the stump will die, which is still a long time, anywhere between 3-15 years depending on the size of the stumps.

 The Glasgow Tree Surgeon can apply the eco plugs if this solution is right for you.

In summary removing a stump using a stump grinder is the most common way, The Glasgow Tree Surgeon can assist no matter how big or small your tree stumps are. We also use our stump grinders to grind hedge stumps when hedges are removed.

Our stump removal services are available throughout the year. We are based in Glasgow, and offer our services to Glasgow and all surrounding areas.

We offer free no obligation, written quotations and estimates.

Please telephone us on (0141) 3211569 to discuss your requirements.