

Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS.

Should you like to replant the area it is best to remove the bulk of the sawdust and fill the hole created by stump grinding with topsoil. If a large amount of sawdust was accidentally mixed with the existing soil it is usually worth adding nitrogenous fertiliser prior to planting to counteract possible problems with nutrient lockup. For example, consider mixing in chicken manure pellets or sulphate of ammonia. Specify which of these you would prefer before the work is started and be sure to have any diseased wood removed completely. It can be left to fill in the hole, used as mulch in other areas of the garden, or taken away by the contractors. Also think about what you want to do with the sawdust. Shallow grinding, 20-25cm (8-10in), is normally sufficient for laying turf, but you should allow for deeper, 30cm (1ft), or more if replanting or landscaping. It is worth specifying how deep you would like the stump ground to. Some roots will inevitably be left in the ground but the majority should eventually rot down. Although stump grinders can be hired, they are potentially hazardous and are only for gardeners confident that they can use machinery safely. Landscape contractors are often skilled at stump removal, but you can hire mini-excavators and operators separately.Īlternatively, machines known as stump grinders will mechanically grind out the main root plate, leaving fine sawdust. Removal is easiest if trees are cut down so that a significant length of trunk remains to give leverage to help in removal. Grubbing out by hand or mechanical mini-excavator removes the majority of the root system. For leverage it is necessary to leave a good sized stub on the stump (up to 1.2m (4ft) high) rather than cutting it off at ground level. These can be hired by gardeners with the knowledge to use them safely. Ideally the stump should be removed entirely, but if this is not possible alternative methods usually give satisfactory results.įor smaller trees the stumps can be pulled out with a winch.
Where to buy root out how to#
How to remove a stump Physical stump removal


