There is nothing worse than a thunderstorm that sweeps through the land and uproots trees. While it wouldn’t be a problem if the trees in question are far away, when they are too close to home, that could become a major issue down the line.

The ideal way to deal with it is to call a tree removal specialist and have them remove it with a grinder. But what if you don’t have access to a phone at the moment? How can you remove a tree stump without a grinder?

Fortunately, there is a way. Unfortunately, it is not without risks.

stump grinding

Is it Safe to Remove a Tree Stump Without a Grinder?

Most experts agree that removing a tree stump without a grinder is safe, but only if you take proper precautions. Here are some things you need to keep in mind if you want to do it on your own:

  1. Physical strain – Manually removing a stump will be physically demanding. You need to have a strong back, strong shoulders, strong legs, and most importantly, proper technique. A useless arch or a relaxed arm can cause serious injury.
  2. Tool safety – You need to be aware of tool safety if you are using chainsaws, axes, or mattocks to do the job. These might look straightforward to use, but they require strength and technique, as well as safety gear.
  3. Chemical use – There are a few ways to remove tree stumps that require chemicals. They aren’t harmless and should be handled properly.
  4. Underground utilities – You can’t just pick up your axe and start chopping. Sometimes, the tree stump has roots that dig deep into the ground. Make sure that all pipes and cables are untouched when you are working.
  5. Fire risk – If you have the idea of burning the tree stump, remember that it is not only illegal in most places, but uncontrolled burning will do more damage than good.
  6. Environmental impact – Be aware of environmentally friendly ways to remove tree stumps.

How to Remove a Tree Stump Without a Stump Grinder

Now that you know the things to keep in mind when taking on this task on your own, here are some methods for removing a tree stump without grinding:

  1. Manual removal with digging and cutting – Grab your axe and a shovel and start digging around the stump to expose the main roots. Use the axe to cut these roots. You can also use a saw if you think it is safer. Once you have cut the roots, use a pry bar to lift the stump and remove it. This works best for smaller stumps.
  2. Chemical stump removal – Another way is to use chemical stump removal techniques. You will need a potassium nitrate-based remover that you can put inside the stump after drilling holes into it. It is less physically straining but will take several weeks for the tree stump to be dissolved.
  3. Burning the stump – Consult with the authorities in your region before attempting this method. Drill holes in the stump, fill them with a flammable liquid (preferably kerosene), and then light it on fire. Do not use spirits or alcohol of any kind since they can make the fire go out of control.
  4. Use Epsom salt – You can also use Epsom salt to rot the trees from the inside. It is similar to treating the tree with chemicals. Drill holes first and fill them with Epsom salt. Make sure that the area around the tree is moist. Over time, it will naturally decompose the tree. It is an eco-friendly way of removing stumps but takes several months.
  5. Use a winch – Attach a winch to the stump and your truck or car. You can also use another tree as an anchor point. Start increasing the tension, and it will pull the stump out. While suitable for medium-sized stumps, it requires a combination of proper equipment and technique.

Do Not Remove Tree Stumps on Your Own

Even though you now know how to remove tree stumps without a grinder, we recommend not doing it on your own. As you can see, the safer methods take too much time, and the quicker methods carry too much risk. Therefore, always contact tree removal experts for this job.