shrub stump removal

[LovenLifeGuy]

What is the best way to get rid of shrub stumps. Do I have to dig them up or does someone know an easier way? the thickest part of these get to be around 2-3 inches in diameter. Thanks

LovenLifeGuy

[Powerstroke]

If you plan on replanting in the same area you need to remove them by pull/dig/grind etc. If you wqant to just cover it up and mulch over it or whatever you can dig around it, cut it below grade and then fill in the hole.

[zent]

If you have access to a 4 wheeler it's an easy job. I have used a tow strap and cinched it tight around the base of the shrub, left about 2 feet of slack and popped them right out of the ground. They don't seem to have a real deep root system. It was also another reason to validate having a 4 wheeler. Good luck. Zent

[icehousebob]

I run a small, humble tree service in the western suburbs and I've developed a system for shrubs. I get the home owners to soak the ground for several hours to soften the ground. Then I wrap chain around it and hook it to the front tow hooks on my truck and pull it out. I like to hook the chain to my front tow hooks and pull it in reverse instead of hooking it to my trailer hitch so I can watch the process as I do it. There,s a few trade secrets that make the job easier but I would have to show you how they work because they are hard to describe without a bush to demonstrate them. If you live in the Twin Cities, contact me and I could help you out. DO NOT cut them off short before pulling the roots or you make the job lots harder.

[IFallsRon]

I've used the chain method, too, and recommend it. If you can get under larger roots, try to wrap the chain so that it twists the root while pulling it out.

[LovenLifeGuy]

Thanks for all the help. Im going to give it a shot in the morning and see if I can pull them out with the 4 wheeler. If that dont work I may give you a call Icehouse..

Thanks, LovenLifeGuy

[icehousebob]

Hey LLG, give me a call any time if you live anywhere close to me. I'm in Minnetonka and my last name is Pansch. I'm in the phone book and I always have my chains in my truck. We could make a quick job of it. It might cost you a beer.

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Hey guys what about a 15'-20' arbrovite (sp) neighbor cut some down in the spring and wants me to pull them out with the F250 diesel. Any idea how deep the roots grow on those?

Thanks,

Mike

[lawdog]

I did a giant overgrown arborvitae at my old house a few years ago. This is definitely not the easy way, but I had no choice...

I dug around as much as I could (including a lot with a hand garden shovel) and then cut the roots on the side as much as I could and just used a big shovel and kept prying, digging and cutting until I worked it out. The roots that you cut off can just stay in the ground, they'll decompose eventually... If you have no other choice, you just have to put a lot of time and elbow grease into it and you'll get it.

Its not like its a full size tree stump...

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Thanks Lawdog,

I was thinging about just hooking it to the Ford and seeing what it can do. The stumps are only 8" to 10" in Diameter. Shouldn't be too tough.

Mike

[Steve Foss]

Conifer roots tend to be shallow, but they can run out quite a ways to the side. As stated, if you cut the stump off below ground with any type of spruce, pine, fir or conifer, nothing else will grow back, and you can fill in the depressions with soil as the roots decompose over the years. For deciduous trees and shrubs, you generally have to kill or remove the stumps/roots, because they'll most often regenerate.

I've also used the chain/pickup method with good results. Except for those caragana (Russian pea shrub). They don't pull out worth a dang!

[Bobby Bass]

When pulling out stumps lay your chains or cable over a 55 gal drum on it's side close to the stump. This creates upward pressure on the stump. Much easier then trying to pull the stump thru the ground. This way you are pulling upwards and outwards. Also using a come-a -long is more efficient then tearing up the yard with a truck or 4 wheeler. But it may not be as much fun.

[IFallsRon]

The drum is a good idea but a 3-foot 4x4 works pretty good, too.