how do you remove a HUGE tree stump?

Question

i have an opportunity to make alot of money taking out a stump. although the stump is 7 feet tall and probably a 5 or 6 foot diameter. now realistically speaking, explosives are out of the question. this stump isnt on a big *** piece of land, its in a backyard in between 2 houses. fire is not an option either because its in a residential neighborhood. and chemically would just take too long and i would lose this opportunity. i have a 2wd toyota tacoma, so i may be able to just pull it out after cutting all the roots and cutting it down quite a bit, but i dont think i can get the truck into the back yard, and very nervous about that idea because i dont want something to happen to my truck. im wiling to rent something but just dont know where to even start with that plan. so any useful info/ideas would greatly be appreciated.

Answer 1

Seriously to get a stump out of that small area of that size quickly hire a stump grinder. We have done that and for a few hundred dollars the stump after grinding had disappeared forever. You need to cut the tree trunk down as close to the ground as safely as possible.

No hassles no digging trenches no root splitting or months - years of constant application waiting for the chemicals from stump remover to rot the stump.

Really save your back and your truck is no match for pulling out the massive size of the root & stump from a stump 4-6' in diameter tree. You need a huge backhoe, or Caterpillar with tank treads to pull that huge root out. Each square foot of a of a tree stump of that size would weigh between 75-100 #, no kidding.

Best choices are either rent a stump grinder or hire a company that specializes in grinding stumps out of sight, out of mind. LOL! Really in my opinion with 22 years of landscaping experience and a Master Gardner your better choice is to hire a stump grinder. You'll be glad you did!

Good luck.

Answer 2

Digging up a stump that large, is a lesson in futility.



Rent a chainsaw and cut the tree down level to the soil.

Rent a stump grinder. Rental yards carry smaller ones that can propel themselves to the stump. Grind away the stump and largest roots leading from it.



If the stump is really six feet in diameter, pack a lunch, and plan on a full day's rental. The smaller grinders are slower. And don't forget to bring a cooler of water.



Don't forget to charge the homeowner for gas and truck usage, the rental fees, and labor. I'm thinking about $500 would cover everything and put a little profit in your pocket.



Warn the homeowner that a sinkhole will be there after the stump is removed. And that the sinkhole will expand over the next few years as the roots rot away. And warn him that nothing will grow there for a few years.

Answer 3

I had a tree stump taken out earlier this year, the stump from an 80 foot tall fir. The guy used a backhoe to pull it out, breaking one root at a time by pulling with the machine, and then he was able to drag it away off to one side of my driveway with the machine. I don't think a pickup truck is going to cut it(pardon the pun) for removing a stump 5 or 6 feet in diameter. if diameter is what you really mean. I live in on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where we have some of the largest trees in North America. There aren't many that big even around here. Maybe you mean circumference.

Answer 4

I would call a certified arborist, not just some tree-whacker guy. It does sound like it's a big job. I've had a lot of tree work done lately, and it is not cheap. The cost will depend on the time and effort it takes to take the tree down, whether the stump is going to be ground down, what happens to the wood after it's taken down (do you want mulch, firewood, or for him to take it away) and so on. I wouldn't be surprised if it cost in the neighborhood of $1,000 to satisfactorily dispose of a tree that size.

Answer 5

You could paint it grey and pretend it's a pet elephant.



Seriously, dude, you are in a difficult situation. One possibility is to dig it out, 2 or 3 feet deep, and cut the roots. Even then you are going to need some equipment to lift it. Another is to use a stump grinder. Either way you are looking at a few day's heavy labor.



https://www.google.com/search?num=10&hl=en&safe=off&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=961&q=stump+grinder

Answer 6

stump grinder quickest and most effective less backache than digging it out

Answer 7

once you cut it down to a manageable height



you need to get a stump grinder



they can be rented



i know sunbelt does rent them out...see if they are in your area.

Answer 8

Best method would be to get a digger in there to detach it, and then have a crane lift it out.

Answer 9

These videos will explain it all, subscribe if you'd like!

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOfficialMurph?feature=mhee

Answer 10

don't remove it, grind it down.