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8/25/2018

How to Remove a Tree Stump by Hand

Summer is wrapping up, and there is a lot of activity in the tree removal world right now. All those busy arborists are leaving a trail of stumps in their wake, and homeowners are on the hunt for ways to remove the stumps. Dead stumps on your property can attract insects and pests in search of a home, so it is usually best to get the stumps out of there.

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

The No-Chemical Solution
If you want a good workout and a natural stump removal option, then the manual method is right for you. Removing a tree stump by hand works best on small to medium-sized stumps. Here’s how to tackle this project:

Clear away debris from around the stump and dig down into the soil enough to expose the lateral roots (as opposed to the tap root which goes straight down from the trunk).
Use a mattock to sever the roots around the stump, pulling up debris to toss aside.
If needed, hose off the area to expose more roots and then continue chopping until you sever all the lateral roots.
Once you can rock the stump back and forth a bit, chop it into several sections to sever the taproot.
Remove all parts of the stump and dispose of them.
Fill in the hole with loam or other fill material. You will probably need to redo this a few times as the material settles.

As you can see, removing a tree stump by hand is a simple process, but that doesn’t mean it is easy work. 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 Rochester Stump Removal. We’re your stump experts in the Rochester area and are eager to get the job done.

8/18/2018

What Chemicals Do I Need To Kill a Stump?

If you’ve been doing some landscaping projects or have cleared some property recently, you are likely looking at some stumpwork in your future. Although some people choose to keep the stumps around, most people prefer to get rid of them.

Why remove them? Stumps can be a nuisance when you are trying to mow and maintain your lawn; working around them is rather annoying. And you know who loves your old stumps? Pests and insects. Stumps are a big draw for a lot of critters that you probably don’t want living and multiplying around your home.

Three Choices for Stump Removal
Once you decide that it’s time for your tree stumps to go, you have three primary options, each with its pros and cons.

Manual removal. You certainly can dig out your stumps by hand with good, old-fashioned hard work.
Stump grinding. Some homeowners choose to buy or rent a stump grinder. This choice is the quickest option but does involve the expense of purchasing or renting the equipment.
Chemical stump removal. Using a chemical stump remover is the least labor-intensive option. It isn’t the fastest, but it is effective. Once you drill holes in the stump, pour in the chemicals, and then wait.

So, What Are These Chemicals Anyway?
Using a chemical stump remover is very popular with homeowners, especially when time is not of the essence. Since this is the slowest method, it won’t help if you need a stump gone right away.

But if you’ve got the time, typically about two to four weeks, then any stump removal product with potassium nitrate will do the job. It slowly rots the wood, moving Mother Nature along in her old age so you can easily dig out the stump and dispose of it.

Herbicides containing glyphosate will also work as stump removers but not as effectively as those with potassium nitrate. As with any chemical products, take caution around children and pets. Also, consider other plants nearby as the chemicals can reach their roots as well.

If you prefer to try a less caustic chemical approach, rock salt (not table salt) is a viable alternative. It is a slower approach but does not pose a risk to children, pets, or other vegetation.

Whichever method you prefer, Rochester Stump Removal is at your service. We can answer your questions and get your stump removal project underway for you.

8/11/2018

Do I Need a Tree Stump Grinding Service?

When you tackle a landscaping project on your property, big or small, you are likely to leave behind a tree stump or two...or more. And while you could choose to turn your stumps into whimsical planters, you’d probably prefer to get rid of it altogether. Keeping old stumps, especially if there is water nearby, can attract rodents and other pests that you’d probably rather not have living on your property.

Although you can dig out stumps in your yard manually or use a chemical stump remover to speed up the decomposition process, many homeowners prefer to use a stump grinding service. Stump grinding falls squarely in the middle of these options as far as how much labor is required to complete the job, and it is the most popular option for stump removal.

Can I Do it Myself?
The quick answer to this question is sure; you can do it yourself. Stump grinders are available for rent or purchase from home improvement stores, and property owners can then do the stump grinding work themselves. Depending on the diameter of the stump, this project could take anywhere from half an hour to several hours.

But should you do it yourself? Running a grinder is not the easiest or safest of jobs. It is crucial that you take the time to learn how to use the machine correctly and safely. Take care to follow all safety precautions, including wearing eye and ear protection.

The Safer Way? Hire a Stump Grinding Service
To ensure your safety and your peace of mind, the best option is to hire a stump grinding service near you. Professional stump grinders can get the job done promptly, and you do not have to assume the inherent risks in running power tools.

If your property is in the Rochester area, and you find yourself in need of a stump grinding service, Rochester Stump Removal is ready to go to work for you.

Whether you need residential or commercial property stump removal, our team will do the job professionally, thoroughly, and safely.

8/4/2018

Six Common Tree Trimming Accidents

In our age of HGTV and YouTube videos, the do-it-yourself movement is in full swing. And for good reason. Completing a project yourself rather than hiring it out is usually cost-effective and gives you a sense of self-sufficiency. And it’s always good for our brains to learn new things.

But any DIY project comes with cautions and warnings to be sure you have the proper gear and know-how before starting. Tree trimming is no different. It is one area where hiring an expert can, literally, save life and limb.

Here are six of the most common accidents that happen with DIY tree trimming.

Getting hit by falling limbs. Would it surprise you to know that the Centers for Disease Control tracks tree cutting accidents? According to the CDC, being struck by falling limbs or equipment is the number one danger with this project.
Falling to the ground. Those who do not secure themselves properly with the right gear and harnesses are at significant risk of falling from the tree. And many falls occur off the roofs of houses when people try to access trees from the roof.
Electrocution from overhead wires. It would seem pretty obvious to steer clear of electrical wires with cutting instruments and power tools, but this is a very common accident. Electrocution is a severe risk for DIY tree trimmers.
Bites and stings. As you trim and cut your way through a tree, it is likely you will encounter an animal who won’t take kindly to your intrusion. Raccoons and squirrels can bite. Bees, wasps, and ants will swarm and sting. And a sudden attack adds the further risk of the startled tree trimmer falling to the ground.
Amputated limbs. If you’re trimming a tree, chances are you are removing limbs. Unfortunately, many DIY tree cutting experiences end with the removal of the wrong kind of limb. Amputations are a hazard during tree trimming due to malfunctioning power equipment or user error. Fingers, hands, and arms have been lost to chainsaws and wood chippers.
Eye injuries. Flying wood chips, sawdust, and other debris can become embedded in eyes, so always be sure to wear safety goggles during tree trimming.

Keeping your trees in beautiful shape is a big job. If you decide to try it on your own, be sure to have all of the proper safety gear. Take time to familiarize yourself with the necessary equipment and tools. Take precaution and don’t hurry. Whether you choose to do it yourself or to hire a professional, we here at Rochester Stump Removal are ready to help finish the project. Give us a call to schedule your stump grinding and stump removal today.

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ROCHESTER STUMP REMOVAL BLOG

How to Remove a Tree Stump by Hand

What Chemicals Do I Need To Kill a Stump?

Do I Need a Tree Stump Grinding Service?

Six Common Tree Trimming Accidents

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