How to Remove a Tree

Before you start | Felling the tree | Removing the stump

The tree is gone and you are left with the stump. You now have numerous choices. Here are several suggestions:

Options

1. Dig the stump up with a sharp spade, pick and a pruning saw for the roots that just won't give. This method works effectively, but is time and labour intensive. Depends mostly upon enthusiasm of the crew.
Tools required: spade, pick, pruning saw.
Degree of Difficulty: 5 (scale 1-easy, 2, 3, 4, 5-hard)

2. Call an arborist or tree service. The cost for this service varies with the size and placement of the stump.
Tools required: none
Degree of Difficulty: 1 (scale 1-easy, 2, 3, 4, 5-hard)

3. Drill holes into the stump and pour chemicals into the holes. When the stump is dead, it will eventually decompose.
Tools required: drill, chemicals
Degree of Difficulty: 1 (scale 1-easy, 2, 3, 4, 5-hard)

4. Leave it alone to decay naturally. Remove all new sucker growth before it reaches 8 inches in height to gradually deplete the stored food. This can take 5-10 years but is easy, inexpensive and chemical free.
Tools required: none
Degree of Difficulty: 1 (scale 1-easy, 2, 3, 4, 5-hard)

5. Perhaps the best option is to incorporate it into your landscaping. Hollow out the stump by drilling lots of holes into it and chipping out the pulp. When hollowed out you can fill it with seed and use it as a bird feeder. Or fill with garden soil and plant vines or annual flowers into it.  It will eventually decompose, but will be a pleasant addition to your yard in the meantime. If you don't want it to decompose, apply several coats of varnish inside and outside of the stump.
Tools required: drill or router, hammer and chisel.
Degree of Difficulty: 2 (scale: 1-easy, 2, 3, 4, 5-hard)