I've removed more stumps than I can recall at age 73 and this is the best method there is in my opinion. But I did learn from your video. I never removed the bark for a cleaner entry point. That's a good idea. Thanks

I own a stump grinding service company. Occasionally, I'll use a similar technique. I dig a little lower and then clean up the bark/dirt with an axe, like you did. But I come in a little higher with my saw and angle the tip down a little so I'm mostly cutting deeper than my entry point level. I cut around the edges with my Sawzall and then cut out the middle of the high half under the saw entry point... finally completing that cut with my Sawzall. The use of the Sawzall greatly increases the odds that your chain will emerge unscathed!

@MrXcrt

4 ай бұрын

Introducing a sawzall is a great idea ! Thx

That's the most practical video on the subject I have seen

@paulreitzel9407

4 жыл бұрын

Great, hope you can put it to good use.

I like this cutting technique. Thank you for sharing. Regarding the bark removal, I've heard generally that it is good to remove the bark at the site of any cut since the wind carries debris which gets lodged in the bark and contributes to dulling the chain. Cheers!

Always negative comments on a good video like this - probably most from all the stump grinders out there who buy big buck equipment and then gouge everyone for stump grinding. I like cutting them off similar to this and then burning them out. I've saved thousands of dollars over the years doing it this way. I use an older bar and chain and sharpened and clean the entire saw when finished. I say - good video and thank you.

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Fritz, it's comments like yours that keep me going. Paul

This works fine. I've done it a number of times. I also just let the stumps let the stumps rot. Had a couple of 12" stump diameter Maples in the yard. Cut them about 3" above ground. Immediately put some full strength Roundup or Crossbow on the stumps to prevent shoots from coming up. Also grooved the wood on top to collect water. Every once in a while I would hit the top of the stumps with tip of my chainsaw while doing other yard work. The stumps rotted away in a couple of years.

The fast forwarding sound at 2:50 reminds me of getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist

In case you were wondering who gave you your 2000th upvote, it was me.

Good job and nice to see a homeowner actually wearing safety kit with chaps and helmet 👍🏻. I cringe when I see guys working a saw in jeans because you only have one chainsaw accident and it will be your last.

All I've been seeing is fire and truck vids lol. This is a pretty good idea and shouldn't take too long. Thx 👍🏽.

@paulreitzel9407

4 жыл бұрын

Great, good luck, be safe Aland.

Good video. This is how I have removed smaller stumps for years.

@virginia7125

3 жыл бұрын

If I can get it to wobble, I'll take the tractor with a chain & pull it out. Have cut the roots loose with an axe & got them up this way.

Paul if only I knew you had this knowledge and skills when I met you. Incredible work

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, but when did we meet?

@mattconway3172

3 жыл бұрын

@@paulreitzel9407 Carl's back yard he had a fire I don't remember what the occasion was. Maybe his birthday?

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

@@mattconway3172 Yup, I remember now. Also on a Zoom game night.

@mattconway3172

3 жыл бұрын

@@paulreitzel9407 oh yeah!

that shovel work at the beginning was therapy for me!

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it.

@soldierslim4530

3 жыл бұрын

Boar cut

@brettblack7049

3 жыл бұрын

@@soldierslim4530 Bore ;).

@OneWildTurkey

3 жыл бұрын

@@brettblack7049 I've heard them called 'plunge' cuts, too.

@brettblack7049

3 жыл бұрын

@@OneWildTurkey Yes sir. I was speaking more in regards to the spelling error when I commented :). Just uploaded a quick video dropping a black locust using a bore/plunge cut and a step cut for the backcut, with a dutchman to swing the top around another tree. Have a great weekend.

Thank you, sir! The previous owner left a stump in the front yard and just put a flower bed around it. It was nice when there were flowers, but now it's just a hassle to mow around. I dug down a ways and cut it like the video. Then I cut a grid pattern and came in from the side and knocked out a bit more. Looks good now. I just need to pick up some sod to patch that spot up.

great idea! Chains are cheaper than lawnmowers!

I've been doing this over well 30 years and I think this a bit overcomplicated to be honest. A decent spade will clear the bark off and remove the worst if not all of the soil. Bear in mind the saw exhaust is blowing the soil/dust/grit around and over the chain so a good plan is dampen the ground around the stump and stamp it down before you do any cutting. Don't bother with boring into the stump (very dangerous for the inexperienced!) just cut with a 'pulling' chain straight across. Best plan is just to have a spare old crappy chain if you need to do this task!

Also if you cut it low then dig up the highest portions and cut grooves into the stump and roots you can use your axe to bust of chunks and fill dirt back on top leaving the stump and roots 5 or 6 or less inches under the ground depending on how much you want to do it

Good job. It’s worth sharpening the chain to remove the stump below grade. It saves hundreds of dollars over a stump removal.

The sounds in this video...this video needs to be trending for the editing alone. 🔔

Been grinding stumps / roots, for 32 yrs. Love to see stump vids, whoda thunk? Done plenty, as big as a pickup truck. We have had a lot of hurricanes, plenty of em uprooted.

Thank you for sharing this tip, precious !

Thank you for posting this. I appreciate it! I've got to remove some stumps this week and was wondering what the best way to do that with my chainsaw was!

@paulreitzel9407

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Make sure you use an anti-kickback chain and only cut toward the left so that your saw doesn't kick back out of the stump.

That makes lots of sense. Thanks!

I need to do something similar, possibly a bit lower than ground level. Will anything grow back from the stump? Or did you do something to kill it before this stage?

@paulreitzel9407

2 жыл бұрын

If you go lower than ground level you have to dig wide enough for the saw. I didn't have any sprouting from the pine but other species may. Use herbicide or pruning to eliminate.

Ive done it by gouging out the center with the chainsaw. An axe does a pretty good job with almost the same amount of effort and easier to sharpen afterwards.

@murraymadness4674

Ай бұрын

yep, and then use reciprocating saw to cut the outer edges. I hit dirt with the chainsaw otherwise and sick of doing that, did it again today ruined new chainsaw blade after about 10 seconds.

Nice flushcut. Easy enough to split away dirt/bark/outer layer of wood all the way around a small softwood stump like that, better chance of less chain dulling

2:45... My ears were not ready for that! whoa ! Thanks for the tutorial

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

👍

Thanks Paul! Great idea to save your chain! I usually make pie cuts into the stump from the top n then have to chisel em out but your way looks way better than mine. The pie cuts might still be good to help it rot out faster.

@paulreitzel9407

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad you found it useful. Seems like are always more stumps to deal with.

Thanks for sharing, helpful to a LA Beach boy/surfer who's retired in NE Texas clearing stumps from his property.

Yay, stumps are the worst, visually and practically. Good job.

If your chain dulls from a little dirt hit, just sharpen it like you should. Don't be afraid of a little dirt, learn what maintenance sharpening is. I abuse my saws constantly, maintenance sharpening allows them to cut better than any normal homeowner that doesn't know what their doing.

Get you a carbide tipped chain from Stihl and the dirt will not affect it. They’re a little more expensive, but rarely need sharpening.

@RobertLoeder

3 жыл бұрын

Firemen use those to cut through nails into burning houses. They advanced those carbide tipped chain designs greatly after the eruption of Mount St Helens because the ash was trashing their chains!

@ryancockerill4484

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly I'm not impressed with the one I got. $200 for the chain, $35 to sharpen it. Stihl shop said that the sharpening tool they sell has too high of RPMs for the stone to do at home, they have the correct stone and slower grinder. Still blued all my tips. From new the chain wasn't that sharp, haven't tried it since the sharpen. Quicker for me to swap out regular chains and hand file later

@Buddygold9509

2 жыл бұрын

@@ryancockerill4484 correct on the speed. I use a diamond stone and variable speed Dremel to sharpen. That way I can lower the rpms.

I hate stumps exactly this much too, and I love my Granberg as much as I hate stumps. This is exactly how I do it and it's always my last cut because I'm going to give the chain some love either way.

I just did this today but dug down about 8 inches and a couple feet around. Sprayed with a hose to get any dirt off stump. Let the water drain down. Cut off well below ground level. Threw some sod over top.

@paulreitzel9407

Жыл бұрын

A little more work, but an even better result.

Saw arrived yesterday kzread.infoUgkxfQm1wmg0ItKDLavxj1nXtQY9HP7EF504 and today I cut about 3/4 cord of wood with it. Make sure you get an extension chord that is at least 12 gauge wire, minimum. This is my first electric in about 10 years, and things sure have improved. The self-sharpener works great, and it just kept cutting through some pretty decent logs. Wear your eye protection, and ear protection. Excellent saw.

You could put a round flat paver over top too ... for aesthetics or a bb site

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video with us

You are really winded. But I can tell this was very hard work. Great video and very informative. I love You Tube videos that I can actually learn something. Thanks.

Great video thank you

I love the speed up shoveling... Gets ya goin' But the speed up cuttin' sounds way too much like a dental drill.... Great video, good logic Don't wreck your chain if you don't have to.

Makes sense. I can't wait to try it. I hate low stumps but not flush stumps that I can mow over. Thanks

@paulreitzel9407

Жыл бұрын

Make sure you use an anti-kickback chain and always sweep left to avoid kickback.

Make + shaped plunge cuts into the stump that is in the ground to fasten decay. If you are in cold climate the water will freeze and expand and crack the stump as well.

nice job. I've never tried it like a plunge cut. will try next time. The last time I took out a stump, it was a dig out job.

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Plunge cuts can be dangerous. Make sure you are using a anti-kickback chain and know what you are doing.

@09rja

3 жыл бұрын

@@paulreitzel9407 I've done a million of 'em.

Is it not better to dig more deeper around the stump to be sure that it can be covered later with soil and gras?

@paulreitzel9407

2 жыл бұрын

Would have to be a very wide hole to make room for the saw.

Good video, so were you able to grow grass over this stump area? If so, what did you do?:)

@paulreitzel9407

2 жыл бұрын

Reseed right up to the stump. Let the grass take over as the stump rots away.

Do you need to kill the roots ? How and what product ?

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Not for pine. For other species I use Roundup on the sprouts, but there are other effective products as well.

Do you think I can clear 0.40 acres from A to Z with a chainsaw? If I have a whole year to do it on weekends! Can I do it in ur opinion? Thank you for the video sir

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a lot of work. Best wishes.

You can also cut grooves down into the stump to help speed up rotting.

@nickybritain4900

3 жыл бұрын

Fill those grooves and slots with old engine oil, that’ll finish off any attempt at regrowth. I cover the stump with a plastic bag, level it back up to the lawn, add in some grass seed. A few weeks later - where was that stump?

@escapetherace1943

Жыл бұрын

@@nickybritain4900 yeah but oil will stop fungi from eating the stump. I find that they naturally rot pretty quick then you can pull em out or even shove a wedge in there, sledge it in and bust it up

You sir,are MASSIVE COOL!👍

great idea. thanks for the vid

My cats enjoyed the sped up parts with the shovel and chainsaw sounds.

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Puurfect!

@MegaTapdog

3 жыл бұрын

Mine too! Lewis and Clark say Purrfect!

Excellent work son!

LOL the sped up sound of the chainsaw was a fun surprise.

Your doing a good job. Good saw and trying to save your chain

Just dig deeper around stump chop and saw through roots till you lift the whole thing out takes a bit of doing when it's done it's done

@nickybritain4900

3 жыл бұрын

A lot of work, and then a few months later one or more of the roots might continue growing, find the surface and start a new tree. Best to chemically kill the roots, although not environmentally friendly, I won’t tell anyone!

dull your blade much from the dirt?

@paulreitzel9407

Жыл бұрын

This method avoids the dirt for the most part. I cut four more stumps after this one before I touched up the chain with a file.

Good work

True.........so many spend money on total removal when there often is no need. It does work better with a longer chain / bar ...and to keep way from the dirt..... yah only need a small starting area thats clean.....as long as the chain teeth are not pulling directly into the dirt...the natural wood is as clean as it gets...always have the chain cutting ///// pulling the dirt towards you and dont let the top part of the chain / bar go out the far end. Otherwise you would be pulling the dirt into the teeth. This way....its almost harmless to the teeth. But there is always sand and dirt in a stop since its that close to the ground

I do the same to clean the stump but I just use the tip and angle the saw at 10 degrees so it pops out like a pencil, then the middle is below ground level, only the very edge is above, its impossible to catch the soil this way

@virginia7125

3 жыл бұрын

What you're saying is, once you're done It'll look like a giant countersunk got holt to it?

Well done my friend 👏

Jeez, you work quickly!!🤪

That'll work. Sometimes you'll hit a rock. Sometimes you're lucky. I never use a new chain for this. For the follow up, you can drill 1" holes in it with a paddle bit. Cover the area with dirt. In a few years, it'll rot away.

What if there is roots around stump?

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Good point. Becomes more complex with above ground roots. I would use same procedure, but a little trickier.

I just removed a elm tree and while it was 10ft tall I put a rope around the top and dug around the tree and cut roots and pulled the tree over and got the whole stump and roots out, much better, but don't cut it down to ground level before trying to remove it.

I like this technique.

What about cutting into the stump with the saw, sort of like slicing a cake? Then remove small, shallow chunks at a time. Seems to me you could end up cutting below ground level on all but the very perimeter. Then you'd have a sort of "bowl" to catch and hold water, to help rot the remaining below-ground root.

Haven’t tried it yet, but was told if roots are angled into the dirt that you can powerwash them several inches below grade. You can powerwash the dirt! Bet it’ll fly and be a dirty job. Lol.

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like it would be worth trying. If you go below grade though you will have to dig out enough room for your saw.

@sproulman1

2 жыл бұрын

@@paulreitzel9407 ,It's best way ...I have removed stumps this way also ..Blow the dirt from around roots and cut with recipecating electric saw .. Leaves stump long when you cut tree like 4 ft high so you can grab it and work.it out of ground ... Pressure washer is just great I can get 6 inch's under ground level to cut stump and grow grass on it ....

that good idea it take a long time for evergreens to rote

I been doing this where the old Christmas trees were keeps getting blunt

Awesome video

Super, I put grooves in mine ...just in case my mower/bush hog happen to hit it!

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Probably a good idea if it doesn't come out flush with the ground.

Good job buddy.

I little grass seed and you are back in business.

Great idea !!!!

There was no flare on the bottom of the tree. That indicates that it was planted too deep and that's probably why it died.

I wish we could still go to the hardware store and buy a stick of dynamite... dam it

Thank you

U might lightly spray water on ground b4 cutting to keep dirt down.

Great video

I have done it this way for years. I then run a couple cuts across the face to let water into it.

@harryharry3193

3 жыл бұрын

me 2

Simple solution. That is how I remove stumps except that I dig around stump more so I can get my chainsaw below ground level.

BRAVO . Great Ex.

Not sure what stump grinding guys charge in your area, but at a guess I would have nearly done them at $50 a pop, 6-8" under, never have to worry about them again, establish grass properly over it

Nice job, I need to do the same to a few. I put rock salt on them this fall to start the killing process already

Thanks

Before we remove the tree, think and ask. Keep timber or just remove tree and stump? For timber cut as low as possible. For tree and trunk removal - cut 6-10 ft up. 6-10 ft up enables good leverage on stump. Use pully system between 6-10 ft end and an anchor such as a second tree trunk base, of equal or a larger tree or several smaller trees. Use choke tie on trunk so connections don’t slip. Watch that stump slowly give in.

@kfelix2934

Жыл бұрын

Or just cut it out with a saw in maybe half the time and half the complex. A saw blade is cheap, and in my area 8 dollars to resharpen. i use the oregoin power cut bar/chain on my stihl 170 and been taking out 6-12" stumps just like this in 5-10mins if that. I like to wait when the ground is wet to make scrapping the dirt back much easier.

I use pressure washer with tip that will blow dirt out around stump .,.. This way you can cut deeper in stump and use dirt to cover and plant grass seed ... Pressure washer can make hole around stump much wider so your chain does not hit dirt ...

@paulreitzel9407

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, if you are dealing with a small tree that has not already been cut down, leaving the entire tree gives you the mass of the tree to help with leverage in chopping the stump out.

Got a bit of 'dirty Harry' channelled at the outtro. 😎

One thing to consider is air flow for cooling your saw . That close to the ground restricts air flow and you could fry your saw on a hot day. I’ve cut tree for thirty plus years and never cut stumps that short , maybe leave em five inches high and pay real money to have them ground out by a pro.

@virginia7125

3 жыл бұрын

Or use one of those cheap $39 electric chainsaws from Harbor Freight just for this job. I wouldn't use a good saw on it. If away from the house, you can use a generator or power inverter on a truck battery.

@bguen1234

Жыл бұрын

You must have very cheap Chinese saws

Stump removal??

All my saws have new chains on them, scared to use them for this now.

@nickybritain4900

3 жыл бұрын

No, please don’t use a new chain for this type of task. Your new chain will need sharpening within a few seconds of hitting hidden stones! 👎

@ryancockerill4484

2 жыл бұрын

Just learn how to sharpen a chain and you will be fine. Easier than having to pussy yourself with your saw and cheaper than buying new chains when they are blunt

You could of left the height of stump you had and cut a deep cross cut from above splitting the stump in 4 parts then using a sledge hammer break the stumps apart and away from the roots. Just fill the hole with sand. It will dip over time as it rots just top it off when it does.

@virginia7125

3 жыл бұрын

I was wondering what this round wedge was for I never use. LoL

One smart man !!!!! Instead of paying to have them romoved.......so much cheaper and quicker to just cut them off ! Also....consider just adding a mound of dirt around the stump so you can glide over it. No need to cut them then ! At that height of a stump....might need a half wheel barrel of dirt.

@paulreitzel9407

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Yes, and eventually they rot out and disappear.

Just hire a stump grinder and it WILL be perfect

Couldn't you dig a bit deeper to protect the chain?

@paulreitzel9407

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, but with this technique the chain really doesn't dull much. In fact after that video was made I leveled several more stumps before I needed to touch up the chain.Thanks for your input.

@rickblue7002

3 жыл бұрын

Go grab a block of ice and sharpen it the way keeps my chains real sharp

My uncle was the lead arborist for Pasadena for 35+ years. Had he seen me use a chainsaw in this fashion, my hide would have been tanned.

I have some small stumps in the yard that I can’t mow over. I’m trying to use a hand saw. Wish me luck.

@paulreitzel9407

Жыл бұрын

An ax can work with small stumps but much easier if the tree is still attached. Good luck.

It will rot and leave a hole. Ask me how I know?

you could buy 1lb tannerite target and shoot it with a high power rifle and boom the stump disapeared

@virginia7125

3 жыл бұрын

We had one down the street. We loaded it up with charcoal and it burned for 2 days. We took turns watching it & would fan it with a leaf blower once in awhile.

I always dig down a lot around the stump. So I can make a cut so the stump will be below ground level. Then put dirt on top on the stump and you would not,know their was a stump their.

@nickybritain4900

3 жыл бұрын

I think you might find that the existing roots will find the surface and start growing a new tree! I cut a few slots into the stump and fill these with old engine oil, cover the stump with a plastic bag, then put the dirt back over it up to ground level, add in some grass seeds, a few weeks later - where was that stump!

@fishingismydrug1

3 жыл бұрын

@@nickybritain4900 I like that!