Tree Stump disposal

nrigs · May 22, 2003

I have about 400 white cedar stumps with trunk widths that range from 4 - 24 inches. These where left after we cleared a portion of land with a backhoe equipped with a grapple. The trees where pulled out by the roots and most of the dirt was shaken off in the process. I need to find a way to dispose of these roots, I understand that I could just bury or burn the stumps, either way both take a lot of space and time. Is there another way to get rid of the stumps or are these of some use to anyone? NR

Egon · May 22, 2003

Neil:
On the far side.

Sandblast and clean them up. Sell them for lawn ornaments or yard seats.

Egon

rancar · May 22, 2003

There's no way around doing a bit of work to get rid of these stumps. If they're free of dirt, just pile them up in a big burn pile, throw some diesel on the pile, and light a match.

...Bob

GregJ · May 23, 2003

I am going to burn about 20 alder/maple/fir/cedar stumps this weekend. I have moved them all into a big pile. I also piled any other yard debris I have on top. I got a burn permit and have a gas powered fan reserved at the rental shop for this Sunday. I also warned my neighbors of the event, and invited them over for hot dogs or smores if they were interested. The trick to these large burns is to start at one end and start small. If you get a good hot fire going at one end, a fan will move the fire through the pile fairly quickly, once the heat rises. (Of course a little deisel will expedite this process). A fan also reduces the amount of smoke, because the fire burns hotter. Hope this helps.

Greg

Anonymous Poster · May 23, 2003

In my part of the country it is illegal to bury stumps. I’m in luck because I am just outside of the urban area and can still burn with a permit. Almost nobody else around here can. Obviously we have to be able to do something with all the wood debris from new construction and development. Around here it can’t go into a landfill. All the builders and land clearing companies use huge grinders to reduce the stumps and trash trees into this great shredded material that they use like beauty bark or top dressing. You may be able to find someone to do this for you but I would guess it will not be cheap. I’d vote for burning the stuff if that is an option. I would wait a year for it to dry first if you could.

CSAW · May 23, 2003

I would not bury them. We burried a bunch of trees when we built our house. Every time it rained I would have to fill mini sink holes. This went on for years. But of course all we have here in Fl. is sand. If you have enough room put them out of the way and let em rot.

scottbrrtt72 · May 23, 2003

When I built my barn I had huge stumps to get rid of. I found a place that actually recycles trees and stumps. They have large machines that grind them up and make bark mulch. They charge $5.00 a yard to drop off the wood debris. This place would even pick up the material for you. What a business, charge to drop off and charge to pick up (mulch). The machines at this place are huge. I love going there.

Trev · May 23, 2003

When I have a bunch of stuff to get rid of, like after this last ice storm, I just push it into a big pile, put a little diesel on it, and let her burn. I call 911 first and let them know I'm doing a controlled burn, so if they get any calls about it they'll know it's under control. I'll periodically take a pail of diesel out, for the next few days, and dump it on to keep things cooking. When I'm done, I usually can just hit it with the tiller and it's all ground up and disappears. There may be a trunk or two that needs extra attention, but usually this works well. Talk to your local fire dept or police dept to make sure they won't go nuts when the big flames start! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob

nrigs · May 23, 2003

Thanks folks I think a control burn is the way to go. I already have the burn permit and have been burning the brush from the trunks we cleaned off for milling. I live about an hour north of Toronto and it has been raining off and on every other day, so it makes this task a little daunting. My main purpose for the clearing is to get things ready for an inground pool I bought for my wifes 40th. The installation should begin within the next two weeks, and I just wanted to get these things out of the way in a hurry.

Cheers
NR

PaulK · May 23, 2003

Don't bury them. They'll take 30 plus years to break down if you do. Their size, resistance to rot, lack of air, low C:N ratio underground, all work against you.