How to Remove a Tree Stump with a Wedge

In this video, I show you how to remove a tree stump by hand using a wedge. You will also need a chainsaw, sledgehammer, and be prepared for a good workout!
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Self Sufficient Me is based on our small 3-acre property/homestead in SE Queensland Australia about 45kms north of Brisbane - the climate is subtropical (similar to Florida). I started Self Sufficient Me in 2011 as a blog website project where I document and write about backyard food growing, self-sufficiency, and urban farming in general. I love sharing my foodie and DIY adventures online so come along with me and let's get into it! Cheers, Mark :)

[@Selfsufficientme]

G'day Everyone, here's some info/knowledge about wedges I received that I thought was worth sharing here: Hi Mark, love your KZbin episodes and I'd just like to pay a little bit back and give some advice from an old man. I just watched your video on stump removal. ..... no, I'm not the fun police and gonna bang on about PPE .... What I'd like to say is next time you make wedges make them along the grain not across the grain because they'll be stronger and won't (shouldn't) snap. Also, wedges are more efficient with an angle between 10 and 15 degrees. if the gap is too wide, two wedges opposing each other will work or use a block to fill the gap and a wedge.

[@JuanGomez-mv1qx]

What if we put a small dynamite?

[@peterribolli8300]

@@JuanGomez-mv1qx . Then park your ute far enough away, so that the stump doesn't end up in the back of your ute:)

[@MegaMiir]

I had to remove a hickory stump like this one time, it's one of those turning points in your life you'll never forget. great video, definitely works!

[@gnuthad]

@@peterribolli8300 Or, better still, park your ute close enough so that the stump ends up in the back without you having to carry it there. :-)

[@GregJerrett]

I'm with Juan on this one. What's an m80 like 1/4 stick of dynamite? Now I have to find one.

[@dannieboi3742]

Here I am eating leftover pizzas watching an Australian man remove a stump when I don’t even have a stump, or a wedge or motivation.

[@Neyobe]

Dan Miranda 🤣

[@TurdFerg117]

this was great

[@Goaterd]

It's OK, you can cut some wedges from the leftover hardwood from your deck job.

[@Aggie63]

Sounds like you need a more responsible life. At least I hope you learn something for whenever you become a home owner someday.

[@supervisethis6947]

I tripped over a stump before m.kzbin.info/door/gE_OE9n_QcsRXVaqMp61jw

[@AlphaQHard]

My fiancé who also watches your channel: “hey did you see the video mark made about stump removal? Maybe you can take care of those stumps around our property?” Me: *sweating nervously*

[@bernardjohn4699]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@joshd2013]

Oh boy so how's the stump removal going lol

[@manuelr.godines28]

LMFBOSHIDMT! ;)

[@bernardjohn4699]

@@1seriousgearheadify 😂😂😂😂😂

[@AlphaQHard]

Josh D Done actually. The method works like a charm.

[@ETG0818]

Some advice for anyone who tries this: when you cut your wedges you want to cut in the opposite direction as shown, ie: closer to the direction of the grain. In the video the wedges are cut perpendicular to the grain direction, which is why they were splitting in half as you can see at a few points in the video. To prevent splitting you can instead cut a short length of your hardwood scrap board to 8-12in (or whatever your desired wedge length is), rotate the board 90 degrees, and then cut your wedges. They will be much stronger and more resistant to splitting as the grain runs in the same direction as the force is being applied to the wedge. If using dimensional lumber it helps to use a wider board like 2x12 or 2x10 so you have more space to make wedges before you run out of room. Cutting small pieces of wood with a circular saw can lead to the saw blade binding in the cut so be sure to secure the length you are cutting with a clamp or risk losing fingers. Miter saw could work for this if the wedges you are cutting are short enough (6-8in depending on your miter saw's max travel)

[@YAWN....]

Ok Dad...

[@Fishyflabs]

Good advice. Thanks for explaining it so i dont have to 😂 Also rather than running a chainsaw into the dirt a sawzall is your best friend

[@jlynn9670]

​@Fishyflabs I'll second the Sawzall! Im a bit intimidated with the chainsaw 😂!

[@ljprep6250]

@@jlynn9670 There are new six inch chainsaws for sixty bucks American if you're afraid of a larger chainsaw. But, yeah, they can be gruesome tools in Texas. A long while back, I spent $40 on an ATV winch, a tool which has helped me uproot shrubs and small trees. I'd use that with chain to pull out the quarters of stump, but I'm 70 now.

[@RustyBobbins]

Ummm where was this when I was 14 and was removing tree’s for my Mom?😫 We had a stump almost your stumps size and my cousin tried to help me but gave up after an hour of hacking at it. I knew I had gotten all the side roots cut, but that tap root wasn’t budging. I finally got fed up, grabbed the stump around with both arms and just started throttling it to death, rocking back and forth,14 years of frustration.😂 All the sudden it snapped and I stood up, very satisfied with myself, to see my uncle looking at me with his eyes as big as saucers, he told everyone about it, very impressed with his niece.☺️

[@unclefuddelmer9224]

Atta girl❗️

[@MrNickelbrille]

Removing trees for my Mom? That brings back bad memories ;-) My Mom had 7 spruce around her house,delivering way to much shadow so they had to go. Weeks of hard work were coming up! And Yesterday I saw a beatiful video from Andrew Camarata: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ6xioCBhrWXaLc a 40 minute video on how to reshape the earth ;-) If we only had his new machine ;-) Enjoy PS.Greetings from Germany ( Andrew must be from New York or Vermont)

[@SWATT101]

Lol

[@EricaNernie]

Agree - you have to get angry to be successful with tree stumps. I've removed a couple myself and the only way was to just get mad (female, solo home owner). Works though.

[@woofman4796]

i use my sawzall with a really long wood blade to cut the roots with, this saves my chain saw chain

[@Adamski727]

Yes, I was about to write this to. 👍

[@Gregoman89]

Thank you for the idea

[@jackfarrell4727]

I agree

[@TheJoey2sox]

Can easily burn up your sawzall. Only way I’ve managed to kill a Milwaukee 12 amp

[@ianmackenzie686]

Me too. Good call.

[@harrygatto]

"This took me over an hour". Looked like a day's work to me. Great job.

[@Jreichh]

Couple weeks after the kids go to bed

[@ipeter7472]

I was about to say even in the Fl sun that is a big job. Like he said if you don’t mind the work out you can get it done with the right tools.

[@HanaKingi]

@@ipeter7472 yes and he also mentioned brute force. Lol

[@manuelr.godines28]

LMFBOSHIDMT! ;)

[@cmac1100]

Well, one day is over an hour...

[@wisnoskij]

One of the most important tips that many people forget is the shorter the stump the harder it is. If you are starting with a full tree, You have so much leverage you don't even need to do a single split, just cut, not even necessarily all the way through a root or two on the opposite side you want the tree/stump to fall. I have seen someone plan on going from full living tree to removed stump, and they started out by making a short stump. You go from something I could take down with an axe and a rope to something you will need a commercial bulldozer to remove An old rotten stump is not too bad, but if you are starting with a full tree, leave yourselve as much levelerable tree as fits in the area you are working in.

[@GeertGoossens]

That's also how I did it getting rid of trees in our yard... Cut side branches from tree so you are only left with the stem, tie long rope on highest part of stem, Dig a hole around the roots, with an axe chop through side roots, regularly check how much you can tilt the stem, eventually you will be able to tip it, leveraging the roots out.

[@mm9773]

Yea. Last year my dad asked me to remove the stump of a small tree, and if he hadn’t cut it so short, it would have been a piece of cake. But as far as I can see, people make it difficult for themselves by not cutting the roots enough: they don’t want to ruin their chainsaw (if they have one) by sawing into the dirt, they’re not confident enough with an axe - understandably: swinging an axe can go wrong very quickly, especially cross-grain on wet roots. And people don’t much fancy getting on their knees to dig around the roots, either. I’ve got a fairly cheap pruning saw, with a thick blade that doesn’t bend: you can get through roots with it, and it doesn’t mind a little dirt. It takes a while, but you will get the stump out eventually.

[@gregjorda3080]

Can we acknowledge the fact this man is built like a refrigerator...I bet he played rugby in his younger days...strong

[@BasedMarysMemoirs]

YOU’RE THE AUSTRALIAN DAD I WISH I HAD, MARK

[@adamsolomon8346]

Mary haha I was going to say the same 😁

[@kjireland3567]

He's mostly definitely our uncle. I often refer to him as uncle Mark. Check out his patron link for support

[@volcanocollins9845]

Aussie daddy

[@Selfsufficientme]

LOL...thanks Mary! :)

[@crazygoatlady4287]

LOL I have been watching so many of Mark's videos that my service dog wags her tail every time she hears his voice. So I tell her, "yes its uncle Mark on tv again" lol

[@twinturbo7234]

Omg, as soon as he said ,dig all the around the stump. I almost passed out.

[@irchrisb]

I've used a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade rather than trashing a chain and bar. Takes a bit longer, but cheaper.

[@MatteusClement]

me too!

[@hanstensen5579]

Same here reciprocating saw. Not as noisy. 12 inch pruning blade. Perfect on palmtree roots also those tough Cuban palms. Undercut around. If still no move after that trick? 4wd and a chain will break those centre roots put her in first gear and slowly pull.. Bingo

[@justayoutuber1906]

His technique will dull your chainsaw blade in 2 seconds. I use axes.

[@Drew1734]

No lie, clicked subscribe after the first 10 seconds of hearing this guy for the first time. Loving the energy he’s bringing!

[@ASH-kj9xt]

Watched my grandpa do this many times on his land to clear for planting and such. Brute strength is what this job takes! Great job, Mark! A great lesson for all! 🙌💚🌿

[@e210dall3]

Tip - Cut wedges with the grain. Makes for a stronger wedge.

[@ryanmcewen415]

Yes... said that as soon as I saw his cuts

[@TheBrushcutter]

Yeah. After seeing the dirt slashes he made with his chainsaw and then his wedges I decided I would definitely NOT be following his advice on stump removal. I'd use my saw on somebody for putting it to the dirt like that.

[@ryanmcewen415]

@@TheBrushcutter that too. I mean I used to keep a box of old chains for use on shit that might fuck up a new one. But this here is a bit excessive.

[@henrybyers5557]

@@ryanmcewen415 yeah that's the perfect job for a designated stump removing axe. Definitely not a chainsaw task

[@DovidM]

You can buy a 5 lb steel wedge new for under $20 USD. They won’t break when you’re pounding them into a stump or a log.

[@breeze787]

Thanks for the tip. Wedges was the furthest of idea for about 8 stumps I have to get rid of. I'm inspired.

[@reighost8399]

This was literally the clearest, easiest way i've seen all day, and i've been googling this subject for the last few days!

[@gennatran1215]

I agree! 👍

[@kaitai88]

Good tip regarding the wedges. I use a reciprocating saw with long wood blade to cut main roots systems as I’ve hit too many hidden rocks with the chainsaw. Same can be said even cutting down the centre of the tree as I’ve dug put many stumps which have grown around many large rocks. Took me 4 days to take out a huge double stump. Left with a massive hole which I turned into a fire pit 😁

[@styloroc2000]

yep, I've been using a cheap harbor freight recip saw and blades for 8 years for this very purpose -- abused the hell out of it. the flexibility and thinness of the kerf allows it to get at angles you just can't get at with a chainsaw and I feel so much safer with it...you can even get really close to the ground with the stump, presuming that the radius is not larger than the length of the blade. I don't even bother digging with smaller stumps (ie. trees less than say, the diameter of a coffeecup), i just plunge into the ground a few inches from the base of the stump and cut around.

[@manchagojohnsonmanchago6367]

Yeah you can get a tungsten tooth reciprocating saw blade too

[@gingertom56]

Next time leave a foot above the ground the do the cross cuts and then make it a Swedish torch and burn it out.

[@mjremy2605]

A Recip saw is just going to get jammed in that mass of wood. The stump is too broad for a Sawzall (Recip saw). You can do branches with it, or bamboo of any height, but a long thin blade will just jam or break and fly off. Chain saw is best. I don't think a single other tool will work.

[@piecesofprecious]

@@mjremy2605 the Sawzall is still a better answer for cutting the roots free than burying a chainsaw in the dirt to get them.

[@harrywernsman9045]

I am really impressed. I have removed a number of stumps in my life using various methods, all plenty difficult. Your method appears to be the fastest, best and least amount of work way to do it that I have ever seen. This is a really well done video. Thanks a lot. Have a great day.

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

If you have a long drill bit, you can drill two holes. One from the tip of the stump and one at the base of the stump that connects to the one that is drilled in from the top. Even if the wood is still green, you should be able to burn the stump away because it will create a rocket effect. The heat of the fire will suck air from the bottom hole, which will feed the fire and make it hotter which will suck more air. If the wood is green, you might have to make a really wide hole so you can fit other materials for burning.

[@StillOnTrack]

Cool! Like a rocket stove/heater, or a Dakota fire pit

[@uncletedscabin4625]

Put thermite in the holes.

[@cybermanne]

It's still gonna take multiple days, and you're gonna have to have a watchful eye on it pretty much the whole time. And you're gonna have to feed it fuel in form of coals or firewood. It's a method that's low on labor, but high in time and fuel cost. It's kinda fun though. But I think this wedge method looks like a real winner.

[@buckaroobonzai2909]

@@cybermanne yeah, but if you're talking about a person who likes being outside with a beer and a fire or something... and you';re going to be outside anyway... why not? ANd you can put the fire out with water and then return to it a few days later.... it doesn't have to be all at once and if you have trees, you should be able to find wood. I also doubt that it would constantly need more wood. EVentually it would get hot that it would start to do a jet blaze. In case you didn't notice, what I described was a rocket stove design.... so that the air flows into the bottom hole and out the top hole. More holes in the same hole might feed it more jets of oxygen and dry out and then immediately burn the wood. I've seen youtube videos of it, and I've tried a rocket stove made out of cans and coffee jars that burn damp wood pretty well because of the air draft. It won't be some slow, smoldering sissy fire. This will be an inferno that can probably boil a pot of water.

[@cybermanne]

@@buckaroobonzai2909 That's what I wrote, wasn't it? It's kinda fun to play with fire, but it's gonna take a long ass time. I don't think you'll be able to get the stump to burn down very deep without feeding the fire unless you have a leafblower or something constantly pumping oxygen into the hole. All the videos I've seen when they did it this way has given pretty much the same result as the wedge technique but it took 2-3 days of burning (not burning thru the night though) and they put coals or firewood on top and used leafblowers at times for added oxygen. When you drill in from the side and top it seems to usually burn the center of the stump down to that level and then it burns outward. And when it burns thru the side at one spot the whole gassifier effect seems to stop. Usually it ends with a big hole in the middle of the stump. But along the edges the wood still goes all the way to where the top of the stump was. So it pretty much resembles the stump after being split into 4-5 pieces with the wedge, except the center being more of a crater of course. If you want to burn away everything down to where the tap root is you certainly will need to pile on firewood. But like I said. I don't neccessary mind it. But if the objective is to get a stump out of the ground and then keep working with something else the wedge tip seems to be a clear winner. If you wanna grill a hotdog and have a beer and don't mind it taking 3 days to also get the stump burn the stump to below ground level you'd go with the burn tip.

[@Sionnach1601]

Still THE BEST way of removing a tree stump. Love this guy's honest, common sense advice, God bless him.

[@schneidaren]

I burned my stump. It was easier and I got a hot dog. Can’t think of any drawback with that method but maybe I am missing something.

[@nvorano]

Glad to see Russell Crowe keeping busy these days.

[@skyc3598]

Crowe was never as cool as this guy 😎

[@webmonkeytt]

Russell would be trying to fight the stump.

[@-ShootTheGlass-]

Rusty would use his gladiator sword 😂

[@piover2]

Yes I am glad I am not the only one who saw this... Also maybe Russell Crowe x Alex Jones ?? Anyway, his stuff is great.

[@Tsamokie]

Crowe is a Kiwi.

[@LerrinB]

Have you ever accidentally introduced yourself to someone new by saying “g’day, I’m mark from self sufficient me” 😂

[@cranebeg]

Ha! Lol.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Nearly... :)

[@towe001]

😂

[@SamBrickell]

Those were his first words as a baby.

[@WaltWW]

🤣

[@high-end-prospector]

Helpful video, I've been at it 3 weeks removing 3 large stumps by burning & and chopping them away with an axe. I refused to pay $400 per stump for someone else to remove it. This video has been very helpful, will begin tomorrow using the Wedge, it's got to be easier and take less time !!!

[@ChrisJ144]

I’ve tried many methods and this is broadly how I do it combined with a chain saw or battery sabre saw with the right blade. Handy for cutting the support roots. Metal wedges can be found by shopping for ‘log splitter’ wedges which I use to split stubborn logs with the grain running in different directions. Great practical advice in this video. Thanks !

[@1bourbon1scotch]

If you have the time, drilling 1" holes in the stump and filling them with Epsom salt will help rot and soften the wood. We had a stump that was as hard as steel. Full swings with an axe would only penetrate the wood 1/4". We would burn the stump for hours over multiple occasions and it would only smolder regardless of how much wood we burned on it and what accelerants we used. After salting and waiting 2 weeks, it broke apart easily. Might need to repeat the process multiple times, but it is much easier.

[@alanross3435]

thequietone , thanks for the tip! Did you add water?be safe bro!😷😷✌🏻️

[@1bourbon1scotch]

@@alanross3435 No water added. In fact we covered it with a tarp and secured the tarp with a couple of sandbags. The stump is in a wet area of the yard which is why we couldn't easily burn it.

[@warrenroper2240]

I

[@alanross3435]

thequietone , thanks for your reply! Will do it today✌🏻️

[@hhiippiittyy]

Aye. But then he's salting the soil around it too. Maybe not the best if you plan on growing. Just a consideration.

[@rivrrrat319]

Me : Watches carefully in awe and admiration. Also me: Calls a stump grinder.

[@debiheeb-koller1239]

My thoughts exactly!!! LOL

[@simpleminded5215]

Yep your better off with the grinder. All those cuts in the dirt ruins the saw chain. Been there done that.

[@rickskeptical]

I've done it both ways, the last time was a stump grinder - well worth the cost.......and fewer days to recuperate after.

[@crash4dafun]

I used a sawzall and a long demo blade (diablo) to cut the roots.

[@manuelr.godines28]

LMFBOSHIDMT! ;)

[@agaba5500]

mark i could listen to you talk about anything. i dont even care. your voice is so positive and encouraging.

[@eugenemichael7692]

Loved your video. Thanks. I live in the country in Texas and have quite a few stumps that I have been staring at for years. But your video has given me the inspiration to finally deal with these nuisances. Again Thanks!!!

[@Sionnach1601]

You, my friend, are a GENIUS!! Fantastic method of getting it out. LOVE the self sufficient aspect of it

[@suiza113]

My father passed in 1999. But your end comments reminded me of his favorite saying. "Son, you can accomplish anything with heat or brute force." Hear, hear.

[@brinjoness3386]

my dad died 8 years ago his words of wisdom were ver similar, "brute force and ignorance will beat most problems"

[@sbenn6917]

My dad always said, "Son make sure you marry a mute woman who's father owns a beer store". I should have listened.

[@MrChubbyHubby.]

Another tip, they make timber and limb cutting blades for reciprocating saws, they work well on the roots and are cheaper than chainsaw chains if you hit a rock, plus you can get in tight spots better.

[@Ron_swanson_true_libertarian]

Where were you yesterday? I dulled 2 chains on my ms250 and topping saw 😢 any tips on how to get them sharp again or am I better off getting new chains? For some context I'm a perfect example of good tools bad worker but I'm trying, it happened within 5 minutes i was cutting some red looking oak tree it was raining i swear it was like hitting slime everytime i tried with an axe so I took 2 chainsaws to it now they don't cut at all.

[@MrChubbyHubby.]

@@Ron_swanson_true_libertarian Check the teeth on your chain, if the wear is even it should sharpen, if you have chunks missing have it checked by a professional. As long as you are trying keep at it my friend, and don't feel bad, I have dulled more than a few chains until I found a video with this tip, and this seems like a much safer and cheaper option to me. And if you use an axe on roots please make sure it is chinese made one, and watch out for rocks.

[@mm9773]

If money is a factor, a cheap pruning saw with a thick, rigid blade will do the trick. Just takes a while.

[@davidmullen8357]

Oh my God, I really thought you were out of your mind. I couldn't possibly imagine this working, but, dammit, it does. I used a 3lb steel wedge, an aluminium one, my axe and my hatchet. I dug around the base of this old pine stump that's been in my way for several years. I found 4 taps in almost a cross pattern. I used my Stihl chainsaw and cut a cross. I used the wedges and a couple of wood wedges too. When I first heard the crack of the stump and tap roots breaking I was Amazed! One quarter at a time cracked loose. I have a small John Deere Tractor, the 1023e. I used the bucket angled straight down into the split and wedged it open further. One at a time, I pulled out each of the entire tap roots. It worked. Good on ya mate! I wish I had pictures or a video for you, but I was too excited! We're putting a flower and shrub garden in that nasty spot!

[@AK-ru3sg]

Good on you Mark, really useful and no time wasting as usual.

[@phermey]

This vid came up in a search a week ago and now I find myself turning off my political news just to watch more of your vids while drinking my coffee. Your channel has officially become part of my morning routine. I come in from working outside to rest my aching bones and watch more of your vids. Then at night when watching live tv and I have to sit through commercials.... I watch another one. Which becomes three or four. Then I have to rewind the dvr to catch up on what I missed. At any rate. Thank you kindly for all that you do for us. I got inspired. Sometime in the near future I will make a short vid in response to show you what you helped to create in middle Tennessee USA.

[@douggief1367]

Good on ya mate. That was awesome. One small point (and I've done a lot of work in the bush) is that you are better having the grain running the length of the wedge rather than across it. Stops the wedges busting off (as actually happened in the demo). All in all, keep up the great work.

[@lorenzo6045]

G’day Fella, just wanted to thank you for teaching me how to remove a stump. I don’t own a chainsaw but I gave it the ol’ college try with a jackhammer making sure not to get the dingus end stuck in the damn thing. I watched another video before coming across this one where the guy just cut the trunk at the base and called it “removing a stump.” Good on you for practicing what you preach. I was able to adapt your method for my situation and got the sucker out in a couple hours.

[@simplifygardening]

Great way to remove stumps. still hard work mate but well worth it and no heavy machinery required, great video

[@devinlauwerier404]

"Took me over an hour" -You're the man dude. Kickin butt!love it& love all the videos. -Cincinnati Ohio. Hahaha, "lethal hands"

[@toastrecon]

If I were doing it, I'd spend at least an hour staring at the stump and cursing it while I rested on my hammer and crow bar.

[@nannimanfrin8420]

pray to harambe for me brah

[@cmonkey63]

It's 1am and I'm watching a bloke explain how to remove a stump. Ain't life grand! My Norwegian grandpa used to use saltpetre to turn the wood into a fuse, then let it burn out slowly. To each his own.

[@mikeatyouttube]

For most trees the 'tap' root disappears soon after the water-seeking, fibrous horizontal roots are produced. Some trees have a more significant vertical tap root - walnut is one - but most trees don't and it depends on soil conditions also. However they are fixed to the ground they're still a bugger to get out and this method looks like a good method and a decent workout to boot.

[@maxiculture]

Not in Australia, eucalypts have strong tap roots and so do many other native plants. I burn mine out, slow and steady, at the right time of year and minimal effort.

[@Koraxus]

trees in temperate or humid climates may not have taproots, but the ones in dry areas mostly have prominent ones

[@jimwright3465]

Stump that size that's been dead awhile can be burnt out, Just drill a hole through the center until you start bringing up dirt then as close to the base as you can drill a hole at a angle going down towards the center hole from the sides for ventillation, light a small fire on top of the stump . the fire will feed itself down through the stump ,takes a while but it will remove it down under the ground. - From a Appalachian Hillbilly. 👍

[@michaelxx7022]

I loved the butcher bird laughing at your less successful efforts at the end of the vid ! Great presentation as usual!

[@expressfashionman89]

Michael Xx that’s crazy that you can tell what kind of bird it is but just hearing it chirp

[@Phalanx443]

I always learn something new every time I watch one of Mark's videos. Thanks, big guy!!!

[@xakibear4781]

Just stump-led upon this video and now I'm subbed and watching them all. Love your advice, wisdom, tone, humor. =)

[@nidhavellir]

I live in an apartment in a cold climate, I only watch these to stay sane. Love the videos.

[@richardthompson5436]

Sanity is such a pain to maintain.

[@ontheroadwithjoy6266]

I'm a senior lady, and had to get rid of a stump.....lol. All I had was a hatchet, and a drill. I drilled holes in it, and hacked up what I could. Then I poured charcoal starter all over it, and added a small bag of charcoal. I had an old smoker I put around , to keep things contained a bit. kept the hose handy...just in case. I put the fire out before retiring. Took me 2 times of doing this, but eventually I got it.

[@dudekfox7685]

Ontheroadwith Joy: Hope you didn't wait too many years before retiring, ha ha ha.

[@alanostner]

Tough and patient! Power combo.

[@thelandgravine]

i just love listening to his voice. Also the stump thing too, it's great.

[@elvispresley2695]

Love this guy! adds good humor to any topic - love it.

[@BohemisX]

I beat my stump up in the spring with a maul, then mulch it over lightly so small insects can nest in the crevices I made. It's a nice natural breakdown

[@travispuhse5214]

Well done Mark. Continually demonstrating CAN DO.

[@BillLowenburg]

That’s a good technique! For cutting through the side roots I’ve had success using a Sawzall (reciprocating saw) with a 12 inch pruning blade. Sawzalls are powerful and can be very helpful with tree pruning also, if you don’t have a chainsaw.

[@nutmeg9005]

Smart

[@born2xplore211]

That’s what I use! Perfect for getting into tight spaces, cutting out roots

[@EricaNernie]

Agree. Reciprocating saws are better as you can slice through dirt no problem, whereas a chain saw would get ruined. Slower, but they work. A bit safer too.

[@leeka40]

I took out a stump but didn't have a reciprocating saw so i used my oscillating tool with good wood blade. i didn't think to try this wedge approach. What I did was use a bottle jack to apply pressure and help find additional roots to cut. that tree didn't have a center tap root.

[@PeeterJoot]

Nice suggestion, especially since sawzall blades are replaceable if there happens to be metal embedded in the stump and/or embedded rocks that can't be avoided. My chainsaw blade was garbage by the time I was done my first (and hopefully last) stump removal.

[@apextroll]

Stick to the wooden wedges because if a metal wedge becomes wedged, you can't cut it out.

[@fonsdresselaers]

Also, don't make them of the endgrain of the wood.

[@HWDsouthDIY]

Great video and description of what your doing. I've had some success without a chainsaw using steel wedges. I would start close to the outside edge of the stump and drive the wedge in with the grain. As long as I didn't get greedy it would eventually split off a chunk of the stump and then keep repeating the process. I eventually got it done but I see your method with the chainsaw would really speed up things.

[@chrisj7663]

Thanks. Really helpful video ! I've tried a variety of methods to remove about 20 stumps and taking into consideration the risk of spreading fire from burning a stump, dulling a chainsaw blade, expediency etc my conclusion is that that this method is best for me and perhaps many others that want to get the job done reliably and reasonably quickly. I actually tried using metal log splitters but the problem is that they then need to be prised out before doing any remedial work with a chainsaw so I think the wooden wedges are generally the best. One suggestion I have which I think might be an improvement is the use of a battery powered reciprocating saw to cut the four or five roots that protrude from the stump. Using a course wood blade seems to work reasonably well and unlike a chain saw blade it doesn't dull very quickly when it contacts soil.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

I have used the same basic procedure for decades . I cut smaller crosshatches and use a splitting maul . thanks for sharing

[@paddyredinger9188]

saving this to show husband ! No more excuses.

[@shawnm5692]

😂

[@-Rickster-]

Can’t do it yourself?

[@graceomalleygrimm9776]

@Mr McGoo, nah more planting, gardening and animal care probably. Then, off to make dinner. He gets the jobs that only take an hour. We get the jobs that take all day, 😉

[@KayleneKing]

I have a stump next to my raised garden bed that’s such an eyesore! Thanks for this! I have hope!!

[@patrciaclemons8183]

@@graceomalleygrimm9776 what paralle universe you living in?

[@stephenriggs2965]

The safest way possible is to use an AXE To cut the roots. Never risk chainsaws in the ground dirt in your chain. It's about risking hitting a rock that could shoot you like a bullet or busting chain. Normally your videos are great.. But until you have seen accidents. You'll only then appreciate the time spent on safety. This advice, of chainsaws below ground level is dangerous. If not costly.

[@allanb52]

You are starting to grow on me, I like the "getting a workout" principles and especially that you dont throw money around. Not sure I would want to do that with my chainsaw, I am getting on in years but a local took a similar sized root out. He cut through the roots with an axe and then used a tractor and chain, but all quite hard work. I like your method and wish I was younger. Good on ya mate!

[@becr9369]

My hubby had a stump to remove so I showed him this video and he seemed a bit 'reserved' in his response, or perhaps dubious.. however, he bounded in a day or so later exclaiming gleefully 'I got rid of the stump.. I did what your mate said'.. he was very happy 😊

[@Michael_McMillan]

This is so much better than that other youtube channel who suggested pouring pounds of salt on the stump!! HAHA!

[@TheCrafsMan]

Really nice technique! I've always done the drill-and-fill (several auger holes drilled into the stump, then filled with kerosene and burned) but your approach is quicker BY FAR. :)

[@stringlarson1247]

Yep. If you like playing with fire. One can drill verticle holes and then from the side a 45deg hole to connect to the vert. to allow air in. A mini 'rocket stove' .

[@TheCrafsMan]

@@stringlarson1247 Oh man, I found out first-hand how effective that can be! We drilled and burned a huge pine stump and once that thing took off, it literally looked to be chasing through the root system, because we saw little streams of smoke coming from the ground quite a ways away from the stump! Never saw it do that before - usually it's a bunch of "How much fuel (Kerosene and scrap wood, usually) are we gonna have to use to get rid of this thing?" LOL.

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Going to have a go at using this method it looks doable without a lot of fancy equipment 👍 thank you

[@craighellberg4366]

I like the pry bar with the wings. Those wings certainly come in handy for pounding the prybar in as you demonstrated. Good video. Thank you.

[@jacobkonkel6793]

The house I bought a few years ago has several stumps in the yard and I had to take down a few trees. This is incredibly useful knowledge. Thanks!

[@epsolon77]

A note about wedges. The steel wedges are pretty durable and good, however there are some good reasons to still cut your own, and make them much thicker. Most of the wedges you can buy really don't spread past a couple inches. Getting some much thicker ones is a good idea.

[@stringlarson1247]

Or, as I've done, get the metal wedge stuck in. Ooof.

[@stephenirwin2761]

Nicely done! I just used a stump grinder and that was no easy task either. Thanks so much!

[@14Mentalist]

Hi Mark Watch your videos alot and may I say this helped alot with me removing a stump and you explain it so well. Thanks you.

[@SpikeyWombat]

I remember doing this many years ago with my Dad, we had steel wedges but no chainsaw so we would put cracks in the stump with the axe and drive the wedges in.

[@Selfsufficientme]

Awesome even better! Thanks for sharing :)

[@unkraut7427]

Did that with my Dad too. Our steel wedges got stuck without splitting anything further and we had to dig half a meter deep and burn it all. For the other four we got heavy machines.

[@jasonnikolic]

Good idea. This video title and conclusion totally ignores the fact a chainsaw was used.

[@seabrookthemagnificent9580]

It took him "over an hour" to get something done, which would have taken me a week, plus another week to recover.

[@manilanoakes3966]

I think it would have taken a lot longer than an hour.

[@Engineer9736]

I have a giant double stump sitting in the backyard, half dug out for over a month already... If it’s out in another 2 weeks i’d be glad 😋

[@greenfungus1]

Really? This looked like stump removal for people that want to do things the hard way but feel like they got in touch with their primal man stuff... ?? as Bevis and Butthead always said FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!

[@eligebrown8998]

😂😂

[@mikethompson5549]

Great mark.. gonna follow your methods next week.

[@meganwade2835]

Exactly the video I was looking for! I should have come to you in the first place! Thanks for all of your videos!

[@rubyoro0]

When you first showed wedge I thought I was gonna have my 14 year-old wedge all the stumps around our yard...and then after you showed next steps I was like, “oh never mind”.

[@pigtailsboy]

I've small saplings to remove and have been bringing a hatchet to them, narrowing them and cleaving them till I can chip or cover the flayed end into the dirt. You wouldn't even know there had been a tree there at one time. I would of course have left many of them but I've been tasked with removing trees so trees are being removed. With any luck I can leave a few of the undesirables around to be unnoticed as they're good trees to have around I think. Making positive use of the wood though, what wasn't burned for ash and char is going to be turned into posts and stakes for beds.

[@amateurmetalsculptor]

Thanks, Mark, this is the best method I've seen yet. (Plenty of videos on how to burn stumps.) I've just had a yucca elephantipes sawn down to about half a metre above the ground (a beautiful plant, but one trunk had grown over the neighbour's driveway and so it had to go, pronto!) I've been poisoning it for a few weeks and after watching your video, I'll give your method a go when it's dried out a bit more (and also choked on "Slasher", the herbicide).

[@nicholaskarayiannis3652]

awesome video....worth a million bucks....,now i can uproot my tree stump and all it took was to watch this one awesome video...cheers

[@C-TOS]

The Billy Mays of gardening, hopefully he will stay with us for a long, long time.

[@SSHitMan]

2:55 cut the wedges with the grain of the wood and they won't break like that. I knew that would happen the moment I saw you cutting them across the grain.

[@opossumlvr1023]

My thought as well, but after seeing the results i thought it maybe he wanted the wedges to break like that. The broken piece holds the gap open the proper width so the remaining section of wedge can be used again. As the space is opened up the broken pieces fall deeper into the wood so they continue to hold open the gap

[@christinaoklaohio7926]

Love watching and learning from you.

[@jrsforest187]

This was incredibly satisfying to watch.

[@Durburger316]

I’ve got a stump in the back yard with my husbands name on it. Thanks!

[@jaredthelifeguard9865]

That’s pretty creepy... did it just grow that way or did someone carve his name into it? XD

[@dicksmashmcironcock7362]

I noticed your wedges were breaking. That's because of the way you cut them. If anybody else makes these they should be oriented so that the grain runs vertically through the wedge. That will keep them from breaking so much

[@thomasa5619]

Wouldn’t that cause the other corner to pop off instead? The corner that still hasn’t been used yet?

[@dicksmashmcironcock7362]

@@thomasa5619 not likely

[@hhiippiittyy]

@@thomasa5619 It might, but the working end of the wedge will remain intact, which is more important.

[@lauriemacquanan2141]

I tried with the neighbours help to remove a stump. I was digging like holy cow, I finally got he neighbour an older y and asked what I was doing wrong, he said nothing it s all good but.... Let use a fulcrum will be easier.... We still struggled. Wow this way is so much easier. Now to find a stump... Lol thank you!

[@StanlocoInc]

I’ve wasted dozens of hours digging and digging stumps out and have contemplated wasting tons of $$$$ on renting or having a company grind them. I think this is a brilliant way to do it, and since wedges work for felling trees and splitting logs, this makes good use of tools most should already have.

[@LouisEmery]

Letting the stump roots dry in the ground for one year helps. They reduce in size. Saw that with blue spruces. As the unreachable roots rot away the ground will collapse a bit. Something to consider. I had to back fill some odd local depressions around my new house, only realizing these were the result of decayed old stumps.

[@mm9773]

Interesting. We have a sagging wall right next to a big dead cherry tree.

[@8Jory]

Where I live, you can get a whole electric chainsaw for around the same cost as just a new chain for a larger gas saw. If someone wants to do this and is worried about destroying an expensive saw, a cheap electric one could be an option to get the job done. Plus no messing around with gas and 2 stroke oil.

[@tannermaxwell7321]

You have earned another subscriber! Can’t wait to try this method!

[@cnce145]

Great vid I've learned a lot. I'm planning to start a tree/branch & snow removal business in 2021, I'm trying to learn as much as i can.

[@obviouspropaganda8200]

Two bags of charcoal and covering it with aluminum foil is easier. You can cook and drink beer while the stump is taken care of.

[@ikoyDaPnoy]

I drilled a large deep hole down the center and smaller holes along the sides that lead to the center. Then I dropped a few coals & lighter fluid.

[@eveningangel9292]

I have done this with the stumps that are a cluster of stems and too springy for this technique. I'll try this for some of the solid ones I have. If they are too much I'll go back to the cookout. The s'mores at the end are there best!

[@kashkash9886]

@@ikoyDaPnoy best way to do it

[@vtbn53]

That's $30-$40 right there.

[@jamesbrown99991]

I hear a bag of fertilizer and some diesel also works wonders ;)

[@AUXdrone]

Since I’m an American, do I need to cut my wedges upside-down if I use this method?

[@MrWaldorfian]

no, since you are American, I would think you would shoot it or use dynamite to remove it.

[@Rickimusic]

@@MrWaldorfian Yes, drill one hole in the center with an auger bit, 1" or larger, fill hole with black powder, insert an M-80 on top of the gunpowder... Use your imagination for what comes next. Actually, some Canadians use black powder wedge drivers which we have brought down to the States. Shooting it is fun, all us Yanks have 20 guns, but can be a bit expensive so we may rule that option out.

[@rkwatchauralnautsjediparty7303]

Nah, we cut them rightside up.

[@AUXdrone]

@@MrWaldorfian free men need not explain themselves

[@AUXdrone]

@@rkwatchauralnautsjediparty7303 i’m just thinking of conversions. If australia is upside down, that would be downside up here. So do i need to cut them upside down or somehow master handstands? 🧐

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

For small to medium stump . this is the best method. Burning a stump require a electric blower to keep the fire extremely hot so the surrounding stump get dried up and combust. Piling wood on top of stump and burning it does not work. The stump would charred and become insulated. On medium tree some time I cut six wedge shape so the stump would wedged break easier . Great channel you have.

[@solopolo7871]

Great video. Struggling with a Yew stump this morning and so will give this a go.

[@crazygoatlady4287]

You are just one determined guy. Good for you. Great tips and I love the "outtakes" at the end. I am pretty sure at one point when your wedge broke I heard a bird chuckling at you. I could be wrong lol

[@WrinkleRelease]

Honestly, the sacrificial wooden wedge system seems really smart. If a wedge breaks its still usable. Besides you have several to keep pounding down on top of each other.

[@JoeBrenn]

How to remove a stump? Hire a strong Aussie 😊 Great video, it'll be great help for me going forward when I have stumps to tackle - thank you.

[@danielbuffington2041]

I'm giving you a thumbs up because I learned something and because you are Australian and Australians are awesome.

[@mrchordstriker]

That was a good demo. However I still prefer the BBQ method, the ash goes back into the lawn that way too. I just like bbqs :).

[@ancientsociety79]

>"It is a risky job." >Uses a chainsaw at ground level in shorts

[@jancas2001]

It's a chainsaw, just what are you proposing to wear that would make any difference?

[@winnie-the-poohahaha4428]

ancientsociety79 should have put on the safety thongs

[@ancientsociety79]

@@jancas2001 At the very least you wear chaps, but preferably protective pants and chaps together, especially when working on cuts below waist level. It's a chainsaw; not a lightsaber

[@jerryinnes2859]

I've never seen anyone wear chaps of protective pants when using a chainsaw at any hight. Believe it or not but no one was hurt

[@paulesterline5714]

@@jerryinnes2859 I use chaps, and I have a friend that when he was a pro he used chaps. If your smart you ware them. Be smarter then your tools and you won't get hurt.

[@rebeccalavanture9741]

I’m impressed!! I’ve been annoyed with stumps for years, might show this to my husband :)

[@poeticsun645]

I will need to do this soon, so it's really nice that it came up as a suggested video 👍🏻