Tree Stump Removal: Removing the stump from my 48 foot spruce tree with a vacuum

[@billparrish4385]

In an age of instant gratification, it's important to appreciate slow, methodical, patient work like this. It's not always about doing something in a rush, as fast as possible, at any cost. Sometimes it's about one guy and some simple hand tools, experiencing a sense of accomplishment from chipping away at something, bit by bit, at last earning a long-awaited victory. Some life lessons in there....

[@stevoj8959]

This stump was definitely a test of patience. Most think I am crazy to do it this way but I find it quite satisfying. A typical root only takes about 3 hours to do and then it is gone forever. This one is now buried upside down at a buddies acreage. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@grantbarnett8113]

@@stevoj8959maybe a drill with a brush and vacuum being used with the other hand. I would have kept that stump and dried it out to sell. Would make a beautiful table

[@stevoj8959]

@@grantbarnett8113 The stump is an art piece buried upside down at a friends acreage. It was too cool just to burn it. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@grantbarnett8113]

@@stevoj8959 wow what a great way to treat a tree. Even in death it still resembles growing out of the earth.

[@lemagreengreen]

Of all the ways I have seen a stump be removed this is the first time I've seen anyone use a vacuum cleaner. Bravo!

[@stevoj8959]

It works great. Done a few with this method and a few to go this year. Thanks for tuning in. stevo

[@bustasesh]

This is one of those videos that go under the category "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

[@stevoj8959]

Really is more fun than it looks. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@williammcgrew3691]

I'm inspired. I have many small trees to pry up with a mattock but you handled this huge one like an archeologist.

[@stevoj8959]

I have used this method on a few root now and won't do it any other way. I typical root usually takes just a few hours to remove and it is gone forever. Thanks. Stevo

[@mikelomeli1316]

I truly believe that this guy is living out his paleontologist dreams! Nice work!!

[@stevoj8959]

Those thought were in my mind while I was doing this dig. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@terrydowning6365]

I seen many a man who planted a tree but I have never seen a tree being unplanted. Thanks for sharing. 😀✌❤

[@stevoj8959]

It had to come out one way or another. This was a big job but a regular sized root usually only takes about 3 hours to do. I had to remove it because I built a driveway. The root is now buried upside down at a friends acreage. Thanks. Stevo

[@haciendadad]

I cut down my 30ft black oak that had a stump diameter of only about 8 or 9 inches and I thought if I cur through most of the surrounding roots with a sawzall and I sacrificed a chainsaw chain so I can cut through the thickest roots. I left the stump about 2ft high so I can use it for leverage when I tried to pull it out with my SUV, but boy was I wrong! I see now that I have a long ways to go! The tree is in my front yard, and I live in a nice upscale neighborhood and I can only think that everyone is thinking, "why doesn't he just pay to have it pulled out?!" so I feel a little bit embarrassed but I enjoy the work and the challenge, but after seeing your comments, I see that people respect you for this so I am going to try to dig it out and cut those tap roots and buy me an auger drill bit. I don't want to lose to this stump because now it is personal. It has embarrassed me long enough!! 🙂

[@stevoj8959]

What a great comment. Love that you are seeing it through to the end. Leaving the stump up does help. I know where you are at. You think you got all the roots and there are more. The roots from your tree are probably a little tougher to cut than the soft Spruce. Keep going. The feeling when it finally pops is worth it. Thanks. Stevo

[@dustmaker1000]

This whole thing is hilarious. Great video, thanks for the chuckles

[@stevoj8959]

I felt like I was digging up a Dinosaur. This root took longer because we buried it upside down at a buddies acreage. Looks great. Thanks. Stevo

[@patriciamay638]

The artist in me would love that stump but, as a homeowner, this makes me glad I rented a stumpgrinder

[@stevoj8959]

I find the stump grinder always leaves some behind and since I was building a driveway, it had to go. It's kind of fun. Thanks. Stevo

[@charliemartin-k7m]

To me removing the root system is the best.

[@pcbuilderlover4271]

Awesome video! Thank you. The vacuum is an amazing idea. I am in the process of removing a stump myself and was finding it a pain to get the dirt out of the hole. Can't wait to put my shopvac to work. So happy you shared this video!

[@stevoj8959]

So glad you are giving it a try. Most think I am crazy but it works great. I have done a few now. Have fun. Stevo

[@gm7304]

Yippers that shop vac does wonders for digging out post holes too. "Let Her Rip"

[@stevoj8959]

@@gm7304 A few have mention that and one day I will give that a try. Thanks. Stevo

[@raz3032]

So you take off the vac filter?

[@ParamotorLife]

Good for this guy! I can't imagine having this much time in life to dedicate to the archeological excavation of a tree stump. He must be living right.

[@stevoj8959]

This root took some time but a typical root only takes about 3 hours. It is actually a fun job and you save some money. Thanks for the comment. Stevo

[@ParamotorLife]

@@stevoj8959 Seriously, if you enjoy it, good for you!!!

[@MrSaemichlaus]

I would take this as the perfect excuse for renting a mini excavator once in my life.

[@stevetremblay961]

I am just getting to the end of a project like this and wish i had been recording bits from when the tree was taken down forward to now. I dug deeper (easier in Florida) and used a pointed pvc pipe attached to the hose to clear under roots and find all of the creepers. 12" reciprocating saw blades worked wonders even on some larger roots and a farm jack helped to break out the remaining ones. My neighbors think i'm crazy but i have located the final root. By the end of the week this monster will be out of the ground. It's only taken since October :D I applaud your efforts, sir!

[@stevoj8959]

I am impress that you are still with it. Sure one can pay to get a big excavator but when you cut that final root the feeling is awesome. It is a big job but the root is gone when you are done and you have accomplished something most will never, and it's a great story. Awesome. Thanks. Stevo

[@ScreamingReel500]

You are the man! This is the most awesome stump removal video I've ever seen. It looks like an octopus.

[@stevoj8959]

A lot think I am crazy but it works. When I am done, the root is gone. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@tideslider664]

You could make some serious octopus art work with that stump 🐙

[@descj001]

This is seriously one of the coolest and most impressive things Ive seen in a while!

[@stevoj8959]

Many thought I was crazy but it was a fun job to do. The root is completely good and I saved myself $300. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks. Stevo

[@maketaco6683]

roots as thick as trees ! I have never seen so many massive roots. Great work.

[@stevoj8959]

Those roots went on forever. I had to remove them all because I was building a driveway. Looked pretty cool when I got it out. Thanks. Stevo

[@rosemarshall1219]

The tree stump is a real piece of art❤

[@stevoj8959]

It is a piece of art. A friend buried it upside down on his acreage. Thanks. Stevo

[@TheGrimReaper1]

I did a job like this in the garden with two sixty foot pine trees. The roots were nowhere near as big as those. I bought a little one handed pick axe to hack away the soil and stones, best thing i ever bought, nearly. All the best with your endeavours from England .

[@jimrowland4092]

As my dear old mom used to say, "You have the patience of Job!" I love all of your videos, but this was very educational, seeing the root structure of that mature tree magically rise up from the ground!

[@stevoj8959]

I never expected it to look the way it did. Nature has a grand design. Took a bit to get er out but I got it done. As I was working on it, I said I would never do this again, but I would. Thanks. Stevo

[@jimrowland4092]

@@stevoj8959 I appreciate all of your efforts Stevo, and I learn tons from your content. I especially enjoyed this one....this may go viral! Or maybe edit it down to a shorter video to help it go viral.....

[@stevoj8959]

@@jimrowland4092 One can only hope. I had fun doing this video. Stevo

[@coffeecoffee6478]

I'm exhausted just watching. I think I 'm calling the stump guy. Lol! 😅 But thanks for sharing.

[@stevoj8959]

This was a big job but the average root only takes about 3-4 hours. Nothing wrong with hiring it out either. Thanks. Stevo

[@mabarig]

I have removed about a dozen tree stumps from my property and after trying several different methods, this is the way I did the last 6 successfully. In the last one there were 3 trees within a foot from eachother (2 stumps and one tree), so after digging around them, I left the biggest tree to cut afterward. The next day I was surprised to see the large tree had already fallen down overnight and all I had to do is brake it all down. In the future I will cut the tree before digging aroud it even if there is nothing around that can be damaged (too risky). Good video Stevo J.

[@stevoj8959]

I am glad to see someone gave this method a try. Most think you're crazy but it works pretty good. Nice thing is, the root is gone when you are done. Thanks. Stevo

[@sicasni]

i sawzalled about a dozen hollies along my property but never would I thought a whole tree can be done. lol. good work.

[@stevoj8959]

I have done a few roots and it works great. Best thig is it is gone forever when you are done. Thanks. Stevo

[@topcat5777]

Tenacity, determination, and perseverance! Most excellent in example to others, thank-you for this video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@stevoj8959]

It is one of those jobs I just don't mind doing though I am glad I am not doing it all the time. Thanks. stevo

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

I could not say it better. Indeed, my comment above proves that!

[@not2fast4u2c]

Man that is some big tree roots You did a good safe job removing it and not trying to pull it out and wreck a sidewalk or foundation

[@stevoj8959]

Those roots went on forever. That tree was never going to fall over. I definitely questioned myself as I was doing the work, but I would do it again. Thanks. Stevo

[@jeffclark5024]

That stump flipped over would make a super cool platform for a raised platform of some kind.

[@stevoj8959]

That is exactly what happened to that root. I do have a link to that video in this video. Definitely cool. Thanks. Stevo

[@pihva_rusni]

Fantastic job! However, if you don't have such a vacuum, it is also possible to open the roots with the high pressure machine used for car washing. And in the end I would cut those roots from the stump with the same saw you have or better a chain saw.

[@stevoj8959]

I am going to give the pressure washer a try one day but it does create a lot of mud and it has to go somewhere. I have done a few roots with the vac now and though it looks crazy, it works. Thanks. Stevo

[@pihva_rusni]

@@stevoj8959 I also thought about this in relation to the drainage of water with earth from the stump. In my imagination, this could work well in the case where the stump is not on level ground, but at least on a slight slope. We dig the ground to the depth of one shovel around the stump and a groove in the direction of the slope. And then we wash all the rest with a strong stream.

[@veela420]

Nice idea. I have a different setup and used a pressure washer to get rid of the dirt😊

[@stevoj8959]

A pressure washer works great as well and maybe a bit quicker. I just did not want to deal with the mud. Thanks. Stevo

[@BramBiesiekierski]

I've removed a few stumps now. Can't say I ever thought about using a vacuum. Worst one was about 2 or 3 times that diameter. An old jacaranda that had been cut down a number of times over the years, but never killed off or removed. So it kept just growing new trunks and getting a bigger root ball. The soil was easy digging sand for the first 600mm, then rock hard clay below. It was easy enough to use a small sharp hatchet to cut through the roots as I dug down. Bigger ones got thoroughly hosed off, then chainsawed. Problem with using the water, was because of the hard pack clay below, the water would take days to soak away.

[@stevoj8959]

@@BramBiesiekierski I can't imagine removing a root bigger than this one. It takes patience but it will finally come out. I agree with the water, it may speed things up but it makes a mess. Must of taken you a few good hours to remove that root. Thanks. Stevo

[@JohnDowFirst]

It's so amazing at 13:00 -14:00. You should have left it exposed as a work of art.

[@stevoj8959]

It is a piece of art now. Usually I would cut the roots to remove the stump but we took the stump and buried it upside down at a friends acreage. Link to that is in the description. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@MarkGilbert-ly8wi]

Just came upon this video. Should left after removing the dirt. Looks neat with all the roots exposed. Would he do this again? He has a lot of free time.

[@stevoj8959]

The process works rather well. On a typical root I will only have 2-3 hours in it. This was a little big because I was building a driveway. Thanks. Stevo

[@inertiaspinner555]

“Looking forward to it, it’s gonna be a lot of fun” That’s when I knew I was gonna be here for the next 23 minutes and 27 seconds

[@stevoj8959]

I really enjoy the process. An average root only takes me 2-3 hours. A lot longer on this one because we buried it upside down at a buddies acreage. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@55Baker]

Great video and an awsome powerfull vacuum cleaner with a long lasting motor.

[@stevoj8959]

I have had this Craftsmen vacuum for well over 30 years and it just keeps going. Pulling the roots does not seem to bother it and it works harder than I do. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@camilocamilo5304]

I would give you 1k likes for your perseverance and determination!

[@stevoj8959]

Thanks muchly for the comment. I have done three roots now and this one was the toughest for sure. It was fun doing it and met some new curious neighbors as well. Thanks. Stevo

[@annesacilowski-wq8jd]

Great job ! And I heard they might be hiring at Pompeii !! 😂 You’re a shoe in!! LOL

[@stevoj8959]

I would love to dig up treasures. Seeing the natures design with the cool roots was a treasure in itself. I had fun. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@SniktBamfKapow]

I started with projects for bonsai trees and have found myself watching entire stumps vacuumed out of the ground. KZbin can be a wild place, haha. Was there ever an update on what happed to this stump?

[@stevoj8959]

I never would have thought I would be in that category. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Sir, that is a triumph of hard work and determination. Brilliant!

[@stevoj8959]

This root was a bigger job but a typical root usually takes about 3-4 hours. No root left and no money spent, and it's fun. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo.

[@apatterson8128]

Impressive Stevo. I actually watched the whole video. Mesmerizing. By the way, your delivery is great. The brain cell comment had me cracking up.

[@stevoj8959]

It took me some time to get the job done but I succeeded. I was really stressed about loading it but it worked out great. Would do it again. Thanks. Stevo

[@wimchen]

this is absolutely out of box thinking to remove a tree stump. brilliant.

[@stevoj8959]

I have done four now and it works every time. Thanks. Stevo

[@wackyweyland8857]

Just removed most of the dead stumps in my yard with a reciprocating saw and a shovel. I'm definitely going to try the augar bit and cordless drill next time. 👍

[@stevoj8959]

Most think I am crazy but the method works great. An average stump takes about three hours and it is gone forever. This one was pretty big. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@dave_in_florida]

Congrats on your project! Very unique Never seen that and probably never will again! Like archeology!

[@stevoj8959]

I have done it a couple of times now and quite enjoy doing it, not to this extent though. What I like, once you get to the bottom, it is gone for good. If you grind it, part of the stump will always be there. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@HiVizCamo]

Skipped through this in 90 seconds, and don't feel like I missed a thing, this did not need to be pushing a half hour. Though I do appreciate the effort to preserve this item 👏👏 shapes and features like this can only be produced by nature.

[@stevoj8959]

Nature has created some cool things. This root is now buried upside down at a friends acreage, it's still cool. Do appreciate you tuning in. Stevo

[@emmockladdie]

You could have another life as an archaeologist! I use similar method with stumps round my place - tractor tyre crowbar, an ice axe, spade, regular axe, small chainsaw and wheelbarrow are my tools. It's actually quite good fun and very rewarding once you get the ground levelled and seeded and you see the grass growing ... then you think "tree ... what tree,? did we have a tree there?" Best regards from Scotland.

[@stevoj8959]

Some think you are wasting your time digging them out but when you are done, they are gone for good. I also think it is fun to do. Thanks. Stevo

[@emmockladdie]

Another thing that's important Stevo is that if you bring heavy vehicles in near other trees (to dig up or drag out the stump) then the ground gets compressed and their roots cannot breathe. Your gentle method keeps nearby trees safer.

[@stevoj8959]

@@emmockladdie Never thought of that but you would be right about the damage. Something to keep in mind. Thanks. Stevo

[@mikeking7470]

Why wouldn't you chainsaw it into smaller bits after all that?

[@stevoj8959]

So I kept the root complete because I took it out to a buddies acreage and he buried it upside down. It does look cool. Thanks. Stevo

[@trkonkal]

You should have made a video of that!

[@pacificdune]

That’s a huge job! I would have just cut it with my chain saw and then taken an angle grinder with a diamond wheel to grind the roots down, but it would have been in thousands of pieces, and then you need to deal with the ground sinking as it rots over the years. Looks like it ended up very nice and left no trace it was there. Would have been cool to make something out if it like a huge table or something like that…

[@stevoj8959]

Well it is a art piece now. We took it out to a friends acreage and he buried it upside down. Thanks. Stevo

[@amaiaamaiaa]

@@stevoj8959 interesting, do you have an update vid of this root now as an art piece?

[@stevoj8959]

@@amaiaamaiaa I do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6nmKeQorJ2Y7M . Thanks. Stevo

[@dustinriordan7051]

Curious how that shop vac is holding up

[@stevoj8959]

That vacuum has been with me for over 30 years and is still going strong. It is a Craftsman, bought another one and I like it as well. With the stump, one is only dealing with dry material so it did not complain at all. Thanks. Stevo

[@Ithzzz]

@@stevoj8959 Dont the filtre clog with smaller dirt particles ?

[@stevoj8959]

@@Ithzzz I did not have a problem with that. If the dirt was powdery you may have to tap the filter clean when you dump. I have done 4 roots with this vac now and no problems. Thanks. Stevo

[@trkonkal]

Still sucks

[@Muscles_McGee]

That does look like fun. I'm surprised none of the neighbors volunteered to pitch-in.

[@stevoj8959]

They sure did stop by to watch though. Thanks. Stevo

[@shawbros]

There have been times where someone offered to help me, and I ended up regretting accepting that persons help. (They may end up doing things that you do not agree with) Sometimes, it's better to do the work yourself.

[@pekenopol4083]

Good job man. Just one question, why not chop it into bits as for easier and safer handling? Is the resulting stump being used in its complete shape or something? Congrats!

[@stevoj8959]

The reason I did not cut it up, I hauled it out to a friends acreage and he buried it upside down. It is art now. For sure would of pieced it if it were not for that. Thanks. Stevo

[@pekenopol4083]

@@stevoj8959 that’s outstanding! Even greater now!!

[@stevoj8959]

@@pekenopol4083 😃

[@a1jsmiller]

@@stevoj8959 Well, put a picture of it up!

[@stevoj8959]

@@a1jsmiller kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6nmKeQorJ2Y7M

[@mountdoom3169]

I removed a large stump with some roots bigger than trunk. It took my 6 months using simple tools. I know how he feels.

[@stevoj8959]

That is awesome to meet someone with determination. I was most surprised with natures design and how the roots actually grew. It sure feels good when you finally get the job done. Thanks. Stevo

[@jmd1743]

I have an Addon that let's me sort my 100+ Subs by categories I set, therefor newly released videos are displayed like a Cable TV menu that displays which shows/movies are scheduled to play. This is pretty cool idea to vacuum up the dirt like that, I've subscribed to your channel and added you to the DIY category.

[@stevoj8959]

That is quite interesting. Saves a lot of looking. Thanks. Stevo

[@stevoj8959]

@@jmd1743 will do

[@avflyguy]

I'll give you kudos for the determination to DIY this thing. My fingers would be dialing a phone number to get it done. Interesting project though. Anytime I see using a shop vac for dirt, I know this is well beyond my pay grade.

[@stevoj8959]

I have done four stumps now with this system and I don't mind doing it. This one was extra huge but what a great feeling when it was done. It kept the neighbors amused as well. Thanks. Stevo

[@patriciabockenstette6550]

Absolutely amazing! I never dreamt that there were so many tentacle type roots under ground. It would be understandable though to hold the weight that is above ground. What did you do with the massive hunk of wood? Thanks for sharing the massive event that just kept on going and going.

[@stevoj8959]

The root is now buried upside down at a friends acreage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6nmKeQorJ2Y7M Thanks Stevo

[@mhenhawke5093]

13:33 That is really cool looking root system, it is naturally grown art ,i would try and save it to make something groovy. Wow, who says groovy, Lol, me. Alot of work ,great video Stevo.

[@stevoj8959]

Nature creates some very interesting things. It is art now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6nmKeQorJ2Y7M Thanks. Stevo

[@thepaperboy9009]

I salute you for your determination. Was there any reason why it had to be kept intact to haul away as opposed to chopped up in more manageable pieces?

[@stevoj8959]

Normally I would chop it up but I took it out to a friends acreage and buried it upside down. If you are interested, there is a link in the description. Thanks. Stevo

[@shawbros]

I do almost the same thing. At the point where you are doing the scraping and vacuuming, I do not do that. Instead, I use a water hose with a sprayer nozzle set on "jet" or "stream", and use that to spray the sand and rocks off of the roots. Then I go back to using the shovel, and dig out what just got sprayed off the roots. So, I go back and forth between the shovel and spraying, and I eventually end up with very clean roots than can now be cut with the chainsaw, without worrying about sand and rocks dulling my chain. Using the water makes it a **LOT** easier to clean the debris out of the way. I would choose that over the scraping/drilling/vacuuming idea. edit: I do not know how well my technique works in soil that has clay in it. I have only done it in soil without clay, and it works great in that.

[@stevoj8959]

I want to try a pressure washer at some point but I did not want to deal with the mud. I built a driveway where the root was so had a lot of digging to do. It turned out great and I did not mind the work. Thanks. Stevo

[@shawbros]

@@stevoj8959 I don't know about clay in soil, but for regular soil/dirt, a pressure washer is overkill, and could spray the dirt everywhere. Just a regular garden hose and sprayer nozzle has worked fine for me, on digging out 3 different stumps in the past. It may sound like using water is going to make a muddy mess, but when done properly, it can be far cleaner than not using water. When using the water hose, you can wash the dirt off the roots from a distance, instead of crawling around in there and getting all dirty.

[@stevoj8959]

@@shawbros We do have clay and it gets slimy and slippery when it gets wet but it is a great tough base. Thanks. Stevo

[@ginozanga2129]

Good video, but just curious why you didn’t cut off the roots prior to loading on trailer

[@stevoj8959]

That would be normal procedure but with this root, we took it out to a friends acreage and buried it upside down. Link is in the description if you are interested. Thanks. Stevo

[@cheekygnome]

Do they sell chain saws or rent stump grinders in your area?

[@stevoj8959]

I find stump grinders don't go deep enough and I have more time than money. Thanks. Stevo

[@whilomforge3402]

I’ve had dozens of stumps ground on my property. $50/stump is what every one of the various companies charged me. Even for $100, is this task really worth doing for that price?

[@stevoj8959]

The reason I like to remove them, the stump grinder does not go deep enough and I built a driveway where this stump was so I wanted it completely gone. Stump removal starts at $250 where I am from. Thanks. Stevo

[@jamescorbin5638]

You went downright archeological on that tree.

[@stevoj8959]

It did feel at times like I was digging up a dinosaur. I enjoyed it. Thanks. Stevo

[@goleft4088]

Looks like he did thus for fun! I love it!

[@stevoj8959]

It looks silly but I quite enjoy it. Got a couple more to do this year. Thanks. Stevo

[@MarkH10]

Long, dull auger bit, and or, for Texas Chalice, and Las Vegas stone geology I dig with a dull masonry bit. Just be careful as we have a tendency to start putting side pressures on our drills using them to dig with.

[@stevoj8959]

Never thought about the side pressure but you are right. A masonry bit would work great. Thanks. Stevo

[@MarkH10]

@@stevoj8959 Your very welcome. Keep in mind, drills work in a back and forth plane, prying is a great way to visit energy on the weak points in a shaft and it's bearings, as it rotates, and eventually you develop premature failure. MY method is masonry bit cuts down, prybar side pressure, opens the loose material. I also use a vacuum. Your task and accomplishment was very impressive.

[@jwojo5111]

I’m so glad I saw this video I was about to drop 45 grand on a stump grinder for a business start up but really need is a shop vac from harbor freight and a sawzall with a couple batteries and about a week or two

[@stevoj8959]

This root was a big job but a typical root only takes me about 3 hour or so to remove it. Nice thing about this method is, the root is gone forever. I have ground a few stumps and I prefer this. I know it looks crazy. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@TronVila]

This is amazing!! And isn’t it incredible what you can accomplish with a damn sawzall and pruning blades haha. It’s comical how much Iv cut up with only a handful of 12” Diablo pruning blades

[@stevoj8959]

On a typical root, it only takes me one of those blades. I can't believe how they stay sharp going through all of that dirt. Thanks. Stevo

[@butler386]

Well you certainly got the root of the problem. Is this called a root canal in Canada? That is a huge stump to remove but you and friends got it done. What a massive job that was. Lots of work but I am sure you save a bundle of money in the long run. Thanks for the video.

[@stevoj8959]

I feel like I have had multiple root canals. The body is definitely aching after doing this removal. Need a couple of days to let the shoulder and back recover but I would do it again. Thanks. Stevo

[@butler386]

@@stevoj8959 Ok. Will see you Saturday. come on down.

[@fr.christophermckelviefoh]

What kind of blades are you using for your reciprocating saw? I’ve been picking away at one in my backyard, and have gone through like 8 blades…

[@stevoj8959]

I use a Diablo pruning blade and they last a long time. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@raymondhill3]

A wonderful video showing how to enjoy life and achievement!!!!!!!

[@stevoj8959]

It looked like a lot of work by I quite enjoyed it. Was amazed at the root structure. Thanks. Stevo

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Wow Stevo, that was a job and a half eh!!! It looked like a big monster from the black lagoon or something. A big, big job, but it did pull out pretty clean. Thanks for sharing and take care!!!

[@stevoj8959]

Definitely alien looking. To keep my mind off the major task ahead, I pretended I was digging up a dinosaur. This was a big job but I would do it again. Have a friend that wants two smaller roots removed. Will do those when I need beer. Thanks, Stevo

[@rickfetz469]

You also used a shovel! Very odd method but you got me to watch so bravo to you!

[@stevoj8959]

Thanks for tuning in. It looks crazy but it works well and it doesn't cost. Thanks. Stevo

[@michaelsimpson9779]

You can use a water blaster and a shopvac capable of wet vacuuming, suck up all the sludge.

[@stevoj8959]

I think using a pressure washer would be quicker but it does leave a mess. One day I am going to give that a try. Thanks. Stevo

[@markhall3434]

Heroic effort. You're inspirational in fact. What do you think "The Guy" would charge to do this work? Guess a Stump Grinder wasn't good enough for your future plans?

[@stevoj8959]

I find a stump grinder does not go deep enough and since I was building a parking pad, I wanted the root gone. A typical root takes about 4 hours to do hence cheaper than a root grinder in my parts. This one was a large job because I chased the roots and buried the root upside down at a friends. Thanks. Stevo

[@donbrehaut2574]

Awesome job! I have to do something similar. Think I'll do a bit of pressure washing on roots and chop them in smaller more manage bits for removal rather than showing off driving down the road with that monster. 😄

[@stevoj8959]

The smart thing to do would be to cut it up but I took the root out to a friends acreage and he buried it upside down. Thanks. Stevo

[@fungames24]

Best digging tool is something like a spear. It concentrates force and has precision. A straight crowbar is better than a scrapper. Shovel is good for moving soil. The vac is more hassle because you keep having to empty it. A hand trowel is better.

[@stevoj8959]

I find the vac works good cause the dirt has to be removed anyways. Either or, you save money by doing it yourself and it is completely gone. Thanks. Stevo

[@mattfisher401]

Neighbors hate this guy's one simple trick.

[@stevoj8959]

This job brought out the neighbors for sure. They wanted to know what the crazy one was doing. Thanks. Stevo

[@Awannabestylist]

Kudos for job well-done. I would have used a chain saw to remove the roots before tying to load it. Wound have made it considerably smaller and lighter to load.

[@stevoj8959]

Normally I would cut the roots off but in this case, we took the root to a friends acreage and buried it upside down, The link for that is in the description if you are interested. Thanks. Stevo

[@markgomez3688]

After digging that and exposing the trees absolutely beautiful roots, i would be so tempted to bite the bullet and make that a centre piece of the garden, them roots are so nice to see.... wow.

[@stevoj8959]

Can't question natures design, beauty everywhere you look. I was surprised at how cool it looked as well and that is why we buried it upside down at a friends acreage. So it is art now and not wasted. Next one I will get carved into an Octopus. Thanks. Stevo

[@markgomez3688]

@@stevoj8959 lol nice...

[@55Baker]

What brand of sawsall pruning blades do you use?

[@stevoj8959]

Sorry but some how missed your comment. I use Diablo 9" pruning blades. I have tried others but they work the best. Thanks. Stevo

[@danherring5676]

Gump, you are a got-dang genius! Nothing good ever comes easy. I used a shop vac a couple years back to clear out some post holes to reset the posts, and about 24 years ago to lower a sewer cleanout that had frost jacked itself out of the ground. Worked great. So, how many hours in all did this stump take?

[@stevoj8959]

This stump took me just over 20 hours but a typical stump usually takes about 3 hours. Of course I chased this root a long way because I was building a driveway and kept the root intact so we could bury it upside down at a friends acreage. I have used the vac for a couple different projects like this but not a post hole yet. Quite enjoy the process. Thanks for tuning in. Stevo

[@tman3944]

what does your yard look like now any pictures?

[@stevoj8959]

Where the tree is, I built a driveway. It is nice to have the driveway but I wished I could have kept the tree. There are links to those videos in the description. Thanks. Stevo

[@Antiqueexcavator]

Am I mistaken or is the guy operating the winch in a dangerous area if the chain should break? Just wondering.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

does this ruin the vac? It just needs a new filter after?

[@stevoj8959]

It does nothing to the vac at all. Mine just has the one filter and when you are done you just blow it out. I have had that ole Craftsman vac for about forty years and it just won't quit. Thanks. Stevo

[@sshaw4429]

I’m just not sure, WHY you would do it this way???

[@punksintheback7062]

Because is the only way he knew how to do it 😅

[@franknieuwenhuis4660]

For the likes and clicks. 😮

[@jamesmolkenbuhr956]

How about a stump grinder? They've only been around since the 1950's. But you do you and I'll do me. I'll be done in 90.minutes but you'll be looking at 9-10 hours

[@stevoj8959]

A typical root only takes about 3-4 hours and a root grinder always leave some behind. I was building a driveway so it all had to go. Thanks. Stevo

[@wormrose01]

That thing is a work of art. Belongs in a Gallery somewhere.

[@stevoj8959]

Well it is kind of art. We buried it upside down at a friends acreage. Now a haven for wildlife. Thanks. Stevo

[@Bob-jv4yf]

Noticed in the comments you said your buddy installed it as an art piece. Can we get some shots of that?

[@stevoj8959]

I put a link in the description of this video, " Where did my 48 foot tree and stump go". Will find it there so you don't have to search. Enjoy. Stevo

[@Bob-jv4yf]

Awesome gonna check it now

[@wouterke9871]

Interesting approach, impressive roots system!

[@stevoj8959]

I was truly amazed at the structure. Nature does some amazing things. Thanks. Stevo

[@SidekickEnterprises]

Interesting but I don't understand why you did not chainsaw all the roots off before dragging it onto the trailer?

[@stevoj8959]

Well the whole idea was to keep it in tack so we could bury it upside down. Any other time I would definitely cut the roots off. Thanks. Stevo

[@SidekickEnterprises]

@@stevoj8959 That sounds like a really stupid thing to do!

[@mikedunn7795]

I removed a much smaller tree,and used my pressure washer to expose and clean the roots so I could use my sawzall.

[@stevoj8959]

I will try a pressure washer one day but it does make a lot of mud. Would be fun though. Thanks. Stevo

[@markpinther9296]

What a great idea. Even to show what trees can do. I don’t understand why the whole thing had to be loaded onto a trailer in one piece.

[@stevoj8959]

It would have been much easier to chop things up but I took the root out to a friends acreage and he buried it upside down. I did do a video on that called 'What happened to my 48' Spuce tree". Thanks. Stevo

[@EveryDayGuyStuff]

Awesome work, very thorough!

[@stevoj8959]

This one was a big job because all of the roots had to go since I was building a driveway. A typical root usually takes about 3 hours and it is kind of fun. This root is now buried upside down at a friends acreage . Thanks. Stevo

[@adamsons2890]

I have a blue spruce stump to remove also, about the same size as yours. What you did is nothing short of amazing. I’m going to dig around mine and then cut it up with a chainsaw. Hats off to you sir!You should have a few million views for this video.

[@stevoj8959]

It was a big job but I enjoyed it, mind you I did not do it in one day. The reciprocating saw worked very well cause you can dull a chainsaw quick if you hit any dirt. I hope you have success getting yours out. Thanks. Stevo

[@adamsons2890]

@@stevoj8959 I’m not looking forward to it Stevo, lots of chores in the fall as you know. I’m in Ontario, so winter is just around the corner.

[@adamsons2890]

Thanks for the reciprocating saw tip. I have one.

[@stevoj8959]

@@adamsons2890 Once you get going, it goes faster than you think. I get the time thing, I have a couple more stumps to get rid of. Stevo

[@_1ben]

Sawzall will be your friend

[@lizhongshen]

since you are using a dry/wet vacuum, it would run much faster with a pressure washer than digging dirt with hand.

[@stevoj8959]

The pressure washer really does make a mess and since I was building a driveway, the dirt had to go anyways. I think a pressure washer would be more fun though. Thanks. Stevo

[@CristianMittasch-ri9sg]

You are a creazy guy,in a positive way 🤪🔝

[@stevoj8959]

That seem to be the consensus. I have done a few roots like that now it I find it works great. Thanks. Stevo

[@joequillun7790]

Some of the biggest roots I've ever seen. What kind if tree? Well done.

[@stevoj8959]

It was a 48 ft Spruce. Definitely a big root. I have done a couple of Apple and one Birch and they are much easier. Thanks. Stevo

[@garygreen1787]

This looks like something I would have tried, and would have persisted and got it done. However, I saw on KZbin sawing the stump very close to the ground then saw crosshatches in it then slowly (days) soak kerosene into it. I then treated it like a campfire base and placed kindling then larger firewood on top. It burned like a cigar for days and I now have one smallish hole to fill with soil. Never thought it would be that easy. Not very gratifying though.

[@stevoj8959]

One can get get quite creative when it comes to removing these big roots for sure. In my case, I was build a driveway so everything had to go. I chased a lot of roots. Thanks. Stevo

[@richardsmith2721]

Are you insane? Why didn't you cut the roots off with a chainsaw before loading it?

[@stevoj8959]

Cutting the roots would be the smart thing to do but a buddy of mine buried it upside down in his yard. It does look cool there. Thanks. Stevo

[@richardsmith2721]

@@stevoj8959 I was thinking it was an art piece by the way you were exhuming it like a dinosaur fossil. Why didn't you mention what the plans were in the video? It would've been cool to see it buried as well.

[@stevoj8959]

@@richardsmith2721 I do have another video called :What happened to my 48 ft Spruce Tree" that shows it buried upside down. If you find time, give it a watch. Thanks. Stevo

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

My guess is it's going to become a sculpted piece of art. I see an octopus

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

@@Hussain- interesting. thank you

[@lesliefranklin1870]

Great job. I would have cut that stump/roots into smaller pieces: divide and conquer. It will be interesting to see where it ends up.

[@stevoj8959]

The reason I did not cut it up was I took it out to a buddies place and he buried it upside down. I did put a link to that video in the removal video if you are interested. Thanks. Stevo

[@Brute750]

Pretty awesome, wonder how many times you dumped that dry vac? Good job!

[@stevoj8959]

On a big stump like this one I would dump about 20 times but i kept the roots on this one because it is now buried upside down at a friends. It is art now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn6nmKeQorJ2Y7M Thanks. Stevo

[@lowridingtrucks88]

Nice work, some would say crazy, but ingenuity at its best. 🍺👍

[@stevoj8959]

I have done 4 stumps now and it works great. Not going into business but don't mind doing the odd one. Thanks. Stevo

[@DennisRichardH]

It was good to get all that out of the ground. It made me want to take a recipe saw to those roots after you got it on the trailor.

[@stevoj8959]

Normally I would cut the roots off but we buried the root upside down at a friends acreage. Thanks. Stevo

[@lgmnowkondo938]

Bro...VERY impressive work!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Have a huge camphor tree stump about 80 percent out. The last piece has concrete reinforcement wire from a roll that was laid down at the base by a previous owner and the tree grew around it. I had to cut it out with an angle grinder. Too big a chunk to pull even with a 5 ton Harbor Freight chain hoist so need to expose as many roots as possible. Lots of Sawzall with concrete and rebar cutter blade work.

[@stevoj8959]

I can't imagine having to deal with the concrete. Pulling a fence post with it takes twice as long and it will add hours to your job. I hope you are not working in the heat. Thanks. Stevo

[@HarderNotSmarter1]

I have so many questions but great example of the most difficult possible way to remove a stump

[@stevoj8959]

Way easier to hire a big piece of equipment to have it removed but that is costly. I was building a driveway so the whole root had to go. Stump grinders don't go deep enough. Thanks. Stevo

[@NIMPO55]

Pourquoi ne pas l'avoir tronçonné à la fin ? Du bois de chauffage gratuit , je pense, même les racines sont bonnes à brûler pour se chauffer ...

[@stevoj8959]

@@NIMPO55 Thanks😀. Stevo

[@cesspool1676]

As an arborist i love aeeing this root system exposed and am now tempted to do it myself but a stump gring would save you a day of effort for 250$

[@stevoj8959]

I find a stump grinder does not go deep enough and I built a driveway where the stump was so I wanted it gone. I have done four roots now and I quite enjoy the job. Not enough to go into business though. Thanks. Stevo