Once the tree is cut down, you'll have to deal with the stump.It can be difficult to remove tree stumps that are older and deeper.One way to remove a stump is to burn it.By burning the stump until it's ash, you can get rid of it in no time at all.
Step 1: There are materials around the stump.
Wooden structures and materials should be moved away from the stump.Use a rake to clear the ground of dried leaves.Chicken wire could be used around the stump for added safety.During a burn, keep a bucket of water nearby.
Step 2: From the top, drill a hole in the stump's center.
Attach a spade bit or other wood-boring bit to your power drill and drill a hole in the stump at a 30-degree angle.Your hole should be roughly 20 to 25 cm deep.If your stump is less than 20 cm, you need to drill far enough down to reach the roots.Once you've finished drilling, make sure to clear the debris from the hole.
Step 3: The drilling process needs to be repeated across the stump.
After you've drilled your hole in the center of the stump, you can continue to drill holes across the top.Like with your center hole, each hole should be at least 20 cm deep.Make sure your holes are at least 3 inches deep if your stump is shorter.Once you're done drilling, remove the debris from the holes.
Step 4: If the stump is above ground, make holes in the sides.
If the sides of the stump are still visible after the tree is cut down, drill holes into it around its perimeter to allow it to catch fire and burn more easily.The space between the holes you drill along the stump's perimeter should be 1 inch.To connect these holes to the ones you drilled from the top down, be sure to drill them.It will be easier to burn the stump if the air is able to circulate throughout it.
Step 5: Use your garden trowel to fill each hole.
This will make your stump burn well.When filling the holes, leave a little space from the top.Wear protective clothing such as gloves, a mask, and goggles when working with potassium nitrate.It's a good idea to wash your hands after handling potassium nitrate.When you're not using it, store it in a well-ventilated place.It is possible to use charcoal in place of potassium nitrate.You could use kerosene to make your stump more dangerous.You have to leave the stump for a week before lighting it.
Step 6: The hot water should be poured into each hole.
A bucket full of hot water and a cup with a spout are all you need.Pour the water into the holes after dipping the cup in the bucket.Continue pouring water until the nitrate is gone.You can put a funnel in each hole and pour water directly from the bucket into it.The water will help to spread the nitrate throughout the stump.You don't have to pour water into the stump if you use charcoal or kerosene.
Step 7: Use scrap wood to create a teepee-like shape over the stump.
Place one end of each piece of scrap wood on the ground at an angle and have the opposite ends meet over the stump in a cone shape.This is a common method of assembling firewood.The scrap wood can be put on top of the tree stump.The stump may take longer to ignite.
Step 8: Wait for the stump to ignite when you light the scrap wood.
Light the wood from the bottom with a match of kindling.Don't use gas to light the wood.On a case-by-case basis, the time it takes for a stump to catch on fire varies.Allow up to an hour for the stump to ignite.Dry leaves, dry bark, and even dryer lint make good kindling when starting a fire.Any shredded material is great kindling.
Step 9: The fire needs more wood to keep going.
It will take several hours, or even days, to completely burn your stump.Keep burning the stump until it's gone by adding scrap wood.The initial fire will probably be enough to burn the entire stump, so you won't have to add any wood to the fire.If your stump takes more than a day to be removed through burning, add wood to the fire until midnight and let it burn until the morning.The fire is likely to not die out.
Step 10: The stump should be monitored until it is reduced to ash.
As the stump smolders and the wood is turned to ash, keep an eye on it to make sure the fire is under control and doesn't need to be rekindled.If the fire starts to burn out of control, be prepared to put it out with water or dirt.The stump will probably take at least an hour or 2 to be removed if you schedule a large block of time.
Step 11: Break up the roots with a shovel.
Once the fire has stopped smoldering and all the wood has been burned, use your shovel to break up any large pieces of root or stump that are still in the holes.If the roots of the stump are difficult to remove with a shovel, you can break them up with an ax.
Step 12: You can put the burned pieces in a container or bucket.
The pieces may still be smoldering and could cause a fire if placed on the grass.If they're still smoldering, they can burn you.If possible, use gloves.Aerated concrete is a good example of a fire-resistant material.
Step 13: Place new soil in the burned-out hole.
To match the area surrounding the hole, replace the stump with fresh soil.Grass will grow in the exposed patch of soil if you cover your newly filled hole with turf seed.