Removing stump close to fence corner

[codaamok]

This morning I started digging around the stump to find as many roots as possible. I was going to find all the roots I could, cut them and have a go at ripping the stump out.

Then I realised maybe when the roots wither it'll cause movement and damage to the fencing.

I bounced the idea with some family members and they're talking about a tree grinder, which sounds like it'll do a lot of the back breaking work for me. Although I'll have to clear out all the stones I think.

But I wanted to discuss the possibility of damage/movement after removing. Its position is in the corner of our garden and very close to the fence. What are your thoughts?

 

[Tigercubrider]

A grinder is OTT for that
You basically just have to start digging. If you use a small spade, trowel and crowbar, you'll get there.
I had an awkward one where a tree had grown into buried rubble and had to resort to nightly blasts with a pressure washer after picking out roots and bricks. Once I had spent an hour removing stuff freed by the water, I pressure washed soil away and left it 24 hours til the next day's extraction

I wouldn't resort to water until you've removed as much as you can around the trunk.
DO NOT saw away at the trunk, you need it for leverage.
A mattock is ideal for this, and maybe a pruning saw

 

[Tigercubrider]

https://www.toolstoday.co.uk/husqva...JXYar9IzLyfyfQ5AyjZ3DU0U9y5hYTaRoCxaIQAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mattock-Gr...ocphy=1007009&hvtargid=pla-419974724296&psc=1

 

[Munroast]

unless you have a plan for that corner, you could just try and cut the stump off just below the surface and cover it. It will rot away over time and I seriously doubt it will affect the fence, with it being a corner post I doubt is doing much work, even if you cut the post off at the bottom I doubt the fence would fall over.

I would probably try and dig it out, I doubt the roots will be that extensive on it, you need something to slice through the roots, I have a sharpened spade blade taht its into a heavy metal bar that is wonderful for jobs like that

 

[codaamok]

A grinder is OTT for that
You basically just have to start digging. If you use a small spade, trowel and crowbar, you'll get there.
I had an awkward one where a tree had grown into buried rubble and had to resort to nightly blasts with a pressure washer after picking out roots and bricks. Once I had spent an hour removing stuff freed by the water, I pressure washed soil away and left it 24 hours til the next day's extraction

I wouldn't resort to water until you've removed as much as you can around the trunk.
DO NOT saw away at the trunk, you need it for leverage.
A mattock is ideal for this, and maybe a pruning saw

https://www.toolstoday.co.uk/husqva...JXYar9IzLyfyfQ5AyjZ3DU0U9y5hYTaRoCxaIQAvD_BwE

Nice one thanks for the insight Tigercubrider. I do have a mattock and pruning saw. Both so far have proven effective.

unless you have a plan for that corner, I would just try and cut the stump off just below the surface and cover it. It will rot away over time and I seriously doubt it will affect the fence, with it being a corner post I doubt is doing much work, even if you cut the post off at the bottom I doubt the fence would fall over.

Yeah that's a decent idea. Definitely umming and ahh-ing on that one.

 

[StephenStephen]

I found this incredibly useful for dealing with tree roots, particularly in a corner:
https://www.toolstation.com/roughneck-digging-bar/p48155

 

[codaamok]

I found this incredibly useful for dealing with tree roots, particularly in a corner:
https://www.toolstation.com/roughneck-digging-bar/p48155

I definitely need that in my life. Thanks!

 

[Munroast]

I found this incredibly useful for dealing with tree roots, particularly in a corner:
https://www.toolstation.com/roughneck-digging-bar/p48155

that is effectively what I have, sharpened up spade jammed into a heavy bit of pipe, just the job for slicing through roots

it will cut through inch and a half roots in a few goes, still got to get the axe out for bigger bits

 

[lostinthelight]

I found this incredibly useful for dealing with tree roots, particularly in a corner:
https://www.toolstation.com/roughneck-digging-bar/p48155

Thats the tool you need or even an old axe which has the blade inline with the shaft If you use a mattock which has the blade at right angle to the shaft the chances are the edge will hit part of the stump deflecting it into the fence

 

[Munroast]

Thats the tool you need or even an old axe which has the blade inline with the shaft If you use a mattock which has the blade at right angle to the shaft the chances are the edge will hit part of the stump deflecting it into the fence

I find mattocks are a struggle to put to good use

 

[StephenStephen]

that is effectively what I have, sharpened up spade jammed into a heavy bit of pipe, just the job for slicing through roots
View attachment 193415it will cut through inch and a half roots in a few goes, still got to get the axe out for bigger bits

View attachment 193417

That is a beast of a tool! lovely.