How to Uproot an Apple Tree: The Best Ways to Quickly Remove a Stump from a Plot

Trees often need to be removed from a property. Not everyone knows how to do this with minimal expense and effort. Root removal methods vary, depending on the soil conditions, the structure of the root system, and the gardener's capabilities. This article will help you understand them.

When and how to uproot trees on a site

The choice of method depends on the trunk diameter and the size of the root system. The root system is judged by the size of the apple tree's crown. Uprooting is suitable for shallow roots and medium-sized trees.

How to quickly uproot an apple tree by hand

Apple trees with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm are manually removed. Prepare the following tools:

• shovel;
• axe;
• hacksaw;
• rope;
• winch.

The soil is watered to soften it. For large trees, the trunk is first cut down. The stump is left 0.9–1.2 m long. This is necessary to ensure easy removal.

An apple tree with a diameter of more than 30 cm is pulled out in this way:

• the stump or trunk is wrapped with a cable;
• they pull until they are released from the ground.

The root is removed by washing away the soil:

• moisten the soil around the stump to soften it;
• Using a shovel, dig around the rest of the trunk to a depth of 30 cm in a circle with a diameter of 1 to 3 m;
• fill the hole with water and wash away the soil or wash the soil away from the roots with a high pressure of water;
• exposed roots are cut off or chopped off;
• They are pulling out an apple tree.

With an axe and a crowbar

This method is used to remove stumps up to 20 cm in diameter. The work is performed using a lever and consists of the following steps:

• moisten the soil around the apple tree to soften it;
• dig around the tree trunk circle with a shovel to a depth of 30 cm at a distance of approximately 1.5 m, uncovering the roots;
• exposed roots are cut off or chopped off;
• they push a crowbar under the rhizome and use force to pull it out like a lever;
• trim or cut off the remaining taut roots;
• they pull out the stump.

With a winch

Clearing the area with a winch makes it possible to use the apple tree for replanting:

• the soil under the tree is abundantly moistened;
• dig a hole around the tree trunk circle;
• open the roots and remove them;
• the tree trunk is tilted to the side using a winch;
• cut off the remaining taut roots;
• the tree is being pulled out.

Uprooting with a tractor

This equipment makes garden clearing easier and faster. The tractor is equipped with a special attachment that clears multiple stumps from the garden at once. It requires sufficient clearance to turn the equipment.

The stump is tied with a cable and pulled out of the soil. Large stumps require a high-powered crawler tractor, which will leave a deep mark on the site.

Crushing

The stump is crushed using a specialized machine called a stump grinder. After the machine passes, the soil remains, crushed to a predetermined depth, along with the stump.

Removing an apple tree stump without uprooting it

The area is cleared of trees without uprooting:

By fire

Burning is used to destroy a large diameter stump with shoots:

• holes are made on the top surface;
• flammable liquid is poured into them;
• is set on fire.

The remaining shoots are eliminated.

Chemical removal

Chemical compounds are very effective at removing tree roots. Herbicide treatments for some plants can harm others. It's important to strictly follow the instructions for their use:

• carry out work in dry, windless weather;
• adhere to the dosage of the drug;
• prepare the solution in a non-metallic container;
• carry out work using personal protective equipment.

The following drugs are used: Arbonal, Arsenal, Picloram, Tornado, Roundup.
To remove a stump, apply the herbicide to the rings beneath the bark. To remove a tree, inject the herbicide into cuts made at a 45-degree angle.

Urea

Holes 3 cm deep are drilled around the stump's perimeter. These holes are tightly filled with urea and sealed with a sealant. Within a year, the stump will rot. The remains are burned.

Potassium nitrate

At the end of winter, before the sap starts to flow, or in the fall, the stump is burned with saltpeter. You will need:

• large diameter drill;
• 2 kg of saltpeter

In the stump along the perimeter of the surface:

• for every 10 cm of circumference, drill one hole with a diameter greater than 1 cm to a depth of 40 cm;
• the holes are tightly filled with potassium nitrate and filled with water;
• The stump is wrapped in film or the holes are sealed with resin.

Treatment in the fall will destroy the stump in the spring. In the summer, a second treatment over several weeks will be required. The stump, impregnated with saltpeter, dies. Its remains are burned.

With salt

Salt is similar to saltpeter in its action. Wood decomposes within one year. To do this:

1. Remove a 30 cm layer of soil from the tree trunk, sprinkle several kilograms of salt, and cover with soil. Water to dissolve the salt.
2. Cover the soil surface with salt and water.
3. Salt is dissolved in water in a 1:1 ratio. The tree trunk circle is watered several times during the season.

Destruction by mushrooms

This is a biological way to rid your garden of stumps:

• holes are drilled or cuts are made around the perimeter of the remaining trunk;
• they are filled with oyster mushroom or honey mushroom mycelium;
• in a few months mushrooms grow and destroy wood.

Within a few years the stump will turn into dust.

Choose the best stump removal method based on speed, cost, and advantages and disadvantages. Taking all factors into account, the stump will be removed from the site in the most gentle manner for the entire garden and dacha, without harming the plants or landscaping.