I really like how shady our yard is, but I'm not so excited about cleaning up everything that drops off the trees. I can't pick the fruit from the very top of the trees, so it rots and falls to the ground, and then it attracts mice and birds unless I clean it up straight away. I'm getting the trees all lopped back so I can get a break from all the cleaning up all this fallen fruit. This blog is all about how to get your backyard fruit trees lopped so that you don't have to clean up as much fallen fruit.
Lopping back the trees
3 Ways to Remove a Tree Stump
Kenneth Kim
While many homeowners leave tree stumps in the ground after removing trees, this is by no means a permanent solution. Tree stumps are not only unattractive to look at, they can make mowing grass difficult, while also attracting bugs and insects. Below are some options you have for the removal of tree stumps.
Digging it Out
While digging out a stump is generally not as difficult as it might first seem, it is very labor intensive. First, you should dig around the circumference of the stump, stopping when then main roots are exposed. Use a saw, axe or root cutter to sever the roots, and cut the roots into smaller pieces so they can be easily carried away. Next, pull out as much of the roots as possible from the soil. Once the roots have been removed, it should be possible to lift the stump out of the ground. Finally, you should fill the remaining hole with soil or sawdust.
Burning the Stump
Before attempting to burn out a tree stump, you should consider the condition of the wood. If the wood is freshly cut, it is likely to be difficult to light and to generate a large amount of smoke. The burning method is best suited to older, drier wood.
You should ensure that there is no fire risk due to high temperatures or drought and should not attempt to burn any stump that is close to any building or structure, always ensuring there is at least 10 feet between the stump and other flammable objects.
Use a chainsaw or drill to make a deep X shape on the top of the stump. This should be filled with petrol and left to soak for a couple of hours. Remove the end of a metal barrel and place over the stump, filling it with pieces of wood and before lighting it. Add wood to keep the fire burning at a high temperature. You should aim to burn the stump for at least 6 hours before allowing the stump to cool so you can check on its condition. If the stump remains, repeat the process until it is completely burnt.
Chemical Removal
The majority of stump removal chemicals on the market come in powder form and contain potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate contains high levels of nitrogen which helps to speed up the process of decomposition.
Drill 8 to 10 inch deep holes in the top of the stump. You should fill the holes with the chemical powder and pour water into each hole, then cover the stump to prevent animals or children from coming into contact with the chemicals. You should check on the stump every week. As time passes, you should notice that the stump softens as the chemicals take effect. This will allow you to gradually remove the stump as it decomposes.
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