The best way to remove a small plum tree from garden

 


Hi Guys
i have a plum tree bang in the centre of my garden that i want to get
rid off,
as i am putting up some climbing frames for my kids. However i
am not sure how
to remove the tree, its not very big, its about 18ft
tall max, and is thin, the
thickest part of the tree is at the bottom
and measures 20 or so inches around,
i was thinking about simply cutting
it down ( safely and do it so i can control
where it falls lol) but not
sure what to do with the stump, or how much stump to
leave? should i dig
the stump out or use one of the many stump removal products
etc? because
the garden is used by my kids i want sure if the stump removal
products
were safe etc, so would appreciate any help if possible

kind regards
Gra




--
gra

 




    I would get rid of the stump completely.  It's a  quick and easy job
this way:
   Cut off the trunk about 2 ft above ground level. the tall stump is
going to be a temporary  lever.  Then use a mattock, spade and  elbow
grease to excavate the earth from around the base of the trunk (radius
of one foot, just enough to get to the roots where they join  the
trunk).
Saw , lop or chop off with axe, all  roots  as you uncover them. Use the
2ft stump as a lever to rock and loosen any remaining roots until they
can all be severed
and the stump is free, lift out the severed stump and fill hole. The
roots left underground and will just rot harmlessly.

    janet

 



I would do similar with the exception of leaving the trunk as tall as
possible for greater leverage. Tie a rope near the top and use is to pull.
Also if you can get hold of one easily, a scaffold pole and a suitable
fulcrum will work wonders lifting the stump up.

Stump rotting products are easier but by the time they work your kids will
have outgrown the climbing frame.

mark

 


Incorporate the tree as part of the climbing frame.

 

wrote:

Typo?  What with 2 ft not being .. er.. "tall" and would require one
to be on ones knees when attempting to use it's length as a lever.
Otherwise spot on., except that going slightly further out from the
trunk will provide smaller, easier targets.