Trenchers & Soil Saws
Soil trenchers and saws can be used to cut, at some distance from the stump, roots and soil. Trenching around the stump can eliminate most of the root-soil contacts and make it easier to extract the stump whole or in large pieces. Soil saws are large circular wheels with soil teeth used for cutting down through soils. Soil saws can be used to rapidly sever small roots and separate the stump from surrounding soil. Note trenchers and soil saws are designed for soil excavation, not cutting or chipping wood. Damage to equipment and dangerous conditions for the operator can arise from misuse or exceeding design specifications. Trenchers and soil saws can be effectively employed to isolate the stump from the mass of soil roots occupy.

Stump Removal Methods (see full text) Author: Dr. Kim D. Coder - Copyright June 2003 Published by: Warnell School, School of Forest Resources University of Georgia. Used with Permission. Reproduction in any form and/or redistribution by any means is a violation of copyright laws.

Decisions, Decisions
What is Best?
Ecological Values
Soil Subsidence
Future Site Use
Conclusions