I own just under 10 acres and recently had to cut down a few big trees due to ice storms and wind damage. Now, I'm left with some large stumps that I want to burn instead of spending a fortune on grinding. I've been researching the best way to do this and have some concerns. I'm planning to soak the stumps in kerosene after drilling deep holes into them, but there's a chance of rain on Friday. Will that affect how well the kerosene soaks in? Also, I'm planning to burn the stumps Saturday, ensuring to soak them down afterward to prevent any leftover fire. Each stump is about 12-18 inches above ground. Am I missing anything or should I adjust my plan?
2 Answers
Be careful with the rain! If the holes are vertical, water could fill them and wash out the kerosene. A tarp might be helpful to keep the holes dry. Additionally, drilling horizontal holes can help air reach the kerosene better. I’ve also buried stumps in manure and used flowers to rot them quicker—that worked well for me over a few years, but I get that you want a faster solution!
If you're thinking of a non-burning approach, you could drill lots of holes and fill them with water and an enzyme like RidX. This method is slower but safe, and the water helps break the stump down naturally. It might take a while, but your patience may pay off without the risk of fire.