Stump removal with diesel fuel burn

[joshuabardwell]

tuerdon we have a large 3' old locust stump about 6' from the house. Do you think that's too close to try with that method? I don't want to dig it because I fear it will be a threat to the field stone cellar foundation. thanks

In a situation like that, wouldn't the safest thing be to just have it ground down below ground level and put some topsoil over it? I would be worried about the burnt-out root ball leaving a sinkhole or something that close to the house.

 

[Bob77064]

The method that I have used on big stumps three feet across. Is to stack the charcoal on the stump light it and let it burn down into the stump.

 

[Qapla]

... Don't try this in an area that has lots of pine trees, they can cause a fire up to 6 months after the burn due to roots smoldering for months.

Pine stumps are what I need to get rid of ... any suggestions?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I read someplace about drilling the stump then putting saltpeter and charcoal in the holes then filing the holes with diesel but I don't rember where or the exact process. The saltpeter and charcoal made black powder that burned very hot but will not explode. Can anyone help with info on this?????

You used to be able to buy Dragon brand stump remover at Home Depot that was 99.5% Potassium Nitrate (saltpeter). I think Homeland Security put a stop to that.

 

[Skyco]

Tractor Supply and some other places still carry the potassium nitrate stump remover. I've not found it to work all that well. I battled a large walnut stump for a few years before I finally burned it out by directing a leaf blower on it while lit with a small campfire on top of it. It would never stay burning without forced air even after several pounds of stump remover were put all through it in 1" diameter up to 12" deep drilled holes over a period of a year or so.....

 

[Wyobuckaroo]

I had about an 18" diameter pine stump to remove.
I did the drilled holes and fill with diesel fuel.
Then I set a 55 gallon barrel with both ends cut out over the stump and filled it with small wood chunks of a couple old pallets I cut up.
Burned out very well.

Good luck

 

[ETpilot]

This thread motivated me to re-light an old pecan stump that I have. It started at about 3x3 but never burned very well. It was too green and had to season some. So, today I set fire to it and it has been burning good since noon. Looks like it will continue to burn thru the night.

 

[savageactor7]

Well OK tuerdon, with a smoldering type burn as opposed to an open fire perhaps I'll give that a go. Thanks for the skinny.

 

[20 20]

Allthough this may work for some it is not a good idea for others. I did this years back and the fire spread under ground over 100 feet away. It was not noticable until 3 days later when all of a sudden a fire broke out, luckily I was home to catch it. Not writting you can't do this, just be carefull, it could turn into a HUGE mistake.

 

[ETpilot]

Allthough this may work for some it is not a good idea for others. I did this years back and the fire spread under ground over 100 feet away. It was not noticable until 3 days later when all of a sudden a fire broke out, luckily I was home to catch it. Not writting you can't do this, just be carefull, it could turn into a HUGE mistake.

Good point. That could present a problem. I have been feeling the ground surrounding the stump and also flooding a perimeter with water.

Well, I finally woke up. I just remembered that I have a digital infared thermometer. So I went out and shot around the area. The ground surrounding the stump was in the 80's. The hot core of the stump is reading a little over 500 degrees. It is buring good, still above ground. This is going to take some time. I will be monitoring it.