Planning a renovation can be lots of fun, but why is it that the only tree in the yard is right where your new extension has to be? Yes, it is a problem when this happens, as it is quite an expensive project to remove a tree, and not one that you want to use your precious ‘renovation budget’ on!
Because of the expense, many people think of attempting to do the job themselves. There are probably the odd injuries sustained, but worse than a minor accident to you is a major accident to the house. You do not want a ‘re-build reno’ because your poplar tree went through the roof and landed up on your living room carpet!
Another problem that has to be considered when planning to remove a tree is the after-effects. If you just get a chainsaw and cut it down, many of the roots will obviously be left in the ground. Once these roots decay, you may have a hole after a few years that your house can subside into – then you’ll need more than a reno!
Before discussion on the how to’s, perhaps you could re-think your renovation idea again. Is it remotely possible that you could work out another plan? If you are choosing this particular floor plan that requires the felling of the tree for economy reasons, remember the tree removal itself could cost you hundreds of dollars. (If you have to use professionals – it will!)
Some home owners do not call in a tree surgeon or a surveyor to inform them of the possible dangers. This is not a good idea, because this project has the potential of injury, death or damage to properties! Your insurance would be one thing to check before you attempt anything; also check for insurance against damage to the neighbor’s property.
If you have gone ahead and removed your offending tree bit by bit and then got down to the stump – now what?
If you just want more sunshine in, you could leave the stump, or make a feature of it. But in the case of a reno – the stump must come out too! At this point you may have to break down and call in an arborist, or a tree service to remove the stump. There is the possibility that your local hardware store will have stump grinders for hire, then you can grind it out yourself. This is quite labor intensive and requires some know-how.
You can also drill holes in the tree, pour kerosene into the holes and leave it a few weeks to soak in. When you come to light the stump, (assuming you get permission from the Fire Department or wait till ‘burning week’) pour more kerosene over before you light it and keep the hose nearby. Be aware that this is not a route to choose lightly – kerosene is poisonous to inhale and the ground could remain flammable if the kerosene has been absorbed into the soil.
Most of the traditional methods of stump removal take time to allow it to decompose, even with a ‘little help’ from you. For instance, you can drill holes into the stump and pour chemicals into the holes, but you still have to wait months, maybe years. Chemicals can also effect the soil around the stump, so make sure you study what kind of effect this will have on the ground.
If the tree stump is really large, you could try removing it with a pick, a sharp spade, a pruning saw and several well-built friends to take turns! You’ll still have to address the subsidence issue; it’s best to have a plan for that if the tree was situated near the house.
The easiest approach to tree problems is to find an alternate route to your renovation that does not require the removal of the tree. However, if that tree must come out, you’re better off consulting a professional, checking your insurance, and always taking the maximum safety precautions.
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