Can a Bulldozer Really Remove Stumps?

Bulldozers are used in all sorts of projects in the construction industry. However, many people have begun using them for landscaping projects due to their power and ability to remove large objects. Tree stumps often cause issues for landowners, but using a bulldozer might be what you need to get the job done.

A bulldozer can remove stumps. Dig a trench that’s three feet wide and eight feet deep on all sides of it. Use the bulldozer to push the stump until the roots pull out of the ground. Lift and push the loose stump and grind it down or chop it up to dispose of it.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about removing tree stumps with a bulldozer:

• Requires of bulldozers to remove tree stumps from your land
• How you can remove a tree stump with a bulldozer
• Different mistakes and helpful suggestions

Are Bulldozers Able to Handle a Tree Stump?

Bulldozers are tough, high-quality machines that can tear through a plethora of different objects. It’s no surprise that people have begun using them to take care of tree stumps, boulders, bushes, etc. Furthermore, you don’t need a massive pro-size bulldozer to take care of business.

Here’s what you need to know when you’re trying to handle a tree stump with a bulldozer:

• Make sure you’re aware of the ground soil before you remove the tree stump. Clay and rock-filled dirt can be a bit more challenging to remove. You’ll need to consider what you’re dealing with before you start the task. Dense soil can increase the time it takes to remove the stump by quite a bit.

• Check with local authorities and regulations. Some places won’t allow you to use heavy machinery or remove certain trees on your own. While the chances are usually in your favor, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could risk a hefty fine that costs more than hiring a professional.

• Know your bulldozer’s capabilities. Heavier machinery is often mistaken to handle everything. The truth is that not all bulldozers are capable of removing a tree stump. To know what size bulldozer you’ll need, you have to know the weight and size of the tree stump. Fortunately, all of this info will be available at the warehouse.

• Speaking of which, you’ll need to know the size of the stump by measuring it with a tape measure. Small stumps don’t need much more than a shovel and elbow grease, but a full-sized stump will call for a bulldozer. Note: Different types of wood are more challenging to cut than others, according to NWTF.

As you can see, there aren’t very many requirements for removing a stump with a bulldozer. However, it might not be as easy as it seems. If you want to know how to get the job done properly, head onto the next section.

How to Remove a Stump With a Dozer

The stump removal process is easy once you get the hang of it. If you want an accurate video tutorial, try out this one by Jamey Saunders on YouTube:

For written instructions, follow this step-by-step process:

1. Start by digging a circle around the roots of the tree stump. As mentioned earlier in the post, most stumps need a trench about eight feet deep and three feet wide on all sides of it. You can use shovels to get this part of the task done since you don’t want to break apart the roots of the stump.
2. Use the bulldozer to push the stump from all sides. You’ll need to do this for quite a bit to loosen the roots. Deep roots make it difficult to remove a stump, with or without a bulldozer. Try to hit the stump at different angles and lift it slowly. Once you wedge it out of place, proceed to the next step.
3. Remove the stump out of the ground by dipping the bulldozer underneath it. You’ll need to push it and back out repeatedly until it’s out of the way. Some people prefer to grind down their stumps, while others chemically treat it, as stated by Struck Corp. Whichever method you choose, make sure you’re able to dispose of it properly.
4. Fill the hole where the stump was. You can’t fill it with dirt unless you’re able to ensure that it’s compacted. One of the biggest issues that people have after removing a tree stump is that the ground starts to dip wherever it was. You can solve this problem by filling the hole with the ground bits of the stump.
5. Flatten the area and monitor it for several weeks. Small sprouts will start to appear from seedlings that dropped from the tree stump. If you let them sit for too long, they’ll begin to grow into tiny trees. Pull them immediately or tree the area with an all-natural herbicide, such as the Non-Ionic Surfactant from Lawn Star from Amazon.

Now that you’ve gotten rid of the stump, you’re all set! However, some people have trouble here and there that are easily avoidable. Whether you’re an experienced landscaper or a beginner, you’ll undoubtedly benefit from the final section below.

Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips

Just as with any other type of yard work, there’s always room for error when you’re taking out a tree stump with a bulldozer. Fortunately, almost all of these issues are easy to stay away from. If you want to know what you need to be prepared for, review the following common problems:

Don’t Forget to Dig a Trench

Some people want to take the stump head-on, which is the worst idea of all. Three possible outcomes will happen, and none of them are good:

• You’ll overload your bulldozer and cause it to break down.
• The stump will break apart, but the roots will stay underneath, promoting future growth.
• Nothing will happen and you’ll have wasted your time.

The moral of the story? Always dig a trench around the stump!

Never Leave the Hole Unfilled

Again, people often forget that soft soil can’t fill holes. You’ll have to stomp it down to ensure that it’s compacted. That, or use the ground bits of the tree stump to fill the hole, then top it off with compacted dirt. Either way, sinkholes will form if you don’t keep the hole filled properly.

Check Your Bulldozer’s Capabilities

Most small bulldozers are capable of removing average tree stumps. However, it doesn’t hurt to check what it’s capable of. If you notice that it’s making a loud grinding noise or starting to hiss, it’s time to back off the pedal.

Note that most tree stumps become much easier to remove once the trench is dug. You likely won’t encounter any problems, but it’s better to be prepared for worst-case scenarios.

Conclusion

Tree stumps can be annoying to deal with, especially if they’re blocking your landscaping projects. Rather than digging them out by hand, you can use a bulldozer to take them out in less than an hour. Prep work is the most critical part to ensure a smooth removal process.

Here’s a quick recap of the post:

• Always start by digging a trench around the tree stump.
• Work slow and steady to remove the stump and its roots.
• Never leave the hole filled with loose soil.
• Remove or prevent seedlings from sprouting with an all-natural herbicide.
• Ensure that the area is level once you’ve completed the job.