If you have had a damaged tree and for whatever reason it has died, removing the stump can be an awkward process especially if the tree was of a fair size. The root systems of trees are often very complex if the tree is fairly young it will be a lot easier to remove.

Here are some tools you would require:

• A heavy duty shovel, this will need to be a fairly good quality shovel other wise you will just create hard work for your self because cheaper tools tend to work less efficiently.
• A landscaping tool, this is a tool that stands as a long steel bar and flattens at one end where it is extremely sharp.
• Metal file, this you will need to sharpen your landscaping tool as they get blunt the more you use them and a blunt one is practically useless.
• Steel toe cap boots, these are essential for safety as the tools you will be using can be very dangerous.

When you have the right equipment you will need to follow the instructions below to complete the removal of the stump:

• First start by digging around the tree moving the soil out of the way of the roots making sure you aren't digging too close, you should be able to see most of the tree roots when you are digging. It also makes it easier for you to cut through the roots as they thin out towards the ends, where as at the trunk the roots are thicker. Dig right the way round the tree stump.
• Once this trench is dug you will have to use the landscaping tool to cut the roots further, stab the tool down into the soil surrounding the tree stump in the trench you have just dug. The weight of the tool helps do this as well because if you pick it up and drop it in its heavy enough to cut most roots.
• When you have worked your way around the stump start going round it and levering up underneath the stump trying to get it as loose as you possibly can. Also work the tool into the soil holding it at an angle where you will reach the centre of the stump with the tip of the tool.
• When you can feel the stump loosening you know you have nearly finished the process, then all that's left to do is use the landscaping tool to lever the stump up.
• When finally free you then use your shovel to lift it out of the hole depending on how large the stump is you may need some one else's help.
• To dispose of the stump you will have to rent a grinder to grind the stump down.

This process is a long one but if working with others it can be fairly quick with the only cost being that of the tools. If the stump is very large then it may be that you will have to hire somebody to remove and dispose of the stump which is quicker than you doing it your self and they would also have the suitable equipment for the job.