Stump Removals

tinner666

I'm planning on cutting trees along a proposed driveway, and some other areas I want cleared on a piece of property I own. Maybe even a right of way for power company too.
I will use the wood for firewood and/or projects, otherwise, I'd just let somebody put it all over.
My question is, not knowing what dozer or other implement might be used to finish clearing, how much, if any stump should I leave standing?
Some pine, mostly 'water/swamp oaks and other trees. Nothing over 14-18 in diameter.

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

tinner666

Or better yet, what should I rent to do it myself? Dozer, backhoe? Size?

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

BeetsZ71

How may trees are there and what's the total lenght? A 320 size trackhoe would be best but a backhoe will do. I'd leave atleast 4 feet so you can have something to push on (leverage) that way you won't have to dig holes all over the place. A backhoe will take longer but be the least invasive.

You can still clear trees with a trackhoe and not damage the wood. Then you could just cut it up on the ground. Digging stumps out is not fun.

tinner666

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking of a backhoe. Could be 200 trees if do 3 clearings, and widen 600' driveway. All 14-20 year growth, little underbrush.
If I have time AND money, I may do it myself. If I have money, no time, I'll hire it out. Want to eventually put in 2 5000' shops.
Still at the stage where I'm developing some nebulous plan in my mind for the layout. 20+ acres, no house. Elevations of 40' or so. Not really level. May need to move a bit of earth too.

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

tinner666

I just caught the 'trackhoe'!

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

Kgmz

Since it sounds like there isn't anything around to get damaged by a falling tree, I would just push them over with a excavator stump and all. And if have or rent a excavator with a thumb you can pick up all the logs, move and stack them.

We push trees down all the time with our JD 490D, up to 32-36" diameter. Our old JD 690D would do it easier, but the 490 will do it. We have pushed firs, cedars, hemlock, maples, etc. It sure is easier than trying to dig the stump out later, the leverage of the tree falling usually just pops the stump out.

I would not try to push a tree with our backhoe, it can reach high enough but doesn't have enough weight or traction. And the dozer just can't reach.

rino1494

Excavator in the best way, backhoe can do it, but is slower. A dozer will work, but I wouldn't use anything less than a D5 size. I like the stumps only 1ft high because if they are any taller, than they won't come out of our tri-axle box. If you are going to be burning them on-site, then leave them a little higher.

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PipeGuy

Get someone to log it out for you - for free or better. I can't imagine the Richmond-Petersburg-Williamsburg area doesn't have scads of logging/land clearing/tree work/general excavation contractors that are eager to come and take the kind of timber you describe. If need be find an area on your property from which you can borrow fill for areas that might need it and bury the stumps accordingly. You could probably even ge the stumps skidded to the borrow area as a condition to the logging work.

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