You can remove small to medium-sized trees easily with only an axe and shovel. The steps that I follow to do that are:
- Using the shovel, remove any dirt from around the base of the tree to expose the tree roots.
- Cut all exposed roots using an axe.
- Try and push the tree over away from where most of the roots were cut.
- If you have not been able to push the tree over, repeat steps 1 to 3 again until you are able to push the tree over.
For a more detailed explanation, please watch my video below or read a more detailed guide below.
How to remove a tree (small and medium size) with only hand tools
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Remove dirt from around the tree base
Using the shovel, you want to remove as much dirt from around the base of the tree as you can, exposing the tree roots.
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Chop exposed roots
Using your axe, chop into and cut all of the exposed tree roots.
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Push the tree over
Once all of the exposed tree roots are cut, try and push the tree away from where most of the roots have been cut.
If you can push the tree over you will then be able to cut into the root that are still holding it, and then remove the tree.
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Rinse and repeat
If you are not able to push the tree over, then repeat steps 1 to 3 above until you can.
If you have been able to push the tree over, cut the remaining roots attached to the tree.
Tools:
- Shovel
- Axe