Removing Manila Palm Stumps

Dig It Up

• The least expensive way to remove the stump of a manila palm is digging it up by hand. When you cut the tree down, leave enough of the stump to hold on to so you can rock it back and forth. Remove the dirt from around the roots of the stump and cut any exposed roots. Rock the stump back and forth, cutting the roots as they become visible until the all the roots are cut and you can pull out the stump. Alternatively, after you dig the dirt from around the stump, you can wrap a chain around the stump and pull it up with a four wheel drive vehicle.

Break It Down

• Using chemicals to speed up the decomposition process of a manila palm stump is inexpensive, but can take several weeks. The active ingredient in most stump removal chemicals is potassium nitrate, which causes the wood to break down faster than it normally does. After you cut the tree down as close as possible to the ground, drill holes in the top and sides of the stump. Fill the holes with the stump removal product and pour water into the holes. Follow the package directions as this may vary by brand. Cover the stump with wood or rocks to prevent children and pets from getting near the chemicals. Over time, the stump will become spongy and can be broken into pieces. The center core of the stump usually does not break down completely, so you will have to dig or pull it up.

Grind It Up

• Renting or buying a grinder is the most expensive way to remove a manila palm stump, but is also the easiest and fastest. Cut the tree down as close to the ground as possible and remove any debris and rocks from around the stump. After you position the grinder close to the stump, raise the grinder wheel above the stump. Turn on the grinder, lower the grinder wheel into the stump, and move it from side to side to break up the wood. Grind down about 4 inches and move the grinder to another areas of the stump until the remains of the stump are about 4 inches lower than the ground. Always wear protective eyewear and other protective clothing when using power tools.

Cover It Up

• After you remove a manila palm stump, dig out any roots and wood debris and fill the hole with topsoil, level with the surrounding area. If it's in a lawn and you want to have grass cover the area, sow grass seeds over the soil, cover with hay mulch, and water well. You can also plant annuals, perennials or shallow-rooted shrubs in the area where the stump was.