Removing Large Roots from Trench

[TexasBob]

I am running power to my workshop, about 40 feet behind my house. I have a trench dug for the power, with the exception of 3 large tree roots. The tree has been gone for years, stump was rotting when we moved in and I had it ground earlier this year. Roots are still solid enough to be an issue. Each one is about 4"x6". What can I do? I thought about sacrificing a chain on the chainsaw, but think it will be too dull to cut after one or two cuts. A stump grinder is about $300 for the day and I am already beyond way overbudget on this project.

[IowaHunter]

Axe and a bunch of sweat.

[bwssr]

saws all

[RR 314]

Sawzall should make quick work of them as mentioned above.

[The Texan]

I think 1 chaine would be able to finish the job but I could be wrong

[dustoffer]

If the roots are clear of the dirt all around, take a hose and clean 'em up nicely, get your chainsaw out and have at it. Or as previous folks said, get a Sawzall--renting one for a half-day is way cheaper than the grinder.

[Snakelover]

Hand dig around them. Then cut with chain saw. Try to keep your chain out of the dirt. But chain saw blades can be filed when they get dull. No big deal. I've dug out and cut a lot bigger than that.

[Chuck Webb]

Build a fire over the stump, in 3 days the roots will be gone. I have done this many times

[TexasBob]

Sawzall is a great idea. That's why I ask on here. Washing them and using a chainsaw will be the second option, which is all I could think of before. Thanks everyone.

[bassmatt72]

If the roots are clear of the dirt all around, take a hose and clean 'em up nicely, get your chainsaw out and have at it. Or as previous folks said, get a Sawzall--renting one for a half-day is way cheaper than the grinder.

This...

[GarGuy]

That sounds like 3 minutes with an axe to me.

[wow]

Tunnel under. Saws all

[Snakelover]

Essential tools for homeowners.

[TexasBob]

That sounds like 3 minutes with an axe to me.

For a limb on the ground the same size I agree. Being in the ground and wet I think quite a bit more. Wish I was in the shape to spend an hour on the end of an ax but I'm not yet. Saws all will be a leg up finished with the axe. Snakelover, I have both and they were used extensively on this project

[Dale Moser]

I have remedied this exact problem with a sawzall and a 12" Skil pruning blade....keep that sharp SOB away from your thumb though! Almost remedied that too...

If you don't own one, you can buy one for 89 bucks or so and it will pay for itself a hundred times. It is the WD-40 of power tools.