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Iam getting ready to build a garage slab on grade and would appreciate any advice on the issue of removing two huge tree stumps that have been ground down about a foot below grade. Will the trees continue to grow possibly cracking the slab,will the stumps decay and cause the slab to sink or will it be fine to pour directly over them? I thank you in advance for sharing any ideas!
Dan
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I also have this situation - I haven't taken down the 4 small 12-14" trees, and am wondering whether to grind the stumps or just cut them flush. I have heard that the tannins can migrate up, so cover the stumps in heavy plastic. True?
*My father in law poured over his in his shop but maybe that explains all the cracks in his slab. I would have them dug out and fill dirt placed (properly compacted) in the holes. I would think the stumps would be a good place for termites to get started even if they didnt rot. I wouldnt think they would continue to grow without light and oxygen.
*The key question is: "Do the tree stumps meet the criteria for slab support?" I would guess they do not and should be removed; unless you want to jackhammer and repair in the future.
*Remove all organic material. How about some light ordinance. Sounds like a no inspection zone. Didn't local govment rep..inspector have any input? Skip ps. If You do leave the stumps I'd drop a matt of rebar over them.
*I see an opprtunity for one hell of a party in your neighborhood.Dig around all four sides of each stump and bury some high powered explosives.Be sure all your neighbors are crouched behind their beemers and let 'er blow!!!!!Now, that is what I call a Community Project in the burbs, OK?
*The organic material will not grow but will eventuly decay. Slab must be able to bridge over them or they must be removed. Yes you need to put down a vpor barrier anyway. Under the footing you can have no more than 30% organic material and nothing with a diameter of over 1/2 inches so watch for roots. dig deep and fill.Rick Tuk
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Here's what I did... Had tree crew cut the trees, had to use a bucket truck or climb anyway, since no place to fell the pines (up to 30" in diameter. Have them leave the cast cant (16') standing. This way, a backhoe can push over the tree easily, along with the stump. Then cut the stump off the cant, and it's ready for the sawmill. (Look in paper/yellow pages for some local with a portable sawmill.
MR Greenjeans
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Iam getting ready to build a garage slab on grade and would appreciate any advice on the issue of removing two huge tree stumps that have been ground down about a foot below grade. Will the trees continue to grow possibly cracking the slab,will the stumps decay and cause the slab to sink or will it be fine to pour directly over them? I thank you in advance for sharing any ideas!
Dan