Copper Beech Down

That's still going to leave what's immediately below the surface - but anyway, the ground is saturated with rain just now, can't even see to get at the roots because they are awash with muddy water.

 

Just a note of caution on hire and DIY: about 30 years a young cousin of mine was using one missed his footing, and slipped into the hole. Fortunately being young, fit and due to good medical treatment he made a good recovery with only scarring to remind him of the escapade.
Went on to have a career in insurance.

 

I didn't have any problem doing this when I was in the gardening game, but if you're not confident with a potentially dangerous tool don't do it

 

I've never used a stump grinder so probably shouldn't comment but looking at them I get the impression that they are less likely to bite you than a chainsaw.

 

Possibly so, but I have no trailer for my car, there is no way I could collect one from a hire shop. Delivery - and then collection - would be another headache. Anyway, I have someone coming round to take a look next week, so can consider the options then.

 

Also, the stump can be rocked slightly in the waterlogged ground, it's not steady; and it's leaning at a 45 degree angle, which will make grinding it tricky, to say the least, I would have thought.

 

Absolutely right. Nothing like a bit of soil for blunting a chainsaw… takes about 30 seconds. Or less

 

Make sure you have the chain at the correct tension on the bar, they get slacker as they warm up so it needs to be right when you start.

 

Thanks, I take up any slack after each cut. If you don't do this the chain will literally fall off I found.

 

Well, you need it the right tension when you start it should then get a bit looser but not fall off.
If you keep taking up the slack as your using it you could end up with it too tight, and it will break.

 

It cuts beautifully, no sign of the chain breaking.