Question
mark,
   i have a pear tree and a manderin tree which i have cut back,they are side by side and need to be removed so i can erect a garrage.as the stumps are still quite large what would be the best way to remove them.
                       thanking you
                        col  

Answer
Col,

When I've got stumps to remove, I call a small local tree service that brings over a stump grinder.  It grinds the stump in place, down to a couple of feet.  You have a mix of wood chips and soil left where the stump was.

I can also rent a stump grinder around here at the local rental place.  

If a call in a small tree service, it costs me about $100.  If I rent it and do it myself, it's about $75.

For what it's worth,
Mark in Portland

P.S.  The chip & dirt mix will sink for the next couple years, due to the wood chips breaking down, so if you need to build anything right on top, make sure to remove the mix, and replace with plain soil.