Question
I live in Montpelier, Va. and the the pine trees on the  road I live on has become invested with the pine tree beetles.  The whole road (approximately 2 miles) is all infested.  The majority of owners on this road are now in the process of having all the pine trees removed, however we are going to be left with removing the stumps.  On my property alone I have approximately 300 pine trees, all different sizes.  I need help on how to get rid of the stumps as economical as possible, also the enormous brush and limbs left behind.  Thanks for any suggestions.

Answer
Well first It is hard to believe that pine beetles killed that much trees. I do not know of this large an infestation in the South right now. IF the trees were still green they were not dead. Sounds like an over zealous logger that has made money on this cutting. I would suggest that you call the Va Forestry agency (state agency) and ask them to check it out.

IF you have not cut the trees DO NOT cut them until the state says they need it. There are prevention methods that can save pines still green and not need to cut all the trees. I do not think these were all infested with beetles.

IF you have cut the trees I am sorry. What should have been done if have the logger remove all the tops and branches and cut the stumps at ground level. This would allow the decay fungi to decay the stumps. This will take 2-3 years but at ground level you can still mow over the stumps. There is not a good economical method to remove the stumps. This many about all that can be done is let them decay. The limbs can be chipped up using a portable chipper. The chips can be either blown back on to the ground or collected and used as mulch. There are companies that can do this or these chippers can be rented.

I would suggest that you call the local office of the Va state Forestry and ask one of their Forester to take a look. Here is a link to their contact web  page.


http://www.dof.virginia.gov/info/my-county.htm