A tree and stump remover, suitable for use on skid-steer or similar
vehicles, has a coupling operative with standard bucket mounts. Forward
and generally centrally protruding from the coupling is a knife with
teeth, serrations, or hooks. In alternative embodiments, the teeth,
serrations, or hooks may move relative to each other, or be fixedly
mounted. Knife support plates extend the width of the apparatus, and are
provided for engagement with the base of a tree. In one preferred
embodiment, additional smaller spikes extend adjacent to and spaced from
the knife, which further facilitate cutting roots and toppling a tree in
a single movement. A process of removing trees and stumps using the
preferred apparatus includes cutting the roots extending away from the
stump or tree from at least a first side, lifting or toppling the
remaining root bundle, and shaking or piercing the root bundle to release
dirt retained therein.