Tuesday, June 17, 2014

How To Get Rid Of Large Rocks

How To Get Rid Of Large Rocks

How To Get Rid Of Large Rocks

How To Get Rid Of Large Rocks

The temperatures are starting to warm and that means it is time to think about planting my vegetable garden. I decided this year to expand the garden and so was clearing brush this past weekend in preparation. While I didn’t have to cut down any trees, I did come across some large, buried rocks (some of them may not be rocks; learn more at kinds of minerals )

Rock removal can be strenuous and back-breaking work, so it is always best to use machinery – a bobcat is typically the best and most versatile – if it is readily accessible. If not, there are a variety of approaches you can take to remove boulders by hand. I like to use a shovel and pry bar. A pry bar is an invaluable tool in large rock removal. It is a long metal road with one pointed end and one flat end, and can be found at most hardware stores.

I start by digging around the rock and trying to dislodge any dirt that might act as glue in holding the rock in the ground. This is where the pry bar comes in handy. Not only can you use the bar as a fulcrum to move the rock later, but you can also use the bar very effectively to loosen the dirt around the rock, making digging that much easier. When you are satisfied that you have removed enough dirt around the rock, and the dirt is no longer acting as a suction cup, you can place a smaller rock under the pry bar and lever the rock out of the hole.

As is often the case, the rock may be too large for you to wedge out of the hole. One of my favorite ways to remove large rocks is to dig around them as I previously mentioned, then place a chain or car tow strap around the rock and pull it out with an ATV or pickup truck. Many people use chains attached to their trailer hitches, but I find that chains do not offer much give and can break. Nylon tow straps today are incredibly strong and offer the ability to yank the rock out of the hole without having to worry about damaging your vehicle or anyone around you with a broken chain.

If after digging you discover the rock is too large for you to move, and your vehicle does offer enough pulling power or traction to remove the boulder, there is always the alternative of using a jack hammer. You can purchase or rent a jack hammer at any construction equipment retailer and remove as much of the rock as you need. When you are content with the amount of rock you have removed, simply cover the section of rock remaining in the ground with top soil. Then you may plant grass, vegetables, plants, or whatever you like right on top of the rock.

Not only will you have a great sense of satisfaction when you have moved the boulder, but your lawn or garden will be ready for spring!

Hope you enjoyed our article on how to get rid of large rocks - boulders.

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