Clearing
- Removing Rocks
Rocks can be surprisingly heavy for their size. A rock the diameter of a bowling ball may weigh 50 pounds.
To move a rock that's embedded in the ground, dig around it with a shovel or pick. Pry it out with a board or pry bar and lever. As you pry it up and out, keep it in place by wedging smaller rocks or pieces of wood underneath.
Try rolling a heavy one away, or dragging it off on a sturdy tarp or a rolling dolly. Or use several logs or thick dowels as rollers, constantly moving the last one to the front as the rock rolls forward.
If rocks are too big or numerous to move by yourself, hire helpers or rent a tractor with a front-end loader and backhoe.
Safety
When lifting rocks, avoid injury by keeping your back straight and your knees bent. Wear thick gloves. When rolling large rocks, keep your fingers and feet away. On sloping ground, don't let the rock get away from you and harm people or property below.
Safety-related resources on the Web:
Index of Occupational Safety and Health Resources (http://turva.me.tut.fi/~oshweb/)
National Safety Council (http://www.national-safety-council.ie/)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html)
Other safety Web sites
Tools and Materials
pry bar
tarp
shovel
wheelbarrow
Tool and hardware-related resources on the Web