The invention relates to a method for removing tree stumps and preparing forest areas, on which the trees have been felled and removed, for carrying out new tree planting using a self-propelled gripping tool. The aim of the invention is to produce an improved method of the generic type indicated. The method found in achieving this aim is characterised in that, with the aid of an excavator, in front of the same a first trench running transversely to the direction of travel of the excavator is dug, that the tree stumps beyond the trench which can be reached by the excavator are pulled out of the ground and placed in the trench, that the excavator is driven forward and a second trench lying in the direction of travel and parallel to the first trench is dug and filled with the excavated material from the first trench, and that this working method is continued until the the forest area has been completely prepared in mutually parallel clearing strips. With this new method, the forest floor is completely cleared and tidied by the tree stumps and, if required, further branch material, bark etc. being introduced into the ground.
