What is the best way to get a small tree out of the ground which was split by the winds has large roots?

Question:the wind split one of our flowering trees at the bottom of the trunk. we have dug around it to try to pull it out but the root system is pretty thick. we tried to use the lawn tractor to uproot it but stopped for fear of ruining the tractor small lawn tractor some of the roots are thick and could not be penetrated with the shovel any help would be appreciated

Answers:
Since uprooting your damaged tree seems to be a problem, I would recommend cutting it off at ground level. Following the package directions, I would suggest spreading a good "stump killer" product over the cut-off stump to prevent sprouting. These products degrade the remaining stump and the roots in the ground (over time).

A product which I have used successfully is manufactured by Green Light Company. It is called "Cut Vine and Stump Killer". (It's under $10 and available at WalMart in my region.)