You know I'm an expert on this because you read it on the internet.
Cut branches to within 18" of ground.
Dig 12" deep hole around stump
Wrap chain tightly around stump below remaining branches at old ground level
Wrap other end of chain (or cable or stout rope) around bumper of nearest auto.
Tighten chain by driving auto away from stump, thus tensioning the root system.
No need to spin tires or rev engine, just get a constant, steady pressure on the root system.
Jump in the hole with a standard shovel sharpened with a mill bastard file (sharp like an axe, not a scalpel)
Chop the roots with the shove as you stand in the hole. With tension on the roots, the shovel will cut through all but the thickest of them in 2-3 jabs.
Wear stout boots, no flip flops!!!
As roots get cut, you may need to take 6" of slack out of the chain a couple times. Chop again.
Fill the hole with soil.
All of the cuts are now about 6-8 inches underground
Leave the roots in the hole, they won't grow.
Total time in sandy soil for a 8' yew - 30 minutes (not including cleanup)
Clay soil, 75 minutes.
I've done this on dozens of yews with trucks, tractors, backhoes and passenger cars.
You are not using horsepower to pull the rootball out, you are severing the roots, which cut much easier when under tension.
Imagine trying to cut a string with a knife as it hangs in midair. Now anchor the string and pull it tight.
This is what you are trying to do to the roots.
It's simpler than it sounds.
Taxol is the toxin in english and anglojap yews. It's been used in cancer research.
Deer eat the needles and bark.
I've never heard of anyone being harmed during gardening contact.