Answer: grubbing

AnswerCrossword Clue
grubbingClear (the ground) of roots and stumps
grubbingDig or poke superficially at the earth; dig shallowly in soil
grubbingAchieve or acquire (something) in such a way
grubbingSearch for something in a clumsy and unmethodical manner; rummage
grubbingDo demeaning or humiliating work in order to achieve something
grubbingRemove (something) from the earth by digging it up
grubbingGRUB, to dig (to excavate (to dig out))