Before considering which option is better—stump grinding in Loganville or simply stump removal in town—it’s best to understand the subtle differences in grinders and in removal options. Whether you do it yourself or, better yet, hire a professional, it’s important to know the intricacies of both processes. Don’t Get Stumped Trees come in various shapes and sizes and so too do stump grinders. The location of the stump and the grinding conditions are the two key factors to consider when selecting the correct stump grinder. If the location of the stump is in a tight spot or there are obstacles nearby, such as another tree, a building, an immovable fence or gate, or simply nearby underground utilities, then a towable-type grinder is probably not going to work, since it will be next to impossible to get it to the stump. Self-propelled handlebar grinders, on the other hand, will typically fit through an opening as small as 36 inches, are easier to move around, and thus allow for access to stumps in hard-to-get places. A towable grinder will need more room to maneuver so the work area around the stump must accommodate the size of the tow vehicle used to pull the grinder. These type of units will no doubt remove the stump more quickly than a self-propelled, handlebar type cutter, but again space will dictate whether a towable unit can be used. Stumps that are quite large and have wider widths, however, typically require a larger towable and dedicated grinding machine. These dedicated cutters have cutting systems and the hydraulics to maximize their performance in removing a stump and may also provide a wider cutting arc. This is also important to consider when a number of stumps need to be removed. Dig, Pull, Pour, or Burn Aside from using a grinder, as discussed above, there are 4 other popular methods to remove a tree stump and which method to use really depends on the type and size of the stump and how many stumps need to be removed. • DIG This method works best when the roots are small or shallow or for trees that have large, flat root systems. Basically, tools used in this method are shovels, axes, hoes that have an axe head, loppers, and root saws. In this approach, it’s important to dig out and expose the roots and then cut the roots with a suitable tool. Once done, the roots can then be pulled out of the ground with the grub hoe and used for compost. Other trees, such as oaks, have very deep root systems, which makes the digging process very tough to do and wouldn’t be recommended in these cases. • PULL Stumps can be removed with a backhoe but this is the most expensive method to remove them. However, if there are a number of stumps to remove as well as a place to bury them on site—which eliminates the cost of hauling away and disposing of the stumps—the expense can minimized. The major problem in using a backhoe on a property is that it creates a huge mess, so it’s usually appropriate to only use this method on new or outsized construction areas. An alternative would be to use a skid loader with the right attachments. • POUR A variety of chemicals are available that accelerate the rotting of a stump, but in all cases, the process involves the drilling of holes in the tree stump and then adding the appropriate chemical. This method will take an extended period of time to work so it’s not for situations where the stump needs to be removed immediately. Most of the stump removal chemicals on the market today use potassium nitrate as their active ingredient, which is considered the most effective. Also, most products are powders because granules are easier to apply than liquids and don’t evaporate over time. However, a liquid chemical that’s used is picloram, which is a systemic herbicide that leaches to the roots. • BURN This method can be used when scrap wood is available to start a fire on top of the tree stump and there’s enough to keep it going until the stump is gone. This works well if there are a few stumps that need to be removed and there’s adequate scrap wood to get the job done. Of course, this method is dependent on local fire codes. Anyone of these processes can work, depending on the circumstance, but it’s always best to consult with professionals who are experts at stump grinding in Loganville.
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