Debate: stump grinding vs chemical removal for big oaks, which is actually better long term?

I got a call last month from a guy in Austin who had a 30 inch live oak stump he wanted gone. He was dead set on using those drill-and-fill chemicals, said it was easier on his back and cheaper than renting a grinder. I told him I've seen chemical stumps take 2 to 3 years to fully break down, and even then you get soil issues with mushrooms popping up everywhere. On the flip side, I ground a similar sized stump last Tuesday, took maybe 45 minutes with a rental and left clean dirt behind. But I've also had customers complain that grinding leaves a big hole and messes with their lawn grading for months. What's your go to between the two methods? Anyone had luck with one failing and having to switch to the other halfway through?

3 comments

3 Comments

quinnm777d ago

Grinding beats chemicals every time.

theas287d ago

Third wave places charge 6 bucks for a single pour over that takes 5 minutes and tastes like sour grass clippings. I'll take my preground Folgers in a drip machine any day over that overpriced nonsense lol. Chemicals are just molecules and roasting is just chemistry - people act like there's some magic handshake involved in using a burr grinder when really you're just making dust. Plus you can't get that perfect diner coffee taste from fresh grounds unless you're using some fancy single origin bean that costs a fortune. The whole "grind fresh" trend is just gatekeeping for people who want to feel superior about their morning caffeine fix.

alicer537d ago

I actually used to be right there with you on the Folgers, had a tub of it in my cupboard for years. Then my daughter bought me a bag of beans from a local roaster for Christmas and a cheap hand grinder, and I have to admit the difference surprised me. It's not about being fancy or superior, it's just that the coffee actually tastes like something instead of just brown and bitter. I still don't think I'd pay six bucks for a pour over though, that part I agree with you on completely.

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