cheap and fun stump removal

I couldn't find the "tips and techniques" forum so I'll post this here. Several years ago, a friend told us if we wanted to get rid of a stump without expensive chemicals or hiring a stump-grinder, to build a charcoal fire on the stump. We surround the stump with hardware cloth, put the charcoal on top and fire it up. We also put bricks around it and the grill from our Barbeque, and cooked out steaks. The first time will char the stump quite well and dry it out but not usually burn it away. I just covered it with a piece of spare metal until the next time. On the second try the stump will burn forever and will burn away. I even had one really large stump that the fire got into the roots and burned out hollow places in the soil when it was through. I didn't originally believe that this would work, but it does. Of course, it will be harder if the stump is green.

Now I have heard everything lol. I love the idea of you grilling on it, I couldn't stop laughing.

Yep, this works ~ been doing it for years in places we can't get the truck/chain. But I'd be careful grilling over that wood ~ some woods will make the steaks taste nasty, others may make you sick (?).

Hmmmmmmn.....wonder if ya could toast marhmallows....and roast wieners? Anyone for a picnic????

"eyes"

Trouble is, we can't light fires here until a certain time and even then the smoke will get up the neighbours' noses - literally!!

I was going to post asking if anyone had ever done this and VOILA! I am going to try it! My World's Greatest Shovel doesn't dig without my help and so I was getting desperate for a solution and a friend suggested this. Leave it to my DG mates to already have an answer!

Great idea!

My father also has a method, he cuts out the bottom of a
metal drum, then puts the drum over the stump, assuming it
will fit, that is.

Then he tosses in sticks and brush and burns it every time
he has scraps around.

Pretty soon the stump is burned to the ground and nothing but
ashes.

:-)

I'm gonna report yall to the society for the prevention of stump abuse. :}

Don

That's a great idea if you live where you can burn. I don't so that won't work! The method I use and it takes so much time, is to pour sugar water over the stump - maybe once a week - and feed the little varmits that might otherwise munch on my house! It's time consuming, but legal in the villages!

Thinking of taking down a tree in front yard if it interferes with new roof on house and deck..know they'll never be able to take out the base...I'll tell them your thoughts..only concern I would have is if the tree is older and those large roots underground, could the fire keep them burning underground where the deck/house is???? just wondering..wouldn't want to burn the house down after just getting it all renovated....lol

wow...that is neat. We just put half wine barrels on them. lol