How to Kill a Tree Stump 4 Different Ways
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Part of caring for a landscape involves removing trees and their stumps. A tree that is dead, dying, or a risk to the surrounding area and plants must be removed, but even healthy trees must sometimes be removed. Even with the trunk gone, the stump and root structure can live on unless you remove or kill the tree stump.
There are several cost-effective options for killing a tree stump you can do yourself that are relatively safe and easy to do. Here are four methods to kill a tree stump and roots and kickstart the decomposition process, listed in order of most environmentally friendly to least.
Quick Tip
Burning out a stump can take many days. Root structures can often smolder underground for weeks and spread fire to nearby foundations. Make sure there is nothing nearby. If the roots interfere with as eptic system, a fire can cause a methane explosion.
Cover the Tree Stump
The simplest and most environmentally friendly method to kill a tree stump is to simply cover the stump with a trap. Covering the stump will not only kill it but accelerate the decomposition of the stump.
For this method all you need to do is tightly cover the tree stump with a waterproof and lightproof tarp and wait. When the tarp is removed, the stump will be well on its way to rotting away.
The obvious downside to this method is that it takes a long time and is not aesthetically pleasing. Killing a tree stump by covering it can take as little as six months to as long as 18 months.
Epsom Salt
One of the easiest methods to kill a tree stump and its root system is with Epsom salt. The magnesium sulfate in the Epsom salt draws the essential moisture from the plant in a process called desiccation, which is the drying out of a living organism.
Besides the low cost and easiness, the benefit of using this method is that it is very safe for the environment and the soil even after the unwanted tree stump has been killed. The drawback is that it takes two to three months for the roots and the stump to die completely.
Here's how use Epsom salts to kill a tree:
Drill numerous holes into the stump; the larger the stump, the more holes you need to drill. The deeper the holes, the better. A 1/2-inch drill bit is a good size.
Fill the holes with Epsom salt and tamp down, compressing the salt.
Soak the top of the stump with water, trying not to disturb the salts so that they come up out of the holes. You want the water to dissolve the salt inside the holes, allowing it to be slowly absorbed into the tree.
Cover the stump tightly with a lightproof, waterproof tarp.
In a few months, your stump will be dead; the wood will be noticeably soft, and parts of it will crumble to the touch.
Controlled Burned
Controlled burning to kill a tree stump is most safely done in less populated areas. You must first call the local government and check that it's legal to have a controlled burn of a stump.
While burning a stump out can kill it quickly, in as little as a day, it takes some preparation and is time-consuming in that you need to be constantly present while the burning occurs.
Safety is a top priority. Before you begin, examine the area above and around the stump and ensure nothing within 20 feet of the stump is flammable. Do not do this method if the stump is near other trees, plants, or buildings. Ensure you always have a fire extinguisher close by, and perform the burn with an assistant to help.
To kill a tree stump by a controlled burn, take these steps:
Inspect the area around the stump and clear anything flammable on the ground, raking away leaves, sticks, and unattached grass.
Drill holes into the stump. The drill bit should be larger to create a deep, wide cavity.
Insert a funnel into one of the holes and carefully pour kerosene into the hole, repeating until each hole is filled.
Clean your hands of all kerosene you may have spilled before the next step, or safest yet, have your partner perform this step. Do not skip this step. Change out of any clothes that got kerosene on them.
Keeping your face as far away as possible, use a long taper match to light the top of the stump.
Step back and watch the fire carefully. Do not add any more accelerants. You are aiming for a long, slow, controlled burn that will slowly smoke and burn the tree from the inside outwards and downwards.
Once the stump is a cool pile of ash that is no longer smoldering, use a shovel to break up any remaining roots.
Shovel the burned bits into a fire-safe container, and add fresh soil to the hole.
Warning
In some areas it is illegal to burn out tree stumps. Call your local municipal government to find out any permits involved. If living in an urban or suburban area, they will almost definitely tell you to call 411 to check the location of any natural gas lines.
Herbicide
Finally, the quickest but also the most environmentally damaging method of killing a tree stump involves using a systemic herbicide meant for woody plants and shrubs. Using an herbicide such as Triclopyr is especially effective. This will damage various broadleaf plants, so its application must be done carefully.
Using a systemic herbicide to kill a tree stump is an easy task requiring a few more safety steps before starting and the some new wounds if the stump was not recently cut. You can begin with just the safety equipment if the stump is freshly cut.
If the stump has stood in the landscape after it has been cut, you need to make fresh wounds to allow for better chemical absorption. Use a drill to put as many holes into the stump as possible, or use an electric sander to break the stump callous.
Put on safety gear, eye protection, and disposable rubber gloves.
Dip a paintbrush into the herbicide and thoroughly paint the stump's top. A foam brush works well for this.
Wrap the brush in paper towels or newspaper, remove gloves, and dispose of them.
The herbicide will be drawn into the tree and its roots and completely die within days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to kill a tree stump and roots?
The fastest way to kill a tree stump is to have it ground, but you can do it yourself without grinding by using a systemic herbicide such as Triclopyr. This is the fastest but least environmentally friendly way to kill a tree stump.
How do you permanently kill a tree stump?
There are numerous ways to permanently kill a tree stump but some of the easiest methods are by using a systemic herbicide, Epsom salt, or covering it with a tarp.
What household item will kill a tree stump?
One of the most cost-efficient and easiest ways to kill a tree stump uses the household item Epsom salt. A drill and tarp are also required.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
