Tree stumps can be unsightly, detracting from the overall appearance of your property. Additionally, a protruding stump can be an invitation to pests and diseases into your yard. In order to eliminate the nuisance and prevent re-growth of unwanted plants, you’ll want to kill the stump. Depending on your resources, you can choose from several different methods to accomplish this task, you can choose Tree and Shrub Services. These techniques vary in price, effort, and time required. Some require the help of professional equipment, while others can be done at home with common household items.
The most common way to kill a tree stump is to use an herbicide. Using a commercial product like 9% Triclopyr or 20% Glyphosate will eliminate the stump quickly and effectively. Leaving the stump in place can result in new sprouts, but painting it with an herbicide will prevent this from occurring. This method is not only quick, but it will also ensure that the entire stump is killed.
Another option is to dig around the stump to expose the roots. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s a good idea to expose as much of the root system as possible. Once the roots are exposed, pour boiling water over them. This will shock the roots, severely damaging them and possibly killing them. The roots will eventually die off and the stump will rot.
This method is very simple, but it can take some time. First, you’ll need to expose the roots of the stump by digging around it with a shovel or garden tool. Then, you’ll need to drill holes downward into the stump at a point 8-12 inches below the surface. Next, you’ll need to pack these holes with rock salt. After that, wet the stump and cover it with a large plastic tarp. Add some organic mulch such as leaves, hay, or grass clippings on top of the tarp to retain moisture. Finally, cover the stump with rocks or bricks to hold it down. It may take a month or more for the stump to die, but it will be well on its way to rotting away once it is covered with fungus and deprived of sunlight.
Epsom salt is a natural product that can be used to starve the stump of light and speed up the process of rot. It can be applied in the same way as other chemical solutions, but the best results are achieved by mixing the salt with vinegar. This solution will infiltrate the stump, causing the roots to break down. The process may need to be repeated, but it is effective and safe for the environment.
Burning is an alternative to removing the stump, but it is a very dangerous process. You’ll need to clean your hands of any kerosene you may have spilled and be careful not to get too close, but once it is burned the stump will rot quickly. Alternatively, you can cover the stump with black garbage bags to starve it of light.
