6 Methods to Kill Tree Stump and Roots

As a yard owner, you want to keep your outdoor space neat and tidy. This can take a lot of work. Besides mowing the lawn and caring for flower beds, removing a stubborn stump is essential. Here, I have several ways to effectively kill tree stumps. 

Cutting back branches or pruning a tree can be expensive and tiring. However, it’s especially frustrating when dealing with a very stubborn stump. This often requires professional help. Unfortunately, cutting down the tree doesn’t solve the problem. Some trees continue to sprout. 

Additionally, the stump will keep growing instead of rotting long after you remove it. Even though the tree is dead, the roots and stump can still live. Moreover, the roots that grow unnoticed can spread underground and damage pipes and sidewalks.

In this post, I’ll show you different techniques to remove the tree. There are also methods to successfully stop trunk and root sprouting. Keep reading to find the right solution.

1. Burn the Stubborn Tree Stump

This is one of the physical tree stump removal methods. If the stump in your yard has dried thoroughly, then burning it out might be a good solution. Fire is dangerous, so you shouldn’t take it lightly. Compared to digging, this technique takes more time. 

Moreover, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the roots underground. However, burning the tree stump out may give you satisfactory results. Before you kill tree stumps, check your local ordinances to see if burning them is allowed. Not all fire departments permit this. If burning a tree stump is okay, then you can start by drilling a few 8 to 10 inch-deep holes in it. 

Next, clear any unwanted debris away from them. Once you’ve cleaned up the holes, pour some potassium nitrate into them. Finally, use some hot water to fill the holes. This will dissolve the potassium nitrate and distribute the solution throughout the tree stump. To kill tree stumps, you must take the scrap wood. Then, light them on fire and put them back in the holes. They’ll start to smolder. 

This method turns the entire tree stump into ash. I recommend extending a pressurized hose to the area. Pay attention to the burning fire the whole time since it’s unpredictable. This could take a day or even longer, depending on the weather conditions, wood type, and size. To make the burning process faster, just dig soil away from the tree stump base to improve airflow. When it has totally turned to ash, get rid of it using a shovel immediately.

2. Grind the Stump Down

Speaking of how to stop a tree stump from sprouting, consider grinding the stump down. This method is quite costly. The process takes 15 minutes to 2 hours or longer.

Another way to stop a tree stump from sprouting is by grinding it down. You can either do this yourself over the weekend or hire a professional stump grinding team. Typically, renting a gas-powered stump grinder will cost you between $100 and $200 per day. 

This expense can be surprising for some yard owners, so it's important to keep it in mind. Using a grinder to kill tree stumps is effective, but it can be dangerous if not handled with care. The rental company will show you how to operate the machine safely. Although the process takes some extra time, it's worth it to avoid potential dangers. Before you start grinding, make sure to follow these safety steps:

Prepare Proper Ear Protection

If you decide to grind the stump yourself, wearing proper ear protection is essential. The grinder is very loud and can damage your hearing.

Prepare Safety Glasses

Wearing safety glasses is crucial when using a grinder. The machine can throw debris unpredictably, and the glasses will protect your eyes from flying pieces.

Remove Rocks Near the Tree Stump

Before you start grinding, remove any rocks around the tree stump. Rocks can become dangerous projectiles and can also damage the grinder.

Prepare a Chainsaw

Using a chainsaw can make the grinding process easier. It helps to cut the stump closer to the ground, allowing the grinder to work more efficiently.

Once you're ready, use a hydraulic lever to raise the grinder above the stump. Lower it slowly onto the stump's surface. The grinder will move from side to side, clearing the stump and its roots. After grinding, turn off the machine and fill the hole with topsoil for a level lawn.

3. Dig the Stump Out

Digging out the stump is another physical method to kill tree stumps. If the stump's diameter is up to 12 inches, this can be a practical solution. You don't need to rent any machines, just use simple hand tools. Although this method is labor-intensive, it's doable with the right gear. Before you start, gather a digging iron, mattock, and spade. 

A narrow, sturdy spade with an average-length handle is ideal. It can dig deeply and maneuver around the root ball easily. The mattock will help chop through roots and loosen dense soil. The digging iron is also useful for breaking up tough soil.

To begin, dig around the stump to expose the roots. Use the mattock to chop through the roots and the spade to remove the soil. Continue digging and cutting until the stump is free. This method requires effort, but it's effective for smaller stumps.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove tree stumps from your yard. Whether you choose to grind the stump down or dig it out, taking the proper precautions will ensure a successful and safe process.

Digging out a tree stump is another hands-on method to remove it. If the stump is up to 12 inches in diameter, this can be a practical approach. You won't need to rent any machines; simple hand tools will do the job. Although this method requires physical effort, it's manageable with the right tools. Before starting, gather a digging iron, mattock, and spade. 

A narrow, sturdy spade with a medium-length handle is ideal. It can dig deep and maneuver around the root ball easily. The mattock will help chop through roots and loosen dense soil. The digging iron is also useful for breaking up tough soil.

To begin, dig around the stump to expose the roots. Use the mattock to chop through the roots and the spade to remove the soil. Continue digging and cutting until the stump is free. This method requires effort, but it's effective for smaller stumps.

4. Use Chemicals to Kill Tree Stumps

If you want to kill tree stumps effectively, consider applying chemicals directly to them. This technique might require a few applications, but it’s one of the most practical ways to prevent the tree from sprouting. First, drill holes all over the trunk surface. Then, find a commercial tree stump killer. Next, fill the holes with it accordingly. 

Be careful when using chemicals. Always read manufacturer instructions and warnings first. Remember that they can be hazardous to nearby plants or animals. I recommend using broadleaf weed killers since they contain glyphosate. 

This is an effective method to kill tree stumps in the yard. However, the chemicals could spread to neighboring trees and plants. The commercial tree stump remover can be deadly for surrounding plants. That means you might need to replace plants or trees that fall into the fire line. Don’t forget to focus on your safety since chemicals can be hazardous. 

During the whole process, you must take measures to keep yourself secure. Wear gloves, a long sleeve shirt, and safety glasses. Be sure to buy the best tree stump killer on the market. I highly suggest using it on aged and dead stumps. There are also products to remove freshly cut trees. Apply them atop the stump within minutes of taking the tree down so they can immediately get into the remaining roots and stem.

5. Apply a Stump-Killing Herbicide

Do you plan to kill tree stumps? If yes, I recommend using a stump-killing herbicide. Make sure to apply it within 30 minutes of cutting the tree down or right before the tree removal. Spring is the right time to kill tree stumps in the yard. Herbicides come in two types: spray-on and brush-on. 

They not only eliminate stumps but also prevent future growth. First, read the directions before following them. These two kinds of stump-killing herbicides won’t get into the soil and cause damage to plants in your area if used properly. Their ingredients will move down the tree stump and then traverse into the roots to poison them. If you still notice sprouts after getting rid of the stump, reapply the herbicide as needed.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove tree stumps from your yard. Whether you choose to dig the stump out, use chemicals, or apply a herbicide, taking the proper precautions will ensure a successful and safe process.of the stump, just apply the herbicide to them. 

This is normal because the chemical hasn’t fully reached the deep roots. Some people use a non-selective herbicide. This product can kill tree stumps it directly contacts. There’s a risk that nearby plants and trees might die. Handle herbicides carefully. They can be dangerous for you. Some can also harm the soil.

Moreover, they remain active after the first application. When sprouts appear, you can apply the herbicide again or dig them up by hand. Cut the sprouts below the soil level using scissors or pruning shears. Block sunlight by covering the soil. Removing sprouts as they appear will deplete the roots' food reserves. It may take some time. However, this method will stop them from growing back.

6. Kill Tree Stump Naturally

If you have time, it’s better to kill a tree stump without chemicals. This method makes the job easier because the decay process weakens the wood. Some people prefer the slow approach. If you’re one of them, try these easy and cheap home remedies.

Kill Tree Stump with Epsom Salt

Make your homemade tree stump killer with Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate. This bath-time essential can draw moisture out of the tree stump within a month if used in high concentration. First, drill some 1/4-inch holes, about 3 inches from the stump's edge. Space them about 1 inch apart. Then, fill the holes with Epsom salt. Next, add water to the holes. After that, sprinkle some Epsom salt around the stump's base. Finally, cover it with a tarp. This solution will cut off moisture to the roots and remove the stump permanently.

Apply a Saltwater Solution

Rock salt is another effective product to kill unwanted tree stumps. This method also takes about 8-10 weeks to remove the stump, but it’s less desirable than Epsom salt. Sodium chloride or rock salt kills the stumps and negatively affects plants. If used in high concentration, it will displace the potassium and phosphorus they need. This can cause death and deficiencies.

What Not to Do

When removing tree stumps, avoid the following methods. They could potentially harm your plants.

Avoid Killing Tree Stumps with Diesel

Diesel is popular among tree stump burners. It doesn’t explode like gasoline. However, this flammable liquid won’t produce a long and steady burn. As a chemical tree stump killer, diesel might work, too. It’s better to use Epsom salt to get rid of the stumps.

Avoid Killing Tree Stumps with Bleach

You shouldn’t use bleach on your plants. The dangers are certainly not worth it. Bleach can harm the soil and nearby plants. It’s not an effective or safe method for killing tree stumps.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove tree stumps from your yard. Whether you choose to use herbicides, natural methods, or avoid harmful chemicals, taking the proper precautions will ensure a successful and safe process.greater than the benefits. 

Additionally, chlorine bleach can harm desirable trees if it remains in the soil. Using bleach in high concentrations may also damage nearby perennials, shrubs, and grass. It can significantly raise soil pH levels. I suggest trying one of these effective methods to kill tree stumps. The success of stump removal largely depends on the technique and your effort. Which method do you prefer?