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Chemical removal of tree stump


Best Tree Stump Killer? An Overview of Stump Removal Chemicals and Products – Tree Removal

If you need to remove a tree stump and aren’t in a big hurry to do so, chemical stump removal may be a viable option. This is largely a hands-off approach, so it appeals to those who don’t want to deal with the effort and equipment that are required to remove a stump manually. Because it is a more economical way to go, chemical stump removal is also suitable for people who need to remove several tree stumps.

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As with any stump removal method, there are advantages and disadvantages to using chemicals. Determining whether this method is right for you will depend on a few things. In the interest of making an informed decision, you should do some research about the various types of chemicals and the most popular products.

About Stump Removal Chemicals

The vast majority of stump removal chemicals that are on the market today use potassium nitrate as the active ingredient. This chemical contains high concentrations of nitrogen, which is prized for its ability to speed up the decomposition process. Some products use other chemicals, but potassium nitrate is widely regarded as being the most effective option.

Types of Tree Stump Killers

Most chemical stump removal products are powders but they are often marketed as containing fine granules. The main reason that granules are preferred is because they are easier to apply than liquids. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it makes sense when you understand how tree stump killers are used. Furthermore, liquids evaporate over time and therefore aren’t always as efficient or effective.

When shopping for chemical stump removal products, you’ll find that nearly all of the top products are powders. Zeroing in on the right powder may seem tricky, but the best thing to do is to check reviews for various brands. They all work in the same basic way, and you generally follow the same steps to use all of them.

How to Use Tree Stump Killers & Chemical Stump Removers

It’s easier to find an effective chemical stump removal product when you understand how to apply these kinds of products. The basic steps that are generally used are as follows:

  1. Round up the right tools. In addition to tree stump killer, you’ll need a chainsaw, a drill, a 3/8-inch or larger drill bit, kerosene, a lighter and water.
  2. Cut the stump as low to the ground as possible. The fastest and safest way to do this is with a chainsaw. The less stump there is to rot, the easier it will be to remove.
  3. Use a drill to drill holes down into the stump every two to three inches. Try to drill them down at least eight to 10 inches deep. Use a drill bit that’s at least 3/8 of an inch in diameter.
  4. Drill additional holes from the sides; they should be parallel to the ground, and they should intersect with the holes that were drilled from the top of the stump.
  5. If you’re using a powder chemical stump removal, pour it liberally into each of the holes in the top of the stump. You’ll find that it’s even easier to use granules, so try to buy a product that isn’t just a fine powder. The granules will pour more easily down the holes while powder is likely to become clogged near the top. The goal is to get the chemicals as deeply into the stump as possible.
  6. Pour water down the holes in the stump. Read the directions for the product that you’re using to find out how much water to use. Don’t over-dilute the tree stump killer. If you do, it may not work properly, or it may not work as quickly.
  7. Cover the stump to keep children and animals from playing with it. Keep in mind that the chemicals will remain active over the next several weeks, so exposure to the stump can be dangerous. You might even want to put a pile of scrap wood over it or cover it with rocks.
  8. Periodically check on the condition of the stump. Over time, it should start becoming spongy and should attain a mulch-like consistency. When it becomes very easy to break, you’ll know the chemicals have done their job.
  9. It’s not usually possible to completely remove the stump manually at this point. In most cases, you need to douse what’s left of the stump in kerosene and let it soak for several weeks. While it’s soaking, keep it covered.
  10. When the kerosene has been completely absorbed, set the stump on fire. Monitor the fire at all times; never leave it unattended. Ideally, the fire should go out when the stump is completely burned away. All that will be left is a hole and some roots radiating out from where the stump once stood. Just pull them away, fill in the hole and plant seeds or lay sod.

Popular Chemical Stump Removal Brands & Products

If you’ve never purchased chemical stump removal products before, you probably don’t know a lot about popular brands. Based on online reviews, a few of the top products include:

Additional Points to Keep in Mind

As nice as it would be to use an eco-friendly chemical stump removal product, none of them fall into that category. The most environmentally friendly way to remove a stump is by using a stump grinder or pulling it out of the ground. Another option is to burn or rot the stump.

Your results may vary from stump to stump. It all depends on the type of tree stump that’s involved and its condition. Older stumps that are already somewhat rotted will decompose a lot more quickly than stumps from strong, young trees.

Above everything else, remember to be patient. Give the product time to work.

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The Best Stump Killers of 2022

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Photo: Glenda Taylor

Trees are majestic in the landscape, but not all trees are desirable, such as those that grow beneath power lines or right next to fences. The owner may cut the tree down, but the stump and a massive root system remain locked firmly in the ground. Digging or chopping out a stump is challenging at best, and in some cases, nearly impossible without using heavy equipment. Depending on the species—and if the tree or vine was alive when it was cut down—new aggressive shoots may soon appear around the stump, and the problem starts all over again.

One solution? A stump killer, which is an herbicide specially designed to kill a stump and its roots. Stump killers eliminate the need to chop or dig up stubborn stumps, and they prevent new shoots from forming. Read on for tips on how to choose the best stump killer for your yard and find out why the following products are among the best options for getting rid of troublesome stumps.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Dow AgroSciences Tordon RTU Herbicide
  2. RUNNER-UP: Ferti-lome RTU Brush and Stump Killer
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bonide Ready to Use Stump-Out Stump Remover
  4. BEST WITH SPRAYER: BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus Stump Remover 
  5. HONORABLE MENTION: Spectracide Stump Remover Granules
  6. ALSO CONSIDER: Bonide Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer 

Photo: depositphotos.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stump Killer

Stump killer isn’t a quick-fix solution for getting rid of stumps; the degradation process can take from a few months to a year. Eventually, the stump will decompose, and the hole that’s left behind can be filled in and smoothed over. Consider the following when shopping for a stump killer, and if you’re not sold on using a chemical to get rid of a stump, check our alternative suggestions later in this guide.

Stump Size and Location 

The size of the stump is a significant factor in deciding whether to remove it manually or chemically. Stumps that sit a couple of inches above ground level can pose a tripping hazard. If the stump is in a part of the yard that sees frequent foot traffic, it might be better to have it manually removed for safety purposes.

Chemical stump removal products help kill any size stump that would be challenging to remove manually. Smaller stumps that are less than a couple of inches in diameter may be worth digging out to get rid of them sooner.

Working Time

The actual time it takes a chemical stump remover to decompose a stump can vary depending on the tree or plant species and whether the stump is green and freshly cut.

In the case of newly cut stumps, a stump removal herbicide that travels to the roots is necessary to stop resprouting. Depending on the product, results may appear within 6 to 8 weeks. The stump itself, however, may not decompose for another few months.

Another type of stump that’s a good candidate for chemical removal is a dead or “seasoned” stump. Although these stumps are incapable of sending up new shoots, they can be hazardous or stand in the way of new landscaping plans. In this case, the stump removal product will contain a chemical that hastens the degradation of the old wood, which can take a few months or longer.

After a few months, the owner may be able to pour kerosene on a partially decomposed seasoned stump and burn it. Some chemical stump remover products are designed to be used in conjunction with stump burning. Before going this route, check with local fire codes to see if burning the stump is permissible in your community.

Ingredients

Chemical stump killers contain potent herbicides and other chemical components that hasten stump decomposition. Most stump-removal products contain one or more of the following active ingredients:

Safety

The chemicals in stump killers are often toxic and can irritate skin and eyes or trigger respiratory symptoms if the fumes are inhaled. The manufacturer will usually suggest wearing chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. Consider wearing a respiratory mask and protective clothing for ultimate protection, including long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. Keep children and pets away when treating the stump, and cover the treated stump with a tarp or board during the decomposition process.

Some types of stump remover, especially those containing potassium nitrate, are flammable, so don’t use them near an open flame or smoke during application.

Application Process

Various chemical stump killers may come with slightly different instructions, but the following application method is standard:

  1. Using a chainsaw, cut the stump low to the ground and remove side bark to reveal as much surface area as possible.
  2. Drill holes in the surface of the stump (more than a few inches in diameter). Alternatively, use a chainsaw to cut grooves on the stump’s surface.
  3. Apply the chemical stump killer or decomposing agent. Depending on the product, this might mean sprinkling granules in the holes and then pouring hot water over the stump. It might also mean painting a liquid on the surface of the stump or spraying it. Spraying is usually reserved for stumps with green sprouts, and the sprouts are sprayed as well.
  4. Cover the stump to keep kids and animals safe.
  5. Check on the stump every 3 to 4 months. Eventually, it will become spongy and can be dug out or burned. Simply remove the ash.

Our Top Picks

To qualify as one of the top picks, a stump-killing product should effectively destroy the roots of a living tree, brush, or woody vine and prevent regrowth. If the product is designed to remove seasoned stumps, it should hasten the decay of the stump so the owner can easily remove the remaining debris with a shovel.

The following stump-killing/removal chemicals differ in type and function, but each offers a reliable way to eliminate an unwanted stump. If you prefer a nonchemical method, check out “Do You Need a Stump Killer?” at the end of this guide.

Photo: amazon.com

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A favorite of farmers and landscapers, Tordon RTU comes in as the best overall pick in this lineup, and it was also chosen for hands-on testing. Tordon was used to kill an aggressive young cottonwood with roots that were threatening rural water lines. It worked like a charm to kill the unwanted tree. See how to use the product in our stump-killing test.

Tordon is a one-and-done product thanks to one of its active ingredients, picloram. Picloram is a systemic herbicide that travels through the stump all the way to the roots, killing the entire stump so shoots won’t regrow. The key to success is applying the solution immediately after cutting down the tree. Users can pour a small amount into a cup and brush the solution on the stump or use the applicator tip to pour it on. A slight downside is how quickly the liquid comes out of the applicator tip, leading to wasted solution.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Tordon RTU stump killer on Amazon or at Tractor Supply.

Photo: amazon.com

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Triclopyr is the active chemical ingredient in Ferti-lome’s Brush and Stump Killer that’s designed to kill tree roots and stop invasive shoots from growing. It’s also helpful in speeding the decomposition of the stump. Ferti-lome is well suited for killing small stumps up to about 6 inches in diameter as well as woody brush and vining stumps, such as those associated with poison ivy or wisteria.

The concentrated chemical comes in a 32-ounce bottle and should be diluted at the rate of 8 to 16 tablespoons per gallon of water. Use the highest concentration for hard-to-kill stumps such as poison ivy. Once mixed with water, the solution is painted on the stump with a paintbrush.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Ferti-lome brush and stump killer on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.

Photo: amazon.com

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Don’t put off stump removal out of worry it will be cost prohibitive. This product will speed the degradation of seasoned stumps, and it comes at an affordable price point. It contains sodium metabisulfite and is best suited to use on tree stumps where the tree was cut down at least 12 months prior. It’s best for trees that do not send up sprouts or regrow after being cut down, such as aspens, pines, and cedars.

To use, drill holes in the stump, fill them with Stump-Out granules, and then pour hot water over the stump to start the decaying process. The stump can degrade by itself, which could take a few months, or removal can be hastened by burning the stump using kerosene 6 weeks after treatment. (Check local fire codes before going this route.) The product comes in a 1-pound container.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Bonide ready-to-use stump killer on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Photo: amazon.com

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For no mix or mess, check out BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus Stump Remover that comes in a ready-to-use spray bottle. The product is best for small stumps that are commonly associated with woody bushes and vines, including kudzu and poison oak. BioAdvanced is an all-purpose herbicide that also kills noxious and invasive species.

Spray the product, which contains the active ingredient triclopyr, until all exposed surfaces on the stump are thoroughly wet but not dripping. Also saturate any new shoots that may be growing from the stump. BioAdvanced is formulated to penetrate deep into the stump and work its way down to the roots; it will kill and hasten decomposition.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the BioAdvanced stump killer on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.

Photo: amazon.com

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Containing potassium nitrate for speeding stump degradation, Spectracide Stump Remover is designed to work only on seasoned stumps where the stump is already dead and is not sending up shoots. The product comes in granular form, and users should either drill holes in the stump or cut grooves into the top of the stump with a chainsaw before applying.

Stump Remover is then used to fill the holes or grooves, and then hot water is poured over the stump to activate the decomposition process. As with other stump decomposition products, once the stump is soft, it can be doused with kerosene and burned, if desired. Stump Remover comes in a 1-pound container.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Spectracide stump killer on Amazon or at Lowe’s.

Photo: amazon.com

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Kill small stumps without harming nearby vegetation with Bonide Stump Out Stump & Vine Killer, which contains the active ingredient triclopyr. This ready-to-use liquid comes in an 8-ounce bottle and features an included brush-top applicator for painting the product directly onto the surface of the stump. It works well on small to medium tree stumps up to about 8 inches in diameter. Alternatively, users can dilute the product in water and use it in a pump-type sprayer to apply to the foliage of invasive vines.

It’s also suitable for use on the stumps of other woody and vining plants, such as poison oak and wisteria. For the best results, apply this Bonide product to freshly cut stumps and coat as much of the stump surface as possible.

Product Specs

Pros

Cons

Get the Bonide stump killer at Ace Hardware.

Our Verdict

While all the stump-killing products in this lineup get rid of a variety of unwanted trees, shrubs, and woody vines, Tordon RTU ticks all the boxes. It’s suitable for use on freshly cut stumps to kill the tree at the root level and prevent new shoot growth. For hastening the decomposition of seasoned stumps, our budget pick, Bonide Stump-Out, is a top option. It can be used to get rid of those old stumps that pose tripping hazards, and it comes at an affordable price point.

How We Chose the Best Stump Killers

We extensively researched dozens of products for this lineup. Brand reputation played a role—reputable manufacturers with well-vetted products that were high on customer satisfaction were given top consideration. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate lesser-known or niche brands as long as the products contained ingredients known for killing stumps.

We kept in mind that stump-killing needs vary. Some users want to get rid of old, seasoned stumps, so we included products that help dead stumps decompose faster. Others are looking to stop volunteer trees from growing where they shouldn’t be growing, and we also considered that need.

To make our lineup, products had to be effective and reasonably simple to use. We allowed for some dilution because many users prefer a concentrated product. We also included products that require drilling holes in a stump before application, as that may be the best way to kill a stump.

Do You Need a Stump Killer?

Unwanted trees and shrubs do cause problems; their roots can penetrate drainage lines and they can ruin the look of a well-manicured landscape. That said, you might want to consider some nonchemical stump-remover solutions.

FAQs

Clearing out underbrush or removing woody shrubs and trees can leave unsightly stumps that must be removed before the area can be used for other purposes. Stump killers are designed to either kill a green stump that might otherwise send up shoots or decay an already dead stump, softening it and making it easy to remove. For those looking to use this type of product for the first time, some questions are to be expected.

Q: Should I remove my tree stumps? 

To keep new tree sprouts from regrowing, it is often necessary to remove the stump. A stump also poses a tripping hazard and can wreak havoc on the blades of a mower.

Q: Which chemicals will kill a tree stump? 

Chemicals such as glyphosate, triclopyr, picloram, and potassium nitrate are frequently found in chemical stump removers designed to kill a stump and hasten its decay.

Q: How long does it take to kill a tree stump? 

Depending on size, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to prep most stumps and apply a chemical product. However, it could take a few months or longer for the stump to decompose sufficiently for removal.

Q: How do you apply tree stump killer? 

Application varies by the type of product but typically holes should be drilled in the stump’s surface and then filled with granules or a liquid chemical.

Chemical removal of stumps: features and types

Mechanical methods were used to uproot stumps. But they require a lot of effort and money, you have to use not only hand tools, but also specialized equipment. In addition, access to the stump is necessary, and in many areas it is difficult to provide without disturbing neighboring plants or buildings. In this regard, they began to actively look for other options. Chemical removal of stumps, of course, takes time, but it really allows you to remove large or especially dense stumps that cannot be uprooted.

Most often, saltpeter is used for chemical removal. Stumps are removed with potassium, sodium nitrate, as well as urea or salt. All this is considered chemical methods.

Potassium or sodium nitrate

The nitrate package tells you how to prepare the solution. You can make it more concentrated if you need a stronger effect. It is better to remove the stump at the end of summer, but you can do it in the fall. The main thing is to be in time before the frost.

To remove the stump with chemicals, proceed as follows:

A large stump is destroyed in about a year, if the technology is followed. It will become dust, which should be set on fire in order to completely remove the branched root system. For ignition, a little kerosene is poured into the stump destroyed by saltpeter.

Very important : in peat areas this should not be done in any case, since you can start a very strong fire, which is almost impossible to put out on your own.

Ammonium nitrate (urea)

This is a less dangerous method since it is not necessary to set fire to the root. The method of introducing the substance is the same as mentioned above. That is, they drill holes, pour urea, drop the earth on top. It is also necessary to wait a year for the stump to collapse. After this period, if you follow the technology, the stump will disappear completely. And this place can be used for planting plants.

Urea is a chemical that breaks down wood, but is also a fertilizer and helps to saturate the soil with useful minerals.

Salt

Important: This method should not be used if new plants are planned to be planted at the site of the stump. Salt is harmful to the earth, making it barren for a long time. This method is suitable if you need to clear the area for construction.

The sequence is the same. Both bulk salt and its hypertonic solution are used. The more salt you pour into the holes and cracks on the stump, the more effective. After adding salt, the stump is also sprinkled with earth and left in this form for a while - until warming.

It is important to understand that salt burns everything growing near the stump. When removing a stump with salt, weeds and other plants will also die, so that the site will be cleared completely.

Please note : chemical methods do not pose any health hazard, although this opinion can sometimes be heard. It is a myth. Due to ignorance and belief in this myth, many owners of land on which the stump needs to be removed use the mechanical method and attract specialized equipment, which is expensive to rent.

Pros and cons of chemical stump removal

Advantages of the chemical method:

But you also need to take into account the disadvantages, which may turn out to be significant:

As can be seen, the disadvantages of the chemical method are much less than the advantages.

To finally decide to destroy the stump with chemicals, you need to know the following. It is important to choose the right substance. If you plan to build on the site where the stump is located, then you can use any tool. But if it is important to leave the land fertile, it is necessary to apply substances that will not spoil it. It is advisable to seek specialist advice on the choice of chemical, its use, possible concentrations and preparation of the solution.

Chemical stump removal suitable for large specimens. To uproot them, it would be necessary to attract heavy machines, which is very inconvenient in areas with buildings, because the technique can damage them or the landscape. Mechanical uprooting is much faster, but also more expensive. Chemical takes time, but is much cheaper.

Peculiarities of chemical stump removal - Alpfin Ltd.

Previously, various mechanical methods were used to uproot stumps, however, such methods are quite costly - both in terms of energy and in terms of money. Today, chemical stump removal is in great demand - despite the fact that the process takes a certain amount of time, it is very effective, especially when it comes to large, dense stumps that are almost impossible to uproot mechanically.

Previously, various mechanical methods were used to uproot stumps, however, such methods are quite costly - both in terms of energy and in terms of money. Today, chemical stump removal is in great demand - despite the fact that the process takes a certain amount of time, it is very effective, especially when it comes to large, dense stumps that are almost impossible to uproot mechanically.

Saltpeter is usually used for removal. There are several ways to get rid of a stump using that chemical:

Use of potassium or sodium nitrate to remove stumps

If the stump is too large - in this case, holes are specially drilled in it - in order to fill as much of the territory as possible with saltpeter. Then the substance is poured into the cracks around the stump, into the already drilled holes. After the manipulations, all holes must be covered - so that precipitation does not reduce the concentration of the active substance, weakening its effect. If you decide to remove the stumps yourself, as a rule, the packages indicate in what concentrations it is necessary to dilute the saltpeter. But, if you want to enhance the effect, you can make the solution a little stronger. The most optimal time to start removing the stump is the end of summer, but a similar procedure can be carried out later, before the first frosts.

If everything was carried out in compliance with the technology, in a year the stump will completely collapse and turn into dust. After that, the stumps are usually set on fire. After adding a little kerosene, a fire is made nearby. This must be done in order not only to eliminate the upper, ground part of the stump, but also to completely eliminate the root system, regardless of its branching.

Warning! Such a chemical method of removing a stump cannot be used on peat soils, since the consequences can lead to a strong fire, which will then be very difficult to extinguish.

Use of ammonium nitrate (urea) to remove stumps

This method is safer, since its use does not require setting fire to the stump. The whole sequence of work is the same - it is necessary to drill holes, pour the chemical there, then dig the stump with earth and be patient for a year. After the allotted time, with properly carried out activities, there will be no trace of a stump, but the happy owner of the site will be able to plant other plants.

Urea not only destroys the old stump, but also fertilizes the soil well, saturating it with various minerals and elements - so new plants will surely take root.

Stump removal with salt

This option can only be used if you do not plan to plant the site, since salt is detrimental to the soil, and it will not bear fruit for a long time. Therefore, this method is preferable if you want to free up a building site.

The scheme is similar - salt is poured into small cracks, into holes - the more it is, the better. After the work done, the stump must be dug in with earth and wait until the next warming. This method does not leave the stump any chance - but, again, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the salt completely burns out all living things nearby. Often this method is used if there is a need to completely clear the soil - both from weeds and from other plants. Salt can be poured in its natural form, or a hypertonic solution can be made.

Don't believe people who say chemical stump removal is bad for your health. This is a common myth, due to which many gardeners spend their time, effort, money on uprooting stumps using expensive equipment.

Benefits of chemical stump removal

Let's look at the main advantages of removing stumps using chemicals.

However, despite all the advantages, this method has some nuances that must be taken into account immediately:

As you can see, there are much more priorities to use the chemical removal method.

However, everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. The choice of chemicals must be taken very responsibly. Naturally, if you are going to vacate a building plot, then, in principle, there is no difference - whether the soil bears fruit, however, for summer residents, dead soil is the worst nightmare. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist when choosing chemicals, and when creating a solution, take into account all instructions.

Removing stumps chemically is perfect if they are large in size. An undeniable advantage - no heavy equipment is required. For example, in country houses that have already been completely rebuilt, it is not very convenient to arrange such large-scale work as the mechanical uprooting of a stump. Of course, this method is much faster, however, if you have nowhere to rush, the process can be carried out with minimal losses, as well as very little cost.

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