Home » Misc » Removing small stump

Removing small stump


How To Kill a Tree Stump

Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House‘s Reviews Team is committed to delivering… Read More honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.

From home remedies to professional solutions, here’s everything you need to know about getting rid of a tree stump in your yard.

Reviews by This Old House Reviews Team 10/05/2022 2:05 pm

Cutting down trees in your yard is a great way to improve the natural lighting for other plants and make way for new trees to grow. If you’ve removed a tree in your yard, you know how pesky its leftover stump can be.

While you could leave it alone, it could start to grow, sprouting annoying shoots from its roots, or it may take years to naturally rot and decompose. Try the following techniques to kill the tree stump and remove it from your yard or find a tree removal expert to take care of it for you.

Home Remedies for Tree Stump Removal

Here are a few ways you can get rid of a tree stump before getting your hands dirty with physical removal.

Epsom Salt

This is a common DIY method for killing tree trunks, as it accelerates the decomposition process to 6–12 months, as opposed to three to seven years for natural rotting. Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur, which are beneficial to plants but deadly in large quantities. Overdosing the stump with Epsom salt pulls the moisture out of it, killing it and accelerating the decaying process.

Here’s how to use Epsom salt to kill a tree stump:

  1. Drill deep holes in the stump about an inch wide with a power drill and a wide drill bit.
  2. Sprinkle the stump with water after covering the top of the stump with Epsom salt.
  3. Cover the stump with a tarp to keep the rain from washing away the substance.
  4. Repeat this process every few weeks to ensure its success.

If this process is successful, the stump will die within two to three months and be close to full decay after a year. This is a great solution for homeowners who want a slower, natural approach to killing their tree stump.

Rock Salt

Similar to Epsom salt, rock salt can help kill and decay a stump with minimal effort. Here’s how to kill a tree stump with rock salt:

  1. Drill holes into the stump.
  2. Pack the holes with rock salt.
  3. After all of the holes are packed and the stump is covered in salt, pour soil and mulch over the stump.
  4. Then, pour water over the mulch—this will dissolve the salt, help the roots absorb the solution, and pack the soil.

Keep watering the stump every few days for one to two months to keep the stump moist with the saltwater solution, promoting absorption and the growth of fungi that can accelerate the stump’s decomposition. You can also add a potassium nitrate fertilizer to further support the growing fungi.

Plastic Bag or Tarp

Perhaps the easiest method to kill a tree stump is forcing darkness on it. Without sunlight, the tree stump will die, accelerating the decomposition process. Rotting should start to take place in two to three months.

Here’s how to kill a tree stump with a plastic bag or tarp:

  1. Similar to other methods, cut the stump as close to the roots as possible with a chainsaw, hatchet, or handsaw.
  2. Cover the stump with a black trash bag.
  3. Weigh the bag down with heavy rocks or bricks. For a smaller stump, use a dark-colored bucket or container to cover the stump.

This technique requires little to no effort, but it can be slower compared with the physical removal methods.

Boiling Water

You don’t need to purchase any substance or solution to try this remedy—all you need is hot water.

  1. Expose as much of the stump’s root structure as possible.
  2. Drill holes into the roots and on top of the stump—this will help the scalding water reach as much of the root system as possible and kill the roots with heat.
  3. Once all the roots are exposed, pour boiling water over them. The heat from the water will shock the root system, severely damaging it and killing it.

Once the stump and roots are dead, the natural decomposition process can begin.

Techniques To Physically Remove a Tree Stump

If you have the time and resources to use physical methods to kill and remove your tree stump, consider the following techniques. Compared to home remedies, they are much quicker but take a bit more effort, tools, and money to perform.

Use Fire To Kill a Tree Stump

Use some kindling or kerosene to burn the stump so that it doesn’t protrude from the ground. This method will kill the tree, but it won’t completely get rid of the tree roots and stump. Keep in mind that this may not be an option if you live in an area with a dry climate that’s prone to wildfires. Check with your local fire department to see if burning a tree stump falls in line with the local fire code.

Once you have approval to burn your tree stump, there are a few ways you can move forward. You can drill holes into the trunk, pour kerosene into each hole, light scrap wood on the surface of the stump, and carefully monitor the wood as it burns. This method is slower, but it burns the wood from deeper within the stump.

You can also cut criss-cross lines in the wood that are about five to six inches deep with a chainsaw, then simply light some kindling on top and monitor the stump until it’s burned down below ground level.

Dig the Tree Stump Out of the Ground

Digging out a tree stump is one way to remove it from your yard, but it can require time-consuming work that can be potentially destructive to your yard or garden. This method allows you to remove as many tree roots as possible and ensure that the stump doesn’t continue to grow. To save time and effort, consider hiring a professional with digging equipment to handle the job.

Here’s how to dig a tree stump out of the ground:

  1. Dig around the stump, exposing as many roots as possible.
  2. Use a chainsaw, hatchet, or handsaw to cut the larger roots. As you continue digging, you may find smaller roots that can be cut with clippers or loppers.
  3. Once you’ve cut all of the roots around the stump, lift and remove the stump from the ground.
  4. Fill the hole with dirt and cover it with topsoil or mulch.

Note: This process can take multiple hours of labor, depending on the size of the tree stump and the root structure.

Free Quote: Get your free quote on professional stump removal today

Grinding the Tree Stump

This is the quickest method for killing and removing tree stumps. It involves hiring a tree removal specialist or renting a stump grinder machine to break apart the wood in the trunk and tree roots. Typical prices for this job are around $100–$400. Stump grinder machine rental costs typically fall between $80 and $150 for a four-hour window.

To grind a tree stump, start by trimming the stump with a chainsaw, digging around it and removing any rocks. Then, use the machine’s cutter blade to chip away at the wood and cut any roots that are connected to the stump. This process can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on the size of the stump. Once you’re finished, spread dirt in and over the hole, adding topsoil or mulch if desired.

What To Avoid When Killing Tree Stumps

Here are a few factors to consider when removing or killing tree stumps to ensure safety and effectiveness:

The Bottom Line

If you’re trying to remove a tree stump from your yard, try one of the above methods. While we recommend the DIY techniques if you’re not in a hurry, renting a machine or hiring a professional to help grind the stump is the fastest solution.

Free Quote: Get your free quote on professional stump removal today

Enter your ZIP code into the tool below to find tree removal experts in your area that can help you get rid of your pesky stump.

Frequently Asked Questions

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].

How to remove a tree stump

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Aitor Diago / Getty Images)

When deciding how to remove a tree stump, you will need to consider its size, your budget, and how much time you are prepared to invest, as there are several ways to get the job done.

A tree stump is an inevitable consequence of cutting down a mature tree, but it doesn’t have to be a blight on your backyard ideas. There are some really creative tree stump ideas to turn it into a practical and even beautiful feature.

However, if you do choose remove a tree stump, then it's important to establish whether you can tackle it on a DIY basis, or if you need to bring in a professional.

How to remove a tree stump

(Image credit: Simone Torkington / EyeEm / Getty Images)

‘Removing a tree stump can be challenging due to its weight and size. When a stump is too big or problematically located – for example on a sloping piece of land – it will need professional assistance,’ says Lisa Tadewaldt, arborist and owner of Urban Forest Pro .

‘The average homeowner will struggle to address a large stump without renting tools, and you also need to factor in disposal, which is often limited at your run-of-the-mill green waste drop-offs.’

However, if you are dealing with a smaller tree stump, have time on your hands, or are willing to rent tools, then there are several DIY options worth exploring.

How to remove a tree stump by hand

As long as the tree stump isn’t too big, it should be possible to remove it by hand. This involves digging it out of the ground using the the tools you have at home. 

It’s definitely worth taking this approach if you want to save your tree stump, and recycle it for a woodworking project. ‘High-quality tree stumps can be upcycled to furniture and different DIY projects,’ says Robert Johnson, woodworker and founder of Sawinery . 

‘Instead of it going to waste, I would suggest removing it by hand, as other methods such as burning, grinding or decaying will destroy it.’

Using hand tools will enable you to keep the stump as intact as possible. However, bear in mind this method takes a considerable amount of time and effort.

  1. To remove a tree stump by hand, you need to dig out the entire area around the stump using a shovel, pick mattock and/or digging bar. ‘Keep digging until you expose as many roots as possible,’ says Ray Brosnan, landscaper at Brosnan Property Solutions .
  2. Next, cut through the larger roots using an axe, loppers or root saw. You can use a chainsaw if you have one.
  3. ‘As you work your way through the roots, you may come across smaller ones, which can be severed with clippers,’ adds Brosnan.
  4. Pull out the roots. ‘A grub hoe will do the job of wrenching the remaining entrenched roots out of the ground to their very tips,’ says Johnson. ‘You can make more cuts as necessary to make pulling them out of the ground easier.’
  5. Now you can begin to remove the stump from the soil. ‘Without most of the roots, you should be able to easily dislodge the stump,’ says Johnson. ‘You may need to use a shovel to dig underneath the stump and cut a few more roots under it before you can get it out.’
  6. Finally, cover the hole with surrounding soil, and add mulch and topsoil. 

Removing a tree stump by hand is not without its issues, however: 'As well as taking a serious amount of work, it can potentially be destructive to your yard,' says Brosnans.

'If in doubt of how to remove a tree stump without causing damage, leave it to a professional who will have the adequate tools for the job.’

How to use a stump grinder to remove a tree stump

Using a stump grinder is a popular way to remove a tree stump, and can be performed using rented machinery. Alternatively, you could hire a professional to do the job for you.

‘Using an appropriate size of tree stump grinder, you can remove the stump quickly, and in a way that is safe for you and the environment,’ says Codey Stout, head of operations for TreeTriage .

Tree stump grinders are substantial pieces of machinery, and can cost upwards of $200 per day to rent. They are maneuverable on wheels and use very sharp blades to grind the stump and roots down, up to several inches below ground.

Do not attempt to grind a tree stump in bad weather, and make sure you have good work boots, gloves, clothing and face protection.

Using a stump grinder to remove a tree stump is quicker than the alternative removal methods, but it does take time, so find a clear day to do the work. ‘The whole job can take several hours depending on the size of the stump,’ says Lucas.

How to remove small tree stumps

Small tree stumps should be fairly easy to remove on a DIY basis. ‘If the tree stump is reasonably small, you can remove it by cutting sections of the roots and pulling it up – you could use a truck to help you,' says Lucas. 

'You can even take it out by hand with some basic tools like a saw, shovel, and sledgehammer.'

For smaller tree stumps, you usually won’t need to remove the entire stump and root system. ‘By simply cutting a few inches below the grass line, you can remove the stump and re-lay the turf on top,’ adds Lucas.

‘If done correctly it would be difficult to even realise that a tree has even been there and the root system will slowly rot underground over the next few years.’

(Image credit: Andrew Thomas / Getty Images)

How to rot a tree stump

Given enough time, a tree stump will eventually rot and break down, but this can take a number of years.

‘To accelerate this, you can add chemicals to the stump to allow it to break down more quickly,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘It won't just disappear but it will become more manageable to break down and remove. It beats waiting up to a decade!

'Environmental laws vary, so you'll need to check what chemicals are allowed in your area. However, you can use high nitrogen-based fertilizers.' Alternatively, use a branded tree stump-killer product.

You need to tackle this job in dry weather, so the chemicals have chance to work properly.

Bear in mind that there is always an environmental impact when using chemicals in the garden. ‘Stump killer is not always a preferable go-to,' says Warren Byington from landscaping firm Backyard Brothers . 

'The chemical agent will likely seep into the ground, drip, or risk spillage or too much product being used, and this puts surrounding plants' and trees' health at risk.’ 

‘Additionally, people can endanger themselves with chemical stump-removing formulas. So make sure no garden or crop is too close and that it's an area where children don't play.’

How to remove a tree stump with Epsom salt

When researching how to remove a tree stump, you may have heard of epsom salt or rock salt being recommended. 

This is a widely available, low-cost solution if you aren’t in a hurry, and the process is similar to rotting the stump.

How long does Epsom salt take to kill a stump?

How long Epsom salt takes to kill a stump depends on the size and tree type, but you can expect it to take effect within six months. A large stump could take as long as a year to break down.

(Image credit: Srdjan Radevic / EyeEm / Getty Images)

How to burn a tree stump

Another method of removing a tree stump is to burn it, which requires less man power than digging it out, and is also a lot faster than rotting it. 

However, this method is only suitable where the stump is not located close to buildings, trees or plants.

'The process can take up to two weeks of burning the stump daily,' says Stout. 'Before proceeding, you need to check if burning a tree stump is legal in your area based on local ordinances.'

What is the fastest way to remove a tree stump?

The fastest way to remove a tree stump is to use a tree stump grinder, which usually takes a few hours to completely grind it down.

Tree stump removal cost

‘Removing a tree stump costs around $450 on average and can be as expensive as $800,' says Hank Martin, CEO of Tree Musketeers. 'It's a separate process from a basic tree removal service, and the cost will depend on the size, type, location, roots, and condition of the soil.'

Meanwhile, Tadewaldt advises that you should expect to pay a minimum of $200 for the job, so it's worth getting more than one quote. 

‘However, you can rent all the tools from local vendors for around $300 per day if you want to handle it 100 per cent DIY.’

(Image credit: Teresa Lett / Getty Images)

Issues with removing tree stumps

Whatever tree stump removal route you take, you should check for any wildlife before starting work.

'Be cognizant of what can lurk around – or in – stumps,' says Byington. 'I recently encountered a formidable population of brown recluse spiders within a large old stump and was grateful to have shone my flashlight and analyzed the area thoroughly.  

'Venomous spiders such as recluses and black widows love wood, especially dark, dank wood. From spiders and snakes to rabbits and mice, a variety of creatures regard stumps as home!'

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

7 ways to remove the stump without uprooting. Photo, video

Sometimes you have to part with the trees on the site. There are enough reasons for this, maybe it got too big or stopped bearing fruit and got sick. Removing a tree from a site can be time-consuming and sometimes costly. But the most unpleasant thing is when, after cutting down a tree, your work has stalled on a stubborn stump. And all thoughts are only about how to remove this stupid stump!

The most interesting thing is that the extensive root system of the stump continues to give young shoots, and the stump itself continues to grow and not rot. And continues to live for a long time after the tree has been cut down. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to rid your yard of an annoyingly stubborn stump. So, how do you remove a stump without uprooting?

  • DO NOT use diesel fuel
  • Frequently asked questions about how to kill the stump
    • Does the stump remover kill the grass?
    • What can be put on a stump to make it rot?
    • Will bleach kill the stump?
    • What is the best way to kill stumps?
    • How long does Epsom salt take to kill a stump?
  • Conclusion

    • Physical Stump Removal

    If you need to remove the stump as soon as possible, you can deal with it quickly by digging, crushing or burning. Physical removal methods come with some problems. Let's take a closer look at each of these methods to find out if they are right for you or not.

    Digging out the stump

    For small stumps, up to about 30 cm in diameter, digging out may be the most practical solution. Digging requires only basic hand tools, not special equipment or renting a large and expensive machine. This is a time-consuming process, but it can be done with the right tools.

    To dig a stump, you will need a sturdy shovel, a hoe and a metal bar. A narrow shovel with a medium-length handle that digs deep and easily maneuvers around a dense root base. The hoe cuts roots like an ax and easily loosens compacted soil. Use a twig to dig deep or narrow places and pull out stubborn roots.

    To remove a stump, start by loosening the soil around it with a hoe. Clear loose soil with a shovel. When the roots are exposed, cut through them with a hoe or an axe. Continue working down and in from all sides to the main root under the stump. Use a twig to loosen the soil underneath the stump or pry the side of the stump for extra work space. When the taproot is exposed, use the sharp edge of a hoe to pierce it. Remove the stump with the root ball and any large roots.

    Burn the stump

    If the stump is completely dry, it can be burned out. This method may take longer than digging and does not completely remove roots below soil level, but may give satisfactory results with slightly less physical effort.

    Before starting a fire, clear the area of ​​flammable materials and dig up the ground within a radius of at least 5 meters from the stump. Also, run a garden hose connected to the water to quickly extinguish any flames that ignite outside the area of ​​the burning stump. Finally, schedule time to be near the stump at all times while it burns. This can take quite a long time, depending on the size, type of wood, moisture content, weather conditions, and many other variables.

    Now the hard part. Setting fire to a stump is not as easy as it seems. Dousing it with flammable liquid is not a good idea. It's dangerous and really not that effective. The liquid tends to burn without actually igniting the stump. Instead, build a fire at the top of the stump and keep it burning. To speed up the process, improve airflow by digging up the soil at the base of the stump. Fire needs oxygen, so the more it is exposed to it, the faster it will burn.

    Grind the stump

    Grind the stump can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours or more. You can hire someone to do this job, but it's an easy process to do on your own. Stump removal machines are available from equipment rental companies. If you are doing this yourself, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear when using the stump grinder, including safety goggles and hearing protection.

    The process of crushing stumps can be hazardous to the operator and bystanders. The machine grinds to a depth of about 20 cm, throwing debris to the sides. The risks of using a stump grinder are associated with wood chips or stones flying in all directions.

    Communications may be cut off. Before grinding the stump, find out if you have any communications - electricity, water or communication lines - so that you can avoid damaging them. Keep bystanders (and pets too) away from the work area while working.

    Stump Destroyer at Home

    If you have enough time, you can use household tools to destroy the stump. The natural processes of decay will weaken the wood, allowing you to remove it more easily. If the long and slow method suits you, consider using one of these simple and inexpensive home remedies that you may already have on hand.

    Epsom salt

    An excellent option, he was awarded a separate article. Luckily, there is a favorite bath product that doubles as a simple stump remover: Epsom salts. Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a naturally occurring compound of magnesium, sulfur and oxygen, which are essential plant nutrients. But in high concentration, it draws moisture out of the stump, killing it within a month or more.

    Start the destruction of the stump by drilling holes with a diameter of 80 to 130 mm, about 8 cm from the edge of the stump. Try to make them as deep as possible, spaced about 2-3 cm apart. When you have made enough (the more the better) holes in the stump, cover them with Epsom salts and add water. But not too much. It is needed only in order to soak the stump with a solution without spilling it out. Then sprinkle the entire top of the stump with Epsom salt. Then cover the stump with a thick film or tarp. Then rainwater will not wash the secret ingredient out of the holes. This process can take about a month or more, the solution will eventually cut off the moisture supply to the roots and they will dry out, allowing you to easily uproot the stump and get rid of it forever.

    Rock Salt

    Rock salt is another versatile product that can help get rid of unwanted stumps, but caution is warranted here. Like Epsom salt, it kills by drawing vital moisture from the stump. Although rock salt is a natural substance that takes about the same time to break down as Epsom salt, it is less desirable.

    Rock salt or sodium chloride contains the elements sodium and chlorine. These elements not only kill stumps, but also have an adverse effect on useful plants. If the salt concentration in the soil is too high, sodium and chloride replace the phosphorus and potassium needed by plants, causing deficiency and plant death. Look out for other home remedies that use salt water to kill poison ivy and other hard-to-kill weeds.

    Light starvation

    If you want a natural, additive-free approach to stump removal, try this option. Trees and shoots that grow on stumps need light for photosynthesis, so why not turn it off? To blackout a tree, you'll need a large tarp or sheet of black plastic and a large amount of organic waste, such as wood chips, fallen leaves, or grass clippings.

    First cut the tree as close to the ground as possible. Then cover the stump and as many exposed roots as possible with a tarp. Finally, pile the organic waste on top of a tarp at least 30 cm thick. Shoots may develop from the exposed part of the root zone, but the stump will slowly weaken and die. The option is not fast, but covered and forgotten. After 3-5 months, the stump can be removed with a shovel.

    Chemicals

    Most chemicals are labeled "Use only as directed". We agree with this. Although there are a huge number of chemicals that can effectively destroy stumps, perhaps in the same way as Epsom salts. Many of them cause collateral damage to nearby plants, animals, or people. What is the point when there are better and safer alternatives? With that in mind, read on for a few well-known examples.

    Stump Remover

    Many chemical products designed to remove stumps are made with potassium nitrate. This compound contains potassium, nitrogen and oxygen, which reduce the time of natural decay from several years to 4-6 weeks. This is environmentally friendly and is a fairly quick method.

    Removers are most effective when used on old, dead stumps. If you are dealing with a freshly cut tree, start with a stump killer based on products containing systemic insecticides such as triclopyr to kill roots and prevent shoot regrowth. Apply the chemical to the top of the stump within a few minutes of making a fresh cut so that the product quickly soaks into the remaining stump and roots. If the stump was cut off not so long ago, but not 10 minutes ago, then you can drill holes as in the version with salt.

    DO NOT use bleach

    Bleach is not sold as a herbicide and should not be used on plants. The dangers outweigh the minor benefits. As noted earlier in the rock salt segment, chlorine is indeed a naturally occurring element, but it creates problems for desired plants when concentrated in the soil. The truth is that applying the high concentration needed to kill a stump can expose adjacent grass, shrubs, and perennials to toxic levels of chlorine and greatly increase soil pH. Instead, save the bleach for more appropriate uses.

    DO NOT use motor oil

    There is no good reason to use motor stump oil instead of one of the above products. Plus, a liter of motor oil costs about the same as a stump killer, which is a tried and tested product for just that purpose.

    DO NOT use diesel fuel

    Diesel is popular as a stump burning base because it does not explode like gasoline. However, as noted, the addition of a flammable liquid to the process will not provide the sustained, sustained combustion required to eliminate the stump. As a chemical stump killer, it will likely have an effect too. But judge for yourself, you need to buy a canister and some diesel fuel. Perhaps instead it makes sense to purchase specialized solutions or Epsom salts?

    Frequently asked questions about how to kill the stump

    Does the stump remover kill the grass?

    Stump remover pellets, made from potassium nitrate, specifically designed to kill stumps, will not kill grass. In fact, they are made up of compounds that break down into plant-friendly nutrients.

    What can be put on a stump to make it rot?

    Mushrooms are the most efficient organisms for breaking down wood fiber, so you can plant fungal spores in a stump. An old method of speeding up the decomposition of a stump is to cut grooves in the stump, sprinkle earth on top, and cover the stump with a tarp to promote microbial growth.

    Will bleach kill the stump?

    No studies have shown that bleach is an effective stump killer.

    What is the best way to kill stumps?

    The best stump killer is a systemic stump killer herbicide, such as triclopyr, applied directly to the fresh cut of the stump.

    How long does Epsom salt take to kill a stump?

    The Epsom Salt Method requires 8 to 10 weeks to kill the stump as directed above.

    Conclusion

    If left to rot naturally, a large stump can take decades to die and decompose. Meanwhile, it can cause many difficulties, from unsightly appearance to walking obstacle hazards and more. To get rid of the problem, you have several reasonable and effective options. For complete removal, when all the big roots should be gone, grab your tools and dig out the stump. Shredding stumps is a quick and easy solution for large stumps, but the bottom of the taproot will be left to rot naturally.

    Chemical stump removal is cheaper and requires less time and effort. But be careful to avoid unproven and unnecessarily risky household chemicals. Choose Epsom salts to kill stumps in the bud and make later removal easier. If removal is necessary but not urgent, apply stump remover pellets to speed up the process of breaking down already dead stumps. These products work slowly, but greatly facilitate the laborious process of destroying stumps on the site.

    What means do you use? Share names and experiences in the comments! If you liked the article, share it with your friends on social networks!

    Stock images from Depositphotos were used in this article.

    Balashov Daniil. Freelance writer

    methods of chemical removal of trees and stumps using saltpeter, urea and other reagents

    Chemical removal of stumps (butt and rhizome) is based on the processes that occur in wood under the influence of various reagents.

    Exposure to the right reagent not only kills all wood, including even roots that are not too large, but also destroys all pathogens of trunk and roots.

    At the same time, each of the methods has one or another negative effect on the soil , so the method of chemical action must be chosen taking into account this effect in order to minimize harm to the subsequent use of this piece of land.

    Unfortunately, chemical action cannot destroy the stump and root system, which is why dead wood will need to be burned or uprooted.

    Therefore, chemical action is most often used in the fight against pathogens and in cases where it is necessary not only to pull out the butt with roots, but also to prevent the germination of the remnants of the root system.

    For more information on how to remove stumps from trees in various ways, including uprooting and burning, you will find here.

    Contents

    When is tree stump removal justified?

    As a result of removing wood with chemicals without uprooting , aggressive substances enter the soil, which negatively affect many plants.

    Some of these substances can be neutralized in various ways, making the soil suitable for planting, but if construction is planned on the cleared area, then these substances will not affect the properties of the soil in any way.

    Therefore, chemical destruction and removal of stumps should be used only if the side effects do not affect the further use of the land in any way or can be neutralized.

    Most effective chemical uprooting in relation to trees growing wild and located next to buildings . Many wild-growing breeds are distinguished by survivability, therefore, even after mechanical removal of most of the root, shoots are released and continue to grow.

    With the right preparations, you can completely stop their growth and destroy most of the root system, after which the site can be used in any way.

    Chemical uprooting is also the most effective in relation to the root system of diseased trees. The thing is that pathogens infect groundwater, which can lead to an epidemic among other plants.

    Mechanical or manual uprooting does not remove all roots, and it is not always possible to burn off the remains, so the only reliable way to combat such diseases is chemical destruction of the roots. Learn more about how to remove stumps and roots chemically.

    Popular drugs and their uses

    Here is a list of the most popular reagents that are used to destroy tree stumps and root systems:

    Saltpeter and urea

    These reagents (potassium and ammonium nitrate, as well as urea) are used where it is possible to burn the stump after processing.

    After all, they do not destroy the wood, but sharply increase its flammability , because of which even the roots flare up from a small fire.

    For their application drill holes with a diameter of 10-50 mm, the location of the holes depends on the method of removal of the tree.

    On sawn stumps they drill vertically, evenly distributing holes along the cut, on broken ones they drill a trunk, placing holes around the entire perimeter.

    Hole spacing - 5-10 cm . If the barrel is drilled from the outside, then the drill is directed at an angle of 20–40 degrees so that the reagent does not spill out.

    Any kind of saltpeter or urea is poured into the prepared holes (no need to mix them together) to the top, then a little water is poured in order for the granules to settle, and the holes are closed with a wooden, clay or plasticine stopper.

    A wooden cork is made from a thick branch with a knife so that it enters the hole by 1-2 mm with a noticeable effort. Then it is inserted into the hole filled with reagent and hammered with a hammer so that it sinks 1-2 cm. The protruding remains of branches are not cut off so as not to loosen the cork.

    Clay plug can be made from clay or surface soil by crushing the soil and adding a little water.

    The amount of water is determined empirically - after thorough mixing, the consistency of the clay should be similar to a very thick dough or not very hard plasticine.

    The clay is put into the hole until it is full and compacted with a finger, gradually adding more. Plasticine cork is also made, only plasticine is used instead of clay.

    After 1–2 years, the roots are dug up and a small fire is laid around the trunk .

    If you do not know how to dig in the roots, we recommend reading the article Manual uprooting.

    Then the fire is lit and the fire from the burning stump does not spread to neighboring trees, buildings or grass.

    While the stump impregnated with reagents “ripens”, the soil around it is filled with nitrogen-containing substances , so it is advisable to plant any fruit plants at a distance of 4–5 meters from it. This distance is enough for the amount of nitrates to drop to a safe level.

    After burning the stump, the hole is covered with old and new soil, then inedible plants are planted that produce a large amount of green mass. In autumn, all the greenery collected from the plant must be burned in order to completely utilize the nitrogenous compounds unsuitable for plants and people.

    Next year the site is ready to accept any plants. If construction work is planned at this place, then you can start it immediately after the pit cools down.

    This method is ineffective against diseases of plants with a widely branched root system , because the reagents will not damage pathogens located significantly below the combustion zone. In addition, it cannot be used on peaty soils, because a burning stump will set fire to peat, and an underground fire will start, which is very difficult to extinguish.

    Copper or iron sulfate

    Both substances are very toxic and kill any bacteria living in the wood, so they are used to disinfect the roots of diseased trees. Preparations are applied in the same way as saltpeter, only holes are made with a diameter of 5–8 mm and a depth of 5–10 cm. After the wood dies, the roots must be dug up and uprooted in any way or, overlaid with firewood, burned.

    These reagents must not be used near metal pipes, as they will drastically increase all corrosion processes.

    In addition, within a radius of 3–5 meters, the content of these substances will increase, which will negatively affect the vital activity of microorganisms involved in soil restoration, so any plants will grow poorly there for several years .

    If the roots were not removed, but burned, then this period will increase to tens of years. If the roots are uprooted, then in 2–3 years the level of these substances will decrease, after which the soil will gradually recover.

    Table salt

    This reagent completely kills the roots and any microorganisms that live in them in 1-2 months. They are introduced in the same way as both types of vitriol.

    If the area around the tree is to be used as a road or a concrete pad, the stump and roots can be burned after dying. In all other cases, they must be uprooted, otherwise an excess of salt will make the soil barren for decades, and any iron product will quickly rust.

    When is the best time to treat?

    If there is rot in a broken tree, or the roots are affected by some kind of disease, then you can add vitriol or salt at any time of the year , because the fight against the disease and the prevention of an epidemic of trees comes first.

    If there is no urgency, then it is advisable to apply all types of reagents after the end of the autumn rainy season , 1-3 weeks before the onset of frost.

    During this time, the reagents will penetrate below the soil level and will impregnate the wood even during frost. In addition, the lack of rain will not wash out the reagent and reduce its effectiveness.

    Safety precautions

    Ammonium and potassium nitrates are explosive combustible substances, so they must be used with extreme caution.

    Do not smoke while handling. 1-3 months after laying the saltpeter in the wood, active processes occur associated with the release of combustible gases, so you can not smoke or make a fire near the stump treated with these reagents.

    Copper and iron sulphate in a dry state are safe for human skin, but when working with them, you must use a respirator, goggles and gloves.

    After adding water, vitriol crystals will quickly turn into a toxic liquid that can burn the skin. Especially dangerous is the ingress of crystals and drops on the mucous parts of the body.

    Salt is safe when dry and takes a long time to dissolve in water. No safety precautions are required when working with coarse salt , however goggles must be worn when working with fine salt as unexpected gusts of wind can blow it into the eye.

    To reduce the risk of fire during the burning of the stump and roots, a circular earthen mound ≥50 cm high should be built around the pit. Burning wood should not be left unattended, because it can shoot fairly large sparks that fly 5–10 meters and only go out after a few minutes.

    In addition, should always have a fire extinguisher on hand and, preferably, a hose connected to the water supply - this will help to extinguish a fire starting far from the stump.

    Do not stand on the lee side of burning wood, because it, impregnated with saltpeter or urea, releases toxic substances when burned.

    Learn more