Quck answer
To kill and remove a tree stump, follow these steps:
1. Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible using a chainsaw or handsaw.
2. Drill several holes into the stump, about 1 inch apart and 8-10 inches deep.
3. Fill the holes with a high-nitrogen fertilizer or stump remover.
4. Pour water into the holes to moisten the fertilizer.
5. Cover the stump with a tarp or plastic sheet to prevent rainwater from diluting the chemicals.
6. Wait for 4-6 weeks for the stump to decay and soften.
7. Use an axe or shovel to break apart the softened stump.
8. Remove the broken pieces and fill the hole with soil.
Remember to wear protective gear and follow safety precautions when dealing with tree stumps.
Once you have reduced a tree to a stump, the task is not complete. The stump can pose a hazard, be an eyesore, and potentially obstruct future construction plans. It can also attract unwanted pests, such as termites. Fortunately, removing a tree stump does not require professional expertise thanks to some clever and simple methods.
Physical Removal
Depending on the size of the stump, physically removing it may be a viable option. By using hand tools like a shovel and ax, you can gradually chop off small sections of the stump. Digging a trench around the perimeter will help expose the main root sections, which can also be chopped off. Once all the roots are gone, you can use the shovel to pry the remaining stump out of the ground.
For larger stumps and higher budgets, renting a stump grinder is recommended. This machine is maneuvered by walking behind it, and its powerful rotating head grinds the stump on the spot. You can choose to grind the stump to ground level or below the surface.
Always wear protective eye gear, long pants, long sleeves, and gloves when physically removing a stump, whether using hand tools or power tools. Flying wood chips can cause damage to the skin and eyes.
Chemical Removal
Wouldn’t it be great if removing a tree stump was as simple as slicing through butter? Chemical-assisted stump removal brings you close to that dream by decomposing and softening the stump.
To begin, purchase a chemical stump remover. Follow the instructions and wear gloves when applying it. While the specific instructions may vary depending on the product, the general process involves drilling large, deep holes into the top (and sometimes the side) of the stump. The herbicide is then poured into these holes and left to sit for four to six weeks.
After this time, chopping the stump should be significantly easier. You may need to reapply the chemical remover to completely eliminate the stump to ground level or below.
Burning a Stump
If local burn regulations permit and the stump’s location allows for it, burning may be a viable option. However, it is important to prioritize fire safety by clearing away any vegetation surrounding the stump and keeping children and animals away from the fire.
Start by drilling holes in the stump about 1 inch apart and at a 30-degree angle. Fill each hole with saltpeter (potassium nitrate) and then pour in hot water. Use a small stick to stir the saltpeter until it dissolves. Allow the stump to sit for at least a week to absorb the water, which will cause the stump to smolder internally.
Place scrap wood or charcoal on top of the stump and ignite it. The stump will break down along with these initial materials. The process may take several days, and you may need to reignite the fire. Keep a close watch on the stump if you choose this method.
Accelerating the Natural Decay Process Using Epsom Salt
If you leave stumps untouched for a significant amount of time, they will eventually break down. However, if you want to remove a stump without waiting too long, you can speed up the natural process by utilizing Epsom salt.
To begin with, try to reduce the size of the stump as much as possible by trimming it with a chainsaw until it is just an inch or two above the ground. Then, drill large holes with a wide diameter around the outer edges of the stump, aiming to make them as deep as possible (10 inches or more is ideal). Fill these holes with Epsom salt.
To enhance the decomposition process, cover the stump with a tarp to trap heat and prevent external moisture from entering. Every six weeks or so, check on the stump to remove any decomposed debris, drill new holes if the old ones have deteriorated, and add more Epsom salt.
In the end, some physical effort will always be necessary to eliminate a tree stump, but the use of Epsom salt or commercial stump-killing products can make the task more efficient.
