How to Kill a Tree Stump 4 Different Ways (2024)

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Kill a Tree Stump by Covering It

The simplest and most environmentally friendly method to kill a tree stump is to simply cover the stump with a tarp. Covering the stump will not only kill it but accelerate the decomposition of the stump.

1. Choose a Tarp

   Choose a waterproof and lightproof tarp for this method.

   

2. Cover it Up

   • Tightly cover the tree stump with the tarp.
   • Tie a heavy rope around the stump to keep the tarp in place.
     
   • Hammer stakes around the tree stump to further secure the tarp. Use heavy rocks as an alternative.

   

3. Remove the Tarp

   Wait between six to 18 months before removing the tarp from the stump. When the tarp is removed, the stump will be well on its way to rotting away. This method takes a very long time and is not aesthetically pleasing while waiting.

   

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How to Kill a Tree Stump With Epsom Salt

One of the easiest methods to kill a tree stump and its root system is to use 100 percent Epsom salt. The magnesium sulfate in the Epsom salt draws the essential moisture from the plant in a process called desiccation, which is the drying out of a living organism.

Besides the low cost and easiness, the benefit of using this method is that it is very safe for the environment and the soil even after the unwanted tree stump has been killed. The drawback is that it takes two to three months or more for the roots and the stump to die completely.

1. Drill Holes

   Drill numerous holes into the stump; the larger the stump, the more holes you need to drill. The deeper the holes, the better. Use a 1/2-inch drill bit.

   

2. Fill Holes

   Fill the holes with Epsom salt and tamp down to compress the salt.

   Tip

   Use rock salt if you don't have Epsom salts, though it will still take several weeks or months for the process to work. Instead of covering the rock salt with a tarp, pack soil over the packed holes and water every few days to dissolve the salt. Avoid table salt, it is not strong enough to dry out the tree stump and roots and may harm the soil.

   

3. Soak the Stump

   Soak the top of the stump with water from a garden hose or pail, trying not to disturb the Epsom salts so that they come up out of the holes. The goal is to dissolve the salt inside the holes, allowing it to be slowly absorbed into the tree.

   

4. Cover the Stump and Wait

   • Cover the stump tightly with a lightproof, waterproof tarp.
   • Tie a heavy rope around the stump to keep the tarp in place.
     
   • Hammer stakes around the tree stump to further secure the tarp. Use heavy rocks as an alternative.
   • Remove the tarp in a few months. The stump will be dead and the wood will be noticeably soft and crumble to the touch.
     

   

How to Kill a Tree Stump With a Controlled Burn

Controlled burning with kerosene to kill a tree stump is most safely done in less populated areas. You must first call the local government and check that it's legal to have a controlled burn of a stump.

While burning a stump out can kill it quickly, in as little as a day, it takes preparation and is time-consuming because you need to be constantly present while the burning occurs.

Safety is a top priority. Before you begin, examine the area above and around the stump and ensure nothing within 20 feet of the stump is flammable. Do not use this method if the stump is near other trees, plants, or buildings. Ensure you always have a fire extinguisher close by, and perform the burn with an assistant to help.

1. Clear the Grounds

   Inspect the area around the stump and clear anything flammable on the ground, raking away leaves, sticks, and unattached grass.

   Warning

   The process of burning out a stump can take up to 24 hours (possibly longer). However, root structures can often smolder underground for weeks and spread fire to nearby foundations. Make sure there is nothing nearby. If the roots interfere with a septic system, a fire can cause a methane explosion.

2. Drill Holes

   Drill holes into the stump as deeply as possible or at least 8 inches. The drill bit should be larger to create a deep, wide cavity.
   

3. Pour in Kerosene

   Insert a funnel into one of the holes and carefully pour kerosene into the hole, repeating until each hole is filled.
   

4. Remove Traces of Kerosene

   Do not skip this step for your safety. Take all precautions before tackling Step 5.

   • Clean your hands of all kerosene you may have spilled.
   • Change your clothes in case there's kerosene on them.
   • Or, have an assistant who did not touch the kerosene handle this step. or have your partner perform this step.
     

5. Light the Stump

   You are going to aim for a long, slow, controlled burn that will slowly smoke and burn the tree from the inside outwards and downwards.

   • Use a long safety match to light the top of the stump.
   • Keeping your face as far away as possible from the match as you light the stump. Stay far from the stump.
   • Step back and watch the fire and do not add any more accelerants.
     

6. Break up Roots

   • Wait for the stump to become a cool pile of ash that is no longer smoldering.
   • Use a shovel to break up any remaining roots.
     

7. Dispose of Burnt Pieces

   Shovel the burned bits of the stump and roots into a fire-safe container.
   

8. Fill Hole

   Add fresh soil to the hole using a shovel.

How to Kill a Tree Stump With Herbicide

One of the quickest but also the most environmentally damaging methods of killing a tree stump involves using a systemic herbicide meant for woody plants and shrubs. Using an herbicide such as Triclopyr is especially effective. This will damage various broadleaf plants, so its application must be done carefully.

Using a systemic herbicide to kill a tree stump is an easy task requiring a few more safety steps before starting and adding some new wounds if the stump was not recently cut. You can begin with just the safety equipment if the stump is freshly cut.

1. Make the Wounds

   • Drill as many fresh wounds into the tree stump as possible. This is important to do if the stump has remained in the landscape for a while after the tree has been cut down. Fresh wounds allow for better chemical absorption.
   • Use an electric sander to break the stump's calluses.
     

2. Apply the Herbicide

   Dip a foam paintbrush into the herbicide and thoroughly paint the stump's top. The herbicide will be drawn into the tree and its roots and completely die within days.
   

3. Dispose of Supplies

   Wrap the brush in paper towels or newspaper, remove gloves, and dispose of them.
   

How to Dig Up a Tree Stump

Manually removing a tree stump is best for small trees but it is still a laborious process. This method requires digging around and under the stump, exposing the root ball, severing the tree's taproot, and removing the stump.

1. Dig Around the Stump

   • Use a mattock or pickaxe to dig around the stump to loosen dirt.
   • Wash away dirt to expose roots using a hose or pressure washer as you dig.
     

2. Sever Roots

   Chop away tree roots using a saw, bow saw, ax, or another tool.
   

   Warning

   Only use an ax if you are familiar with handling one. Though it is effective, it can be unwieldy and dangerous if you do not have experience with the tool.

3. Dig Under the Root Ball

   • Dig your way under the root ball to find the tree's taproot.
   • Clear away dirt on the taproot using a wet rag.
     

4. Cut the Taproot

   Aim carefully with a saw, bow saw, pickax, mattock, or ax to sever the taproot.

5. Remove the Stump

   • Pull the stump from the hole once the taproot is severed.
   • Use ropes, chains, or a vehicle to assist you in removing a heavy stump.
   • Fill the hole with clean dirt.
     

How to Grind a Tree Stump

If you are willing to tackle the mechanics of this job, then renting and using a stump grinder from a home improvement store can quickly kill a tree stump. Use a grinder on a short stump that is about a foot tall. The machine will also take out roots and more that are less than a foot under the ground. As a result, you will have a clean cavity in your dirt.

1. Cut the Stump to Size

   • Measure the stump to make sure it's no taller than 14 inches from the ground.
   • Cut the stump down to size with a chainsaw if it is too tall.
     

2. Position the Grinder

   • Roll the machine up to the stump.
   • Position the blade per the machine's instructions.
   • Move the blade back and forth to reduce the stump to ground level.

3. Remove the Wood

   • Remove the wood and roots in between rounds with the grinder.
   • Continue grinding until the cavity is clear and there are no more pieces of stumps or roots.

4. Fill the Hole

   • Rake wood chips or mulch into the hole to fill it up.
   • Remove excess wood and repurpose it as mulch.