HOW TO KILL A TREE STUMP THAT KEEPS GROWING

Once you cut a tree down, you have to deal with the unsightly stump. There are ways both cost effective and expensive that can allow you to make your yard stump free.

Typically, cutting a tree down is not that difficult. The difficulty lies in getting rid of the unsightly stump. However, there are ways to remove the stump, so all is not lost. This article offers cost-effective removal tips, as well as professional services, that can rid your yard of stumps.

Cost Effective Removal
The roots of the tree will continue to feed the stump. If you pour Epson Salt on the roots and stump, the salt will kill the roots. Rock Salt or “ice cream salt” will also kill the remains of a stump. You may have to cut the stump to the ground, then put the salt on the stump and cover it with dirt, but this should remove the stump. You can buy a product from your farm supply store or co-op. This product contains bacteria that will eventually cause the stump to rot or decay.

Chopping the stump repeatedly and setting it on fire can kill the stump. Once the stump is on fire, continue adding long burning items like wood until the stump is burned away. If the stump is small, chop it repeatedly until it is nearly mush. Leave the stump alone for a few days, and then you can dig the stump up out of the ground.

Cut the stump back as far as you can, and cover it with a black plastic feed store bucket. You will need to put something on top of the bucket to keep it from blowing off. Keeping light from the stump will keep it from re-sprouting, and the stump will die.

If you would like to take a more natural approach to stump removal, start by drilling holes in the stumps. After you drill the holes, fill them with a high nitrogen fertilizer. If you keep the stump moist, the nitrogen will feed the fungi, which naturally decomposes wood. Building a compost pile over the stump will speed up the decomposing process as well.

If you are not in a hurry, there is a more decorative removal option. Hollow out the stumps, fill them with potting soil, and use them as planters. The stumps will last only a few years as you water and fertilize the plants. The stumps will eventually decompose.

Chemical and Professional Removal
Caustic Soda (sodium hydroxide) solution will kill a tree stump. This product can be found at any hardware/paint shop. Make a solution of 1 part Caustic Soda and 2 parts water, and pour the solution over the tree stump. You might have to apply the solution 3 or 4 times before the stump is completely removed.

You can hire a professional who owns a stump grinder. They will come and grind the stump into sawdust. You can the use the sawdust for mulch. You will need soil to fill in the hole left by the stump.

Stumps are unwanted nuisances to many people. Unfortunately, when you have to cut down a tree, you are left with these unsightly reminders. Whether you want to pay to have the stump removed or go with a more cost-effective method of removal, you can rid yourself of the stumps left behind.