How to Kill a Tree Stump, According to Experts—And Why It’s Important for Your Yard’s Health

Stumped on how to keep your lawn healthy? Clear your yard (and ward off pests in the process) with help from our handy guideIf you’ve removed a tree on your property and you’re concerned about pest control, you might want to read up on how to remove a tree stump.Photo: Marc DufresneRemoving a tree from your property can be daunting, especially considering you can’t just shout “Timber!” and move on: You might need to know how to kill a tree stump as well. Just as an ailing or overgrown tree may put your roof, patio, or parked cars at risk if limbs start dropping, an untended tree stump may well cause underground damage to pipes or the foundation of your home as its roots keep spreading.So your upcoming arboreal project may start with tree removal, but it’s important for the health of your lawn and your home to learn how to kill a tree stump in the aftermath. Even if you don’t plan to use the space where the tree once stood, according to the arborists we consulted, a tree stump left just sitting around can cause a host of new problems. While there’s more than one way to remove a tree stump, the consensus is universal: To consider tree removal truly complete, you’ll need to kill a tree stump, too.“Old stumps attract pests, harbor fungi, and become tripping hazards,” says Melissa Rolston, chief strategy officer at Paramount Landscaping. “Some even try to regrow. Removing them protects your soil, prevents infestation, and keeps your yard design intentional.”Rolston adds that the pest problem an unattended rotting tree stump causes can spread. Insects like ants and termites that might be drawn to a tempting tree stump can multiply and affect an entire property, potentially damaging healthy plant life directly and/or by spreading fungi or pathogens to nearby trees and plants. That “dead” tree stump may well become the launchpad for invaders that are very much alive—and very harmful to your yard.Photo: Lacy Frechette/Getty ImagesGoldenrodThis is one of the hardiest fall flowers because it’s a native fall-blooming perennial, says Elizabeth Brown, gardener and author of The Beginner’s Cut Flower Garden. “Many people think of goldenrod as a roadside weed, but when planted in a more formal garden or next to the purple blooms of an aster plant, they appear quite regal,” she says. Not to mention, the plant brings birds to the yard, and as the days become shorter, the vibrant yellow blossoms of this plant offer a cheerful bit of color. Brown suggests planting seeds in the winter—also called winter sowing—so that the roots have time to establish before the next fall. Opt for a location in full sun and watch this flower tower over the rest.Now that we’ve established a few of the reasons why you might need to kill a tree stump, read on to learn about a few methods you can use to get rid of a tree stump for good. Note that if the first approach fails to work on a truly tough tree stump, you can then move on to the second or third technique. If time isn’t a factor (as in, you’re not in a tree-stump removal rush to build a new patio or solarium), then the fourth approach is the least invasive in terms of impact on your property’s ecosystem.How to kill a tree stumpPreliminary step: Size it up firstBefore you decide which tree stump removal method you’re going with to remove the stump in question, you should figure out how big of a job it is—literally. Stumps of different sizes call for different removal approaches, says Sara Gottlieb, founder and CEO of Liminal Gardens.“Start by measuring the diameter of the flat, cut surface at its widest point, while accounting for any large bulges or irregular shapes,” says Gottlieb. “You’ll also want to consider the ground-level root flare, surface roots, and the height of the stump above the ground. Together, these measurements help give you a better sense of the stump’s overall size. A stump under 12 inches in diameter would generally be considered small, while one measuring more than 30 inches would be considered large. Surface roots and stump height should also factor into your assessment.”Small stumps can be ground out in a matter of minutes, whereas massive stumps may be too big for practical grinding. Chemical or fire stump removal can cause enough damage to large stumps that they are indeed “killed” and might not need full removal; the roots will stop growing if the stump is effectively killed off. For medium-sized stumps, it’s more a matter of your budget, patience, and DIY know-how when it comes to which method you choose from the options below.1. Use chemicals—with care—to kill a tree stumpAlmost every expert we reached out to for tree-stump removal tips recommended using a chemical herbicide to quickly and effectively vanquish unwanted tree stumps. For many of our pros, it was the top suggestion. Benjamin Hanley of Hanley Landscape Design tells AD that “targeted herbicides like glyphosate (potassium nitrate) or triclopyr can be applied directly to a fresh cut or in drilled holes in the stump to kill the root system.” This can be a highly effective way to completely kill off a stump, but be warned: Those chemicals can be dangerous. It’s crucial to use proper protection—and to keep kids and pets at bay—if you’re using this tree-stump removal method.Materials needed for killing a tree stump using herbicides:· Water· TarpHerbicide has been applied into the drilled holes of this tree stump. Photo: Alan MorrisHow to kill a tree stump using chemical herbicides:1. Cut the stump as low to the ground as possible, then drill holesUse a chainsaw to cut the stump down as short as you safely can. Next, drill multiple holes down into the stump, with the goal of sinking them at least eight to 10 inches down.2. While wearing safety gear, apply the herbicide, then add waterGenerously pour your herbicide of choice down into each of the holes you drilled, taking extra care not to get any of the powder or liquid on exposed skin or anywhere near your face. Then pour about a cup of water into each hole to activate the chemicals.3. Cover the stump snugly with the tarp, then check on it from time to timeCover the treated tree stump with a tarp. Secure the tarp with bungees, ropes, rocks, or a combination of items heavy enough to keep it down tightly. Within a matter of days, that stump should be effectively dead, but the process may stretch out a bit depending on the stump’s resilience. (See below FAQ on how long it takes to kill a tree stump.)“The tarp keeps rain out and helps retain heat and moisture, speeding up decomposition,” says Gabe Boersma of Top It or Drop It Tree Service. He advises checking on the treated stump every few weeks, and “within a few months, the stump should be soft enough to break apart with an axe or shovel.”2. Grind the tree stump outFor smaller tree stumps, you may be able to simply rip the stump and its root system out of the ground using a shovel, a pick, and some elbow grease. (Ask me about the seven or eight hours I spent battling the root structure of a rather small Japanese maple tree in the summer of 2017.) For larger stumps, “our preferred method of removal is to grind the stump,” says Hanley. “A grinder can be used to remove it below grade with minimal site disturbance. We often grind the root system as well. Homeowners can rent a compact stump grinder from a store like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or call your local tree company to grind it.”Be warned that a stump grinder can be a serious expense. “Renting [a stump grinder] typically costs between $300 and $500, while purchasing one outright can cost approximately $1,500 to $2,000,” says Gottlieb. Before choosing the stump-grinding approach, she advises you to make sure you have adequate access to and space around the stump for the grinding equipment. “Different types of grinders are suited to different stump sizes, and you’ll need enough room to maneuver the machine, along with an electrical hookup to power it.”Whether you rent or buy a stump grinder or hire professionals to come in and use one for you, this is the most expensive way to remove a tree stump. But it might be worth the money: Stump grinding is by far and away the fastest approach; it can be the most effective, as well.Materials needed for killing a tree stump by grinding it out:How to remove a stump using a stump grinder:1. Cut the stump as low to the ground as possible, then clear debrisIf you have a chainsaw and feel safe using it, cut the stump as low to the ground as you can. Then clear away as much debris as possible, as the chainsawing process will almost certainly kick up sawdust, fallen twigs, leaves, and loose rocks. Do not let your chainsaw hit the ground! Dirt not only dulls the chain instantly, but it can also cause dangerous kickback, send rocks and other debris flying, and generally be very, very bad. In fact, if there is visible dirt on any part of the stump you’ll be cutting, including roots, rinse off thoroughly with water, then let the stump dry fully before any sawing.2. Grind the stump using side-to-side motionsSet the stump grinder in place with its cutting wheel over the stump, then fire it up and slowly lower it down. Once the cutting wheel begins to make contact with the stump, move it from side to side and forward and back as needed to slowly grind away the tree stump.3. Cut the roots then fill the holeUse the stump grinder to sever and grind large tree roots you see exposed in the grind-down process; when you’re done grinding both the stump and the root system, be sure to fill the hole you have created with soil, packing it until it’s leveled off. Consider using the ground stump bits as mulch.It’s important to address the whole root system when killing a tree stump. Photo: Alexander Denisenko3. Kill the stump with fireIf you plan to use fire to kill a tree stump, please, put safety first, second, and third! Make sure there are no overhanging limbs that could combust; cut back and remove nearby grasses, brambles, and underbrush; and have a fire extinguisher ready to deal with any embers that float away.Despite the many hazards one must be aware of before choosing this tree-stump removal method, there are good arguments to be made for using fire to eliminate your tree stump. “The burning method deserves special attention because it does not require uprooting the stump by hand or using heavy equipment, which can be a challenge if the stump is in a hard-to-reach area,” says Josh Heston, co-owner of ALC Property Maintenance. “The process does not take much time but does require attention to safety.”Materials needed for killing a tree stump with fire:· Gasoline or lighter fluid· Fire extinguisher· Strips of cotton fabric· Safety glovesHow to (safely!) kill a tree stump with fire:1. Drill a large hole into the center of the stump, then drill side holesIdeally you would do this using a doorknob drill bit or one similar to it, making a large hole in the center of the stump and drilling down as far as you can. Then, with a smaller bit (think a half-inch), drill into the sides of the stump until you reach the main hole. (Take note: This approach will not work with extra-wide stumps, though you may be able to use it by drilling a series of holes down into the top of the stump and connecting to each hole from the side. It’s a process, to be sure, but this approach can be very effective and may be worth trying even for larger tree stumps.)2. Saturate the fabric with flame accelerant, then insert it into the hole and light itTaking great care (and wearing gloves), soak the strip or strips of cotton in gas or lighter fluid, then insert all but a few inches of the fabric into the center hole. Switch gloves for safety (be aware of gasoline residue) and then light the fabric. Make sure you are leaning well back from the hole as you apply flame, and remember to wear protective eyewear during this stage; no need for you to end up as a comical internet meme without eyebrows as a result of this process.3. Tend to the flames“In order for the stump to start burning from the inside, you need to provide an oxygen supply,” says Heston. “For this, periodically blow air through the side holes. Also, from time to time, toss in some dry branches into the central hole to maintain the flame inside.” And do not squirt in gas or lighter fluid; that’s riskier than it’s worth.4. Monitor the process, then make sure all flames have gone outIt may take several hours for a stump to burn up enough that it can be removed easily with shovels and picks. Even if you don’t plan to fully remove the stump—you just needed to kill it—the burning technique will work and is relatively low-impact.4. The “natural” method: time, patience, and salt to kill a tree stumpYou don’t need to use fire, harsh chemicals, or heavy machinery to kill a tree stump; you can opt for a much more “natural” approach—but it will take time. Essentially, for the “natural method,” per Boersma, you’ll use “the same equipment as with the chemical [approach], but swap out chemicals for epsom salt or rock salt.”Epsom salt or rock salt can be used to kill a tree stump. Photo: Amy ShaughnessyMaterials needed to kill a tree stump using epsom or rock salt:· Salts (epsom salt or rock salt)· Water· TarpHow to kill a tree stump using salts:1. Cut the stump as low to the ground as possible, then drill holesIf you have one, use a chainsaw and cut the stump as low as you safely can. (Again take heed of the notes above on chainsaw stump-removal safety, avoiding the blade from touching dirt or rocks and so on.) Then, drill several wide holes into the stump.2. Dump in the salts, then add waterPour in enough rock or epsom salt to fill each hole you drilled, then pour over enough water to fully saturate the salt. If the salt seems to all wash down into the hole, repeat the process one or two more times, adding more salt, then more water. If a stump is particularly porous (rotting, for example) then you may need to add salt and water two or more times.3. Wrap the stump snugly with the tarp, then check on it in a couple of monthsWrap the stump in a durable tarp and secure it in place. Then it’s time to play the waiting game. “This process is slow, taking 6 to 12 months, but is nontoxic and requires very little labor,” says Michael Clarke, the founder of Yardwork. Eventually, the stump will be so broken down that the ground will reclaim it or you can remove it with a shovel.Safety tips to note when killing a tree stumpOur experts stressed the need for caution around chemicals, fire, chainsaws, and the heavy machinery (like stump grinders) one might make use of to kill a tree stump, but safe stump removal also involves really knowing what’s going on under the ground, says Sal Bracale, president of Moon Valley Nurseries. “Always call utility companies before you dig; this is the best advice I would give. Safety is always a concern, so wear proper PPE [personal protective equipment].”Landscape designer Jarema Osofsky guides us on her fresh approach to celestial botanyAnd don’t ever use a brute-force approach to tree-stump removal, Bracale says. “[Killing a tree stump] is a lot of work and effort, but using unsafe techniques like a truck and a chain can cause serious injury if the chain comes off and backlashes toward a home or the truck.” You may well damage or ruin your vehicle. When in doubt, Bracale adds, “Hire a professional who is educated, experienced, licensed, and insured.”Frequently asked questionsWhat household products kill tree stumps?The most common household products you can use to kill tree stumps include epsom salts and rock salts, as noted above, but there are other things you likely have around the house that can be used as well. Like the salts (and stronger herbicidal chemicals), both of the following products should be applied by pouring them down holes you drill into the stump.You can use undiluted bleach (be careful not to breathe in the fumes) or white vinegar, and make sure to wrap the stump tightly in an airtight tarp after pouring in either of the DIY stump killer fluid. Do not—repeat—do not ever use bleach and vinegar at the same time for anything. Ever. Mixing these two substances can create a dangerous and even deadly gas.What is the fastest way to kill a tree stump and roots?While it could be considered the most labor-intensive and costliest way to fully destroy and remove a tree stump, grinding the stump is the fastest method of removal by far. You can remove a tree stump via grinding in an hour or two, as opposed to the weeks or months it can take to kill off then dig up a stump with chemicals or other products. “Especially for large stumps that need to be removed quickly, it’s best to use a stump grinder,” says Clarke. Larger stumps may resist salts or chemicals, and may continue to resprout new shoots or harbor pests and fungi for a long while.Lay the groundwork now for bountiful greenery next spring with our guide on how to winterize gardensHow long does it take to kill a tree stump?With a stump grinder, you can kill a tree stump in an hour or two, give or take the preparation and cleanup time. On the far extreme, David Brown, owner of Reliable Tree Service, notes that it can take “six months to two years” to kill off a tree stump via “natural decomposition, [which is] the best approach for eco-conscious or low-budget approaches if you have the time to wait.”How can tree stumps damage water lines and sewer lines?The stump itself won’t damage buried water lines, per se, but the roots can be ruthless with pipes. Emily Demirdonder, cofounder and director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, says, “Homeowners usually focus on what’s sitting aboveground, but the real risk is what the roots are doing underneath.”Tree (or stump) roots can spread two to three times the width of the tree’s canopy underground; they grow toward water and nutrients, and clay or PVC pipes are a direct source of both. “Drainage lines are essentially a target,” Demirdonder says. “The stump isn’t safe just because the tree is gone; live roots keep growing for months after removal, and in my work, I’ve tracked root systems traveling over four meters from the original stump during drain repairs. The tree above is dead, but the root network below is still very much active.... I believe if the stump sits within three meters of a drain line, full removal is the right call. Leaving it creates a slow root-intrusion problem that rarely shows surface signs until it’s already serious. The roots infiltrate through tiny joints or cracks, expand from inside, and the pipe collapses gradually. You won’t see it coming until there’s a slow drain or a wet patch in the yard, and by then the damage is usually well underway.”What are the reasons to kill a tree stump?The most basic reason to kill off a tree stump is to reclaim the space; maybe it’s in the middle of your backyard and the kids want to play there, or it would make for less hassle for you and your lawn mower. Maybe it’s in the middle of your garden and you want more planting space. The list could go on.But there are other valid reasons that you may want to kill a tree stump—reasons that can protect your home and can protect other trees and plants nearby. “Fungal decay [from a stump] can spread to nearby plants, and the rotting wood often attracts pests,” says Hanley. Adding to that, Boersma explains that “dead stumps can attract pests like termites, carpenter ants, or fungi that can spread to nearby healthy trees or even your home’s structure.”Can a tree grow back from a tree stump?Yes, a tree can sometimes grow back from a stump, but it depends mainly on the species of the tree and the condition of the roots left behind. When a tree is cut down and its root system remains alive, some species are able to send up new shoots from the stump itself or from the roots, in a natural process called coppicing. Tree species such as oak, willow, maple, poplar, birch, and eucalyptus are especially good at this and can regrow surprisingly quickly, particularly if the tree was relatively young and healthy when it was cut down. On the other hand, most conifers (evergreens like pine, spruce, fir, and cedar) generally do not regrow from stumps because they lack the ability to produce new shoots from old wood, so once they are cut down, the stumps typically die. Other factors also influence whether regrowth happens, including the age of the tree (again, younger trees respond better and tend to grow back), the overall health of the root system, how high the stump was cut, and even the season in which the tree was removed.When is it okay to leave a tree stump alone without removing it?As long as that tree stump isn’t putting buried pipes at risk, or acting as a hotbed for pests (and isn’t going to be a pain to mow around), it might be best left right where it is—and that’s true even if it’s rather prominent on your property.“Removal isn’t the only option; a tree stump can also become part of your landscape design,” says Gottlieb. “Building up a mound of plantings around it offers a way to incorporate the stump into the garden and build on previous iterations of the landscape. The stump itself can serve as a bench, or it can be carved to create an artistic focal point. Leaving it in place can also reduce the disruption to the property that full root removal would cause. Planting around and on the stump, working into the crevices between surface roots, and layering moss and flowering perennials can add depth and visual interest to the garden.”Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the best of design in your inboxNot a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access nowSteven John is a writer living just outside New York City with his wife and two kids. He has more than a decade of experience writing professionally, including as a journalist writing with multiple national outlets, as the founder and lead writer of DadGearReview.com, and with published novels and short ... Read More