The ABC's of Tree Service: Tips for Everyone

Salting The Stump: Contents Of Your Bathroom Cabinet Could Kill A Tree Stump

15 June 2016

Roberto Palmer

It is sad when you lose a tree to storm damage during the winter, but before spring rolls around again you must remove the remaining stump. While you can arrange for the stump to be removed right now by a professional, some homeowners wish to save money by trying to kill the stump themselves. Tree stump removal cost depends on the size of the stump and the method used to remove it, but you can expect to pay a minimum of approximately $200.

Why Kill The Stump?

Not only is it not pretty to look at, but it poses a threat to your children's safety when they want to start playing outside again. As someone who is not a fan of using chemicals to solve your household problems, you may be able to remove the stump with Epsom Salts that are already sitting inside your bathroom cabinet.

How To Kill The Stump Using Epsom Salts

The first task is to drill holes into the tree stump that you can place the Epsom Salts into. The best way to do this is to purchase a spade bit from your local hardware store. Find the centre of the stump and move out 2.5 cm from there to drill your first hole. You need to drill the hole as far as your drill will allow, or until you hit the ground, whichever comes first. Drill a circle of holes around the centre of the stump leaving a  5 cm gap between each one. Once complete, move 2.5 cm out from the first hole ring and repeat the process. Do this until you reach the outer edge of the stump.

Once all the holes are drilled, fill each one with Epsom Salts. Leave a little gap at the top so that you can add a few drops of water to moisten the salts once in place.

How Does It Work?

The water used to moisten the Epsom Salts will dissolve the particles so they are small enough to be sucked into the living core of the tree stump. Once there, the Epsom Salts will dry out the inner core, which will cause the stump to dry out and eventually rot.

However, there are two things to remember if this method of stump removal appeals to you. First, you need to use a product that is 100% Epsom Salts. Anything that is part Epsom Salts and part filler will not be effective. Secondly, this method of stump death can take three to six months. If you want the stump gone faster, then you will need the services of a stump removal expert to help you out.

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