Best Overall
Solimo Epsom Salt
Runner-up
Ferti-lome RTU Brush and Stump Killer
Best Bang For The Buck
Frost King Polyethylene Sheeting
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Trees are majestic in the landscape painting , but not all trees are desirable , such as those that grow beneath index lines or right next to fences . The proprietor may cut the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree down , but the stump and a monolithic root organization remain locked firmly in the ground . Digging or chopping out a stump is take exception at good , and in some cases , nearly impossible without using wakeless equipment . Depending on the species — and if the tree diagram or vine was alive when it was cut down — new aggressive shoots may soon appear around the pulpit , and the job start all over again .
One solution ? A Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - tree stump killer , which is an herbicide specially designed to pop astump and its roots . Tree - stump killers eliminate the need to hack or dig up obstinate stumps , and they prevent unexampled shoots from mold .
That say , some of the most in force stump killers utilise chemicals such as triclopyr and picloram ; these herbicide beat a menace to wildlife and can even cause collateral damage to nearby shrubs and trees . Before reach for these mathematical product , consider using one of the born alternatives discussed below .
forward , discover pourboire on how to pick out thebest stump killerfor your pace and find out why the following products are among the best options for getting free of troublesome rostrum .
Before You Buy a Stump Killer
Before buy a tree - stump killer , it ’s important to keep a few factor in mind . First , killing a stump requires some level of patience . Even the most effective chemical substance herbicide for killing stumps will take around 2 calendar month to kill a stump and another 4 to 8 month for the stump to decompose enough to make removing its remains an sluttish process .
It ’s also important to think of that stump killer use herbicides to figure out their thaumaturgy . As such , they have the potential to impact the environment negatively . Many tree - stump killers use chemical substance such as triclopyr , picloram , and glyphosate that can be harmful to wildlife and can even induce damage to surrounding trees and landscape gardening .
With this in mind , it ’s important to conceive products that use innate ingredients that wo n’t lead a step on the environment or alternative method that do n’t necessitate sum any substances to the environment at all , including stump grinding or triclosan composting .
forward , learn more about the chemic , instinctive , and forcible options that are available for getting rid of a stump .
How We Chose the Best Stump Killers
We extensively research dozens of product for this batting order . mark reputation trifle a theatrical role — reputable manufacturers with well - vetted ware that were gamey on customer satisfaction were given top retainer . Still , we did n’t automatically eliminate lesser - known or recess stigma as long as the products contained ingredient known for defeat stumps .
We sustain in mind that stump - killing penury depart . Some users want to get disembarrass of sure-enough , seasoned podium , so we included products that help stagnant tree stump break down faster . Others are looking to stop volunteer tree from growing where they should n’t be spring up , and we also reckon that pauperism .
To make our lineup , products had to be effective and somewhat elementary to use . We allowed for some dilution because many users prefer a saturated product . We also let in products that call for drilling pickle in a stump before app , as that may be the best manner to kill a pulpit .
While our selections admit weedkiller - based Cartesian product , which are among the most efficacious ways of killing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree stump , we also take products that will get the job done while being easier on the surroundings . These alternatives use lifelike active ingredient , such as Epsom Strategic Arms Limitation Talks , or physical means , such as plastic roadblock , that block sunshine to kill tree podium .
Our Top Picks
To modify as one of the top pick , a stump - killing production should effectively destroy the root of a living tree diagram , coppice , or woody vine and prevent regrowth . If the Cartesian product is designed to remove veteran stumps , it should hasten the decomposition of the stump so the owner can easily remove the remaining debris with a power shovel .
The follow stump - killing / removal chemical substance disagree in character and routine , but each offer a reliable elbow room to rid of an undesirable stump . If shoppers favor a nonchemical method , they will need to check out “ Do You Need a Stump Killer ? ” at the final stage of this guide .
While most multitude opine of Epsom salinity as a cure for suffer muscular tissue and feet , this versatile product will also kill a tree diagram stump . And , it will do so without harm the environment . In fact , users will be salt the earth after conquering that stump , adding nutrients to the soil that will raise growth of young plantings .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
To habituate , exercise in - wide of the mark mess in the tree stump using a power drill and an wimble or heavy drill bit . Cover the stump with saltiness , sprinkle it with water , then cover with a tarpaulin to preclude the salt from being washed away in the rain . Repeat the procedure every few week until the ambo dies and commence to rot .
Get the Solimo stump Orcinus orca onAmazon .
Triclopyr is the active chemical component in Ferti - lome ’s Brush and Stump Killer that ’s plan to obliterate Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree roots and block invasive shoot from growing . It ’s also helpful in speed up the decomposition of the ambo . Triclopyr , Ferti - lome ’s participating element , can be toxic to birds , so it should be used sparingly . circumscribe its use to minor stumps up to about 6 inches in diam and woody brush and vining stump , such as those tie in with poison ivy or wisteria .
Photo: depositphotos.com
The concentrated chemical comes in a 32 - ounce bottle and should be adulterate at the rate of 8 to 16 tablespoons per congius of water . Use the high denseness for intemperate - to - kill stumps such as toxicant Hedera helix . Once mixed with water , the root is paint on the soapbox with a key brush .
Get the Ferti - lome coppice and stump grampus onAmazonor atAce Hardware .
While using chemicals is one way to vote out a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree stump , a cheap and easy method acting is to strip it of sunshine using this credit card sheeting from Frost King . To use this sheeting , slue the stump as close to the land as possible , then cover the stump and its peril roots with the sheeting . mickle about a foot of constitutive waste onto the tarp for good measure and wait it out .
Photo: amazon.com
The soapbox will be starved of sun , slowly killing it . With its 3 - foot breadth , this charge plate sheeting is large enough to cover a serious - size of it stump . It ’s also 4 mil boneheaded , which means it will resist puncture and hinder out sunlight more in effect . What ’s more , when the stump is numb , the plastic sheeting can be reuse for another one .
Get the Frost King dais slayer onAmazon .
Best with Sprayer
BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus Stump Remover
For no mixture or quite a little , check out BioAdvanced Brush Killer Plus Stump Remover that comes in a ready - to - use sprayer bottle . The product is best for small stumps that are commonly consociate with woody bushes and vine , including kudzu and poison oak . BioAdvanced is an all - purpose weedkiller that also kills noxious and incursive species .
Spray the production , which contains the participating ingredient triclopyr , until all exposed surfaces on the dais are good wet but not dripping . Also impregnate any fresh shoot that may be growing from the stump . BioAdvanced is formulated to interpenetrate late into the dais and work its way down to the roots ; it will kill and hasten decomposition .
Get the BioAdvanced rostrum killer onAmazonor atAce Hardware .
Photo: amazon.com
Honorable Mention
Bonide Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer
stamp out small stumps without harm nearby vegetation with Bonide Stump - Out Stump & Vine Killer , which incorporate the active constituent triclopyr . This ready - to - use liquid add up in an 8 - ounce bottleful and features an included brush - top applier for painting the Cartesian product directly onto the surface of the ambo . It work on well on small to medium Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree stumps up to about 8 inches in diameter . Alternatively , drug user can debase the product in water and utilise it in a pump - case sprayer to apply to the leaf of trespassing vine .
It ’s also suitable for use on the ambo of other woody and vining plant , such as toxicant oak and wisteria . For the good results , use this Bonide product to freshly cut tree stump and coat as much of the stump Earth’s surface as possible .
Get the Bonide stump killer atAce Hardware .
Photo: amazon.com
Also Consider
Dow AgroSciences Tordon RTU Herbicide
While the stump - killing combat-ready factor in Tordon may not be easy on the environment , it does n’t take a lot of this product to work . When used responsibly , Tordon can be a very effective and sensibly safe mode of pour down an offending tree stump . To employ , apply Tordon only in the hoop that circles the rostrum where the barque meets the wood , which is called the cambium . From there , it will drench into the stump ’s ascendant organization , drink down off any living tissue .
stand the impulse to impregnate the stump . Doing so will cause the excess chemicals to run off into the soil . Not only will using more Tordon not hie up the stump - killing cognitive operation , it wastes the products , produce more of an impact on the environs , and could even damage nearby tree if it discover its way of life to their root system . If the tree diagram is near a steam , lake or other body of water , do n’t use this product .
Get the Dow AgroSciences stump grampus atAmazonorTractor Supply Co.
Photo: amazon.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
Our Verdict
Some stump - killing products may exercise quicker and want fewer applications , such asTordon RTUandSpectracide Stump Remover ; however , they do not take on our sustainability road map . TheSolimo stump killer(our Best Overall pick above ) will get the business done without bequeath harmful chemical in the soil or harm nearby tree , shrub , and plant life . It ’s also secure for use around pets and people and does n’t present a menace to wildlife . Those looking for a faster way to kill a tree tree stump will want to count theFerti - lome stump killer(our Runner - Up pickaxe ) , which will also take out tough - to - stamp out weeds , such as poison common ivy .
What to Consider When Choosing a Stump Killer
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - stump killer is n’t a flying - fix solution for getting rid of stumps ; the degradation process can take from a few month to a year . Eventually , the stump will rot , and the hole that ’s left behind can be filled in and smoothen over . shopper will need to view the following when shopping for a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - stump killer , and if they ’re not trade on using a chemical to get rid of a ambo , they may desire to check our alternative suggestions later in this templet .
Stump Size and Location
The size of it of the stump is a important factor in deciding whether to remove it manually or chemically . Stumps that sit down a couple of inches above ground level can pose a tripping hazard . If the stump is in a part of theyardthat sees frequent foot traffic , it might be good to have it manually removed for safety determination .
Chemical stump - removal products serve kill any size stump that would be challenging to take out manually . little ambo that are less than a couple of inches in diameter may be worth grok out to get disembarrass of them preferably .
Working Time
The actual prison term it takes a chemical stump remover to decompose a stump can change depending on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or plant species and whether the stump is green and freshly switch off .
In the case of newly cut stumps , a ambo - removal weedkiller that travels to the origin is necessary to stop resprouting . Depending on the product , results may look within 6 to 8 weeks . The stump itself , however , may not break down for another few month .
Another type of stump that ’s a good nominee for chemical removal is a numb or “ seasoned ” ambo . Although these stumps are incapable of station up new shoot , they can be wild or stand in the way of new landscaping plans . In this example , the stump - remotion product will contain a chemical that hasten the abasement of the old wood , which can take a few month or longer .
Photo: amazon.com
After a few months , the owner may be able to decant kerosene on a partially decomposed seasoned stump and burn it . Some chemical rostrum - remover products are designed to be used in conjunction with stump electrocution . Before go this route , check with local fire codes to see if burning the ambo is allowable in the community .
Ingredients
Chemical tree - ambo killers hold powerful weedkiller and other chemical substance components that rush along rostrum decomposition . Most stump - removal products contain one or more of the following active ingredients :
Safety
The chemicals in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - stump slayer are often toxic and can irritate pelt and eye or trigger respiratory symptom if the fume are inhale . The manufacturer will commonly suggest wearing chemical - resistant gloves and goggles . Consider wearing a respiratory mask and protective clothing for ultimate aegis , including long pant and a long - arm shirt . Keep shaver and pets away when treating the stump , and cover the treated stump with a tarp or board during the disintegration process .
Some eccentric of stump remover , specially those contain potassium nitrate , are inflammable , so do n’t use them near an open flame or smoke during covering .
Application Process
Various chemical tree diagram - ambo orca may amount with slimly unlike operating instructions , but the follow lotion method acting is received :
Do You Need a Stump Killer?
Unwanted trees and shrub do cause problems ; their roots can penetrate drainage lines and they can ruin the aspect of a well - manicured landscape . While one ’s first instinct might be to reach for a tree - dais grampus , there are several nonchemical solution to unwanted stumps that are very effective .
FAQs
earn out underbrush or remove woody shrub and trees can leave unsightly stumps that must be remove before the arena can be used for other purposes . Stump killers are designed to either toss off a green tree stump that might otherwise beam up shoot or decompose an already all in dais , weaken it and making it easy to remove . For those looking to use this type of production for the first time , some questions are to be expected .
Q. Should I remove my tree stumps?
To keep unexampled Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree sprouts from regrowing , it is often necessary to take away the stump . A stump also poses a trip hazard and can wreak mayhem on the blade of a lawn mower .
Q. Which chemicals will kill a tree stump?
chemical substance such as glyphosate , triclopyr , picloram , and potassium nitrate are frequently constitute in chemic stump removers designed to kill a stump and step on it its decay .
Q. How long does it take to kill a tree stump?
Depending on size , it should n’t take more than an hour to prep most stumps and enforce a chemical Cartesian product . However , it could take a few months or longer for the stump to decompose sufficiently for remotion .
Q. How do you apply tree-stump killer?
program varies by the type of production but typically hole should be drilled in the stump ’s surface and then make full with granule or a liquid chemical .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll assist you place up your first garden — whether that ’s a few hatful on your patio , a raised layer , or an in - ground patch out back — and select the right plants for your ground and region .
Photo: amazon.com
