How to Kill a Tree Stump: 6 DIY Methods (And When to Just Hire a Pro)

Trying to figure out how to kill a tree stump? You've probably seen dozens of DIY methods online, from Epsom salt to burning. We'll walk you through the most popular approaches, explain what actually works (and what doesn't), and help you decide whether the DIY route is worth the months of waiting compared to professional stump grinding that gets it done in 30 minutes.

Method 1: Epsom Salt

Timeline: 6-12 months

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) draws moisture out of the stump, eventually killing it and speeding decomposition. Here's the process:

1. Drill 8-12 holes into the top of the stump, about 1 inch wide and 8-10 inches deep
2. Fill each hole with Epsom salt
3. Add enough water to moisten the salt without washing it out
4. Cover the stump with a tarp or plastic sheeting to retain moisture
5. Repeat the salt application every 3-4 weeks

Method 2: Rock Salt

Timeline: 6-12 months

Rock salt (sodium chloride) works similarly to Epsom salt but is more aggressive. The process is the same: drill holes, fill with salt, add water, and cover.

Method 3: Chemical Stump Killer

Timeline: 4-6 weeks to soften

Commercial stump killers typically contain potassium nitrate, which accelerates decomposition. Products like Spectracide Stump Remover are widely available at hardware stores.

1. Drill holes into the stump (same as the salt method)
2. Pour the stump killer granules into each hole
3. Add water as directed on the product label
4. Wait 4-6 weeks for the wood to become soft and spongy
5. Break apart the softened wood with an axe or remove by burning

Method 4: Burning a Tree Stump

Timeline: Several hours (after chemical treatment)

Burning can be used after a chemical stump killer has softened the wood. Some people also drill holes and pour kerosene to help the stump burn from the inside out.

Burning risks include:

• Fire can spread to underground root systems and smolder for days
• Smoke complaints from neighbors
• Risk of fire spreading to nearby structures or vegetation
• Uncontrolled burning below ground level

Method 5: Cover and Wait (Natural Decomposition)

Timeline: 3-7 years

The simplest method: cover the stump with a dark tarp, pile soil and mulch on top, and let nature take its course. Fungi and bacteria will slowly break down the wood.

You can speed this up slightly by keeping the stump moist and adding nitrogen-rich fertilizer. But even with these boosts, you're looking at years before the stump is fully decomposed.

Method 6: Copper Nails

Timeline: Myth

You may have heard that driving copper nails into a stump will kill it. This is largely a myth. While copper is toxic to some plant tissues, a few nails don't release enough copper to kill a large stump. You would need an impractical number of nails, and even then, results are unreliable. Save your money on this one.

Why Most DIY Methods Aren't Worth the Wait

Here's the honest truth: every DIY stump-killing method requires months or years of patience, repeat treatments, and the stump still needs to be physically removed at the end. Compare that to professional stump grinding:

DIY Cost vs. Professional Stump Grinding Cost

Some homeowners choose the DIY route to save money, but the savings are smaller than you might think:

Professional Stump Grinding: The Faster Alternative

Professional stump grinding uses a powerful machine with a rotating carbide-tipped wheel to chew through the stump and roots 6-12 inches below ground level. The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes per stump, and you're left with wood chips that can be used as mulch.

Advantages of professional stump grinding:

• Speed: Done in a single visit, usually under an hour
• Completeness: Stump is ground below grade - no more eyesore
• Safety: No chemicals, fire, or months of treatments
• Plant-friendly: You can plant grass or a new tree in the same spot
• Guaranteed results: The stump is physically removed, not just treated