
When a tree gets cut down, it loses an essential tool for survival: its foliage. Its leaves or needles contain chlorophyll, which is the substance trees use for photosynthesis. The remaining parts (roots and stump) turn immediately to whatever reserves they have, and try to grow enough foliage to get back in the game. The problem with this is that the stump will resist decay until it’s good and dead.
So, if you want to reclaim that yard space for your own use, you’ve got to give the once-magnificent specimen a little nudge.
1. Kill the shoots as they grow
If it’s mowing season, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Just mow as usual. If not, cut them down once they get to about a foot. After the shoots have sprung up a few times, the tree will run out of the resources it needs to grow new foliage.
Other types of tree will try to extend new shoots directly from the stump. Best practice is prune them as soon as greenery starts to emerge.
2. Cover the stump up to block it from sunlight
3. Apply Epsom salt or rock salt
The lazy option is to apply a good layer of salt in a wide swath around the stump, and let it work its way down into the soil. However, this method is slow, and requires a lot of salt.
The surefire way to do it is to drill several holes downward from the surface of the stump. Use a drill bit 1” in diameter (3/4 or 7/8” is acceptable if it’s all you have).
You don’t want to drill all the way through the stump into the soil, or your salt will escape. Use your best judgment to determine how deep you can safely go. A drill depth of one foot is ideal, but if you punch through, just drill a few more holes to a slightly lesser depth.
Then, you can top them off with salt and turn your stump into a raisin.
4. Use a chemical stump killer
5. Grind it into oblivion
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Homeowners in Snohomish County and the surrounding area can schedule an on-site estimate for tree and stump removal with Snohomish Tree by filling out this estimate form.