What Chemicals Do I Need To Kill a Stump?

If you’ve been doing some landscaping projects or have cleared some property recently, you are likely looking at some stumpwork in your future. Although some people choose to keep the stumps around, most people prefer to get rid of them.

Why remove them? Stumps can be a nuisance when you are trying to mow and maintain your lawn; working around them is rather annoying. And you know who loves your old stumps? Pests and insects. Stumps are a big draw for a lot of critters that you probably don’t want living and multiplying around your home.

Three Choices for Stump Removal
Once you decide that it’s time for your tree stumps to go, you have three primary options, each with its pros and cons.​
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1. Manual removal. You certainly can dig out your stumps by hand with good, old-fashioned hard work.
2. Stump grinding. Some homeowners choose to buy or rent a stump grinder. This choice is the quickest option but does involve the expense of purchasing or renting the equipment.
3. Chemical stump removal. Using a chemical stump remover is the least labor-intensive option. It isn’t the fastest, but it is effective. Once you drill holes in the stump, pour in the chemicals, and then wait.

So, What Are These Chemicals Anyway?
Using a chemical stump remover is very popular with homeowners, especially when time is not of the essence. Since this is the slowest method, it won’t help if you need a stump gone right away.

But if you’ve got the time, typically about two to four weeks, then any stump removal product with potassium nitrate will do the job. It slowly rots the wood, moving Mother Nature along in her old age so you can easily dig out the stump and dispose of it.

Herbicides containing glyphosate will also work as stump removers but not as effectively as those with potassium nitrate. As with any chemical products, take caution around children and pets. Also, consider other plants nearby as the chemicals can reach their roots as well.

If you prefer to try a less caustic chemical approach, rock salt (not table salt) is a viable alternative. It is a slower approach but does not pose a risk to children, pets, or other vegetation.

Whichever method you prefer, Rochester Stump Removal is at your service. We can answer your questions and get your stump removal project underway for you.