Stump Removal - Chemical

Stump Removal - Chemical
How to Remove a Tree Stump
Stump Remover

Equipment / Tools / Gear needed:

• Gloves
• Drill with large drill bit
• Stump Remover (or a high nitrogen fertilizer)
• Plastic Tarp
• Mulch
• Water

The second method of stump removal is removal by chemical. This can be done with minimal effort. However, the process of stump removal by chemical takes time, because the objective is to speed up the rotting process. This can take as little as six months and can often take longer, even a year or more.

Note: This method should be used on already dead tree stumps that have been dead for a year or longer. This is not as effective on recently cut trees.

There are two options here, the first being a specific stump remover product, such as Spectracide's Stump Remover. This can be found at almost any home improvement store, and even large general stores such as Wal-Mart.

The second option is a high nitrogen fertilizer, often a lawn fertilizer. These can also be found in the stores mentioned above. To remove a tree stump, look for the first number in the set of three, such as 43-0-0. The first number is the nitrogen content, and the higher the number, the better.

The process for applying both is the same. Make sure the stump is as low to the ground as possible. Ideally, this will be six inches or lower. Drill several holes into the tree stump as deep and as wide as you can. Aim for six inches in depth or more. To get rid of the stump, pour the chemical into the holes, and completely water the area. Soak the tree stump and everything around it.

Next, place a plastic tarp over the stump. This will lock in the moisture and help prevent it from drying out. Place mulch over the plastic tarp. Mulch is notorious for keeping moisture trapped, so it is a good idea to use this to help speed up the rotting process.

Now that the work is done, it is time to wait. Normally, it would take nature a good, long while to make the tree rot, but this chemical method will help speed up the process of removing the tree stump.

However, just because it speeds up the time it takes to help break down the tree stump, it still can take four weeks or longer. Emphasizing the longer part there.

Over the course of waiting it is important to keep the stump and area wet to help encourage rot. Remove the tarp and mulch as necessary and soak appropriately, then put back the tarp and mulch. To prevent the tarp from blowing away, consider placing large objects such as stones, rocks, or even bricks on it.

Once the stump has finally rotted to the point of removal, it may then be chopped, hacked, or simply pulled straight out. Try to remove all the way down to the roots, sometimes going as deep as 6 inches into the ground.