Getting rid of stumps

In reviewing the literature for possible gardening subjects, I recently came across and article containing several ways to get rid of a stump. Most were ridiculous; one was expensive; and one was just dangerous to future plants.

If you’re in a hurry, you can always choose the most expensive option and hire someone with a stump grinder to remove the stump, fill in the area with soil and plant whatever you prefer.

The first method involved digging down and cutting off the stump below ground before drilling numerous holes in the top of the stump. Nothing wrong so far, but then they said to fill each hole with undiluted Roundup. Make sure the cambium layer gets wet. Well, there’s no doubt the stump will not survive, but I not so sure about growing anything in that area for a few years. Also, other plants or trees accessing the dead material for nutrients may get a RUDE awakening when the find the Roundup residues.

Other methods suggested using all sorts of chemical tree stump killers. Again, these will work, but they cost a lot more than the simplest option. One suggested that after filling the holes, the entire stump top should be covered tightly and the entire stump covered up. Now, you wait several months before digging up the stump and removing it before refilling and planting your preferred plant.

If you’re not in a big hurry, drill holes (3” to 4” deep & 1/2”-1” in width) in the stump and fill with Epsom salts (Check some of your “stump killers,” and you’ll find they usually contain Epsom salts at a greatly increased cost!). Water and repeat watering just before the holes’ water goes dry is gone. This is probably the cheapest, although not the fastest, way to remove a stump.