Are you struggling with an unsightly tree stump in your yard? This article provides you with practical and easy-to-follow methods to remove it. Here we will explore three different techniques: manual removal, Epsom salt application, and burning.
Manual Method
Removing a tree stump manually involves some physical work. Ensure you have the right equipment at hand – a digging bar, bow saw, shovel, axe, pickaxe, gloves and work boots.
Begin by digging around the stump to expose the roots. Use your pickaxe and bow saw to cut these exposed roots. Following this, remove any excess soil and cut the main root. Finally, pull the stump from the hole. You may need to employ different techniques or seek additional help to do this.
Epsom Salt Method
Moving on to a less physically demanding method, you can use Epsom salt to rot the stump. For this, you'll need a drill with a large bit, a lightweight, waterproof tarp, and Epsom salt.
Start by drilling multiple holes in the stump. Then, using a funnel, fill these holes with Epsom salt. Wet the top surface of the stump to ensure the salt is absorbed gradually. Afterwards, cover the stump with the waterproof tarp to limit its access to water and sunlight. In about two to three months, the stump should rot and become easier to remove. If this method is unsuccessful, you can opt to use a garden fertilizer high in nitrogen or potassium nitrate instead of Epsom salt.
Burning Method
Lastly, if you are comfortable with controlled fire, you can burn the stump. To do this, you will need a drill with a large bit, stump killer, and kerosene.
First, drill holes into the stump. Proceed to pour stump killer into these holes and add water, then wait 4-6 weeks. Pour kerosene onto the stump and let it soak in. Finally, you can light the stump on fire. Make sure to monitor it until it is completely burned to ensure safety.
Please remember to consider your local regulations and safety measures when deciding on the best removal method for your tree stump.