Cutting a tree down in your yard is great for freeing up space or getting rid of a potential hazard to your family. But, actually getting the remaining stump removed by professionals can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars.
Not getting the stump removed, however, might result in the tree trying to grow back time and time again. Tree stump killer is a chemical product that you can apply to that pesky stump to cause it to rot prior to your own removal.
Even though there are some at-home solutions to killing tree stumps, you want to get a product designed specifically for this task. So, we’re going to go over some of the best tree stump killers available right now and then go over a few things you should know about this product.
Our Top Picks
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Bonide Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer
What we like most about this product is that it has several uses, including killing stumps, vines, and brush. It’s also very easy to use with the included applicator cap that allows you to squeeze the product onto the stump. - The Premium Pick: VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer
Even though it’s a little more expensive since you have to buy the 32-ounce bottle, this tree stump killer will definitely last you a long time. Plus, it’s pretty well-known for producing noticeable effects in less than 6 weeks. - The Budget Pick: Spectracide Stump Remover
When you’re on a budget but want a decent tree stump killer, this product is really the way to go. When combined with a brush killer and applied directly into drilled holes, this product is extremely effective.
Stump Killer Reviews
Bonide Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer
Bonide Stump-Out Stump & Vine Killer is ideal if you have a pretty busy property with invasive species. You can easily apply this product to vines, brush, or relentless stumps and clean up your yard with ease.
What makes this product so special is that it’s easy to use. That’s because it comes with its own special applicator cap that makes it a breeze to squirt this product onto your tree stumps.
- CONTROL WOODY PLANTS & VINES-Stop undesirable listed woody vines, plants and broadleaf weeds.
- ALSO USED AS STUMP KILLER-Use undiluted to kill stumps and prevent sprouting.
- USE AS FOLIAR SPRAY-Can be applied using a hose-end or tank sprayer.
- FOR OUTDOOR USE-Around homes, cabins, fences & walkways.
- WORKS QUICKLY-Eliminates weeds within 1-6 weeks.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Once applied, simply paint it on with the included brush and the rotting process will begin shortly. As you wait, you’ll notice that the stump isn’t regrowing like it usually does and that the rotting slowly begins to set in.
The biggest downside is definitely the price. You’re only getting an 8-ounce bottle, but you’re spending as much as you would for 16 or 32 ounces from other brands.
- Capable of killing stumps, vines, and brush
- Comes with a nifty applicator cap for even great convenience
- Just paint it onto the surface of the stump undiluted
- Prevents regrowth of plants and stumps
- Comes from a reputable brand
- The brush is somewhat small, meaning it might take a while to cover the entire stump
- Requires frequent reapplication
Spectracide Stump Remover
When it’s time to speed up the decomposition process of that stump in your front yard, Spectracide Stump Remover is one of the best choices. This product was designed to cause the stump to rot to make removal easier in the future.
What’s most unique about this product is that it focuses solely on the stump. So, you don’t have to worry about accidentally killing or harming the grass or plants that are surrounding the tree in question.
- Destroys stumps: accelerates the rate of decomposition, making the stump porous
- Use with brush killer: before using Spectracide stump remover granules, kill freshly cut stumps with a brush killer product
- Easy to pour: pour granules easily into holes drilled in stump
- STUMP BURNING: Once the stump has become porous, it may be easily removed or burned -- see product label for details
- Accelerates stump decomposition
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Even though this product is pretty effective, the only way to see ideal results is if you combine this product with a brush killer. And, to actually use this product, you have to drill holes deep into the stump and then apply hot water.
You should see results in a few weeks to a few months. Plus, most people really seem to enjoy the nozzle included with this bottle that allows you to precisely squeeze the product into the drilled holes.
- Sold at a really good price for 16 ounces
- The user-friendly applicator makes this product a breeze to use
- It helps to speed up stump decomposition
- There’s no smell to the product
- Helps to reach deep into the stump to kill it from the inside out
- It does require you to drill holes into the stump and use hot water
VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer
The VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer only comes in a 32-ounce bottle, so it might be best to buy this product if you have a lot of stumps, brush, or invasive species to get rid of.
All it takes is 1 to 6 weeks to begin seeing results, though many consumers have noted that not all stumps seem to rot with this product. So, you might want to reapply this product every now and then to boost your results.
- This stump and brush remover is designed to kill stumps and woody plants like vines and weeds.
- For stump application use in its current form and use a brush (not included) to apply the product.
- For brush application mix 8 oz. of the concentrate in 1 gallon of water and spray on leaves.
- When applying the product to freshly cut stumps, apply within 45 minutes.
- See product label for a full list of woody plants and vines targeted by this product.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To use this product, all you have to do is brush it onto the stump or spray it with a backpack sprayer. Since that means you won’t be using a squirt bottle, this isn’t the best product if you planned to drill holes into the stump first.
A lot of people are highly impressed by this product and its ability to kill stumps. Plus, you’ll definitely be able to use this product for months or even years (depending on how many stumps you need to kill).
- A 32-ounce bottle is great for long-term use
- It takes anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks to begin seeing results
- Very easy to brush on or spray on top of your stump
- Can also be used to help control vines or other annoying invasive plants
- Many are pleased with how effective it is
- Might not be so useful for all type of stumps
- Takes a little extra effort to apply since it doesn’t have a squirt nozzle
Southern Ag Brush Killer Stump Treatment
Southern Ag Brush Killer Stump Treatment is designed as a brush killer, but it’s really capable of killing stumps too. The manufacturer of this product focused on making a product that could kill all plants that are seen as “hard to kill.”
The first thing you’ll notice is that there’s much less sprouting on the trunk once this product is applied. Eventually, the rotting process will begin to set in and that tree stump will be gone in no time.
- Kills stumps and prevents sprouting
- Controls woody plants, vines, & broadleaf weeds
- Brand name: Southern AG
- Made in United States
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the biggest issues is just how much of the product you have to use. Even though you’re getting a 16 or 32-ounce bottle, you might have to load up on how much you’re actually using in order to see the effects you’re looking for.
- Can be used to kill brush, vines, and hard-to-kill plants too
- Comes at a pretty decent price given the size
- Easy to brush or spray onto a stump to get the rotting process going
- You have the choice between 16 and 32 ounces, so choose based on your needs
- Designed to prevent sprouting of stumps
- It doesn’t feature a handy nozzle for easy application
Frienda 20 Pieces Large Copper Nails 3.5 Inch
Frienda 20 Pieces Large Copper Nails are a unique option since copper actually can kill trees. All you have to do with these nails is simply drill a starter hole and then hammer the copper nails right into the top of the stump.
The larger the tree, the more copper you’ll need to kill it. So, the fact that this product comes with 20 copper nails makes it the perfect solution for very large trees or many stumps that you just want to get rid of.
- Functional large copper nails: for cutting trees and stumps easily without damaging the surroundings
- Practical large steel nails and storage box: steel nail for drilling a hole, and the included storage box for better storing these nails
- Advantages: energy saving and it won't disturb or harm the surrounding area
- Package includes: 20 x solid long copper nails (3.5 inch/ 89 mm), and 2 x long steel nails (3.5 inch/ 89 mm)
- Application: these large solid copper nails and big steel nails are suitable for home improvement
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Even though these are environmentally friendly, copper nails definitely aren’t a short-term fix. You might have to wait for months or even years in order to see the results that you’re looking for or see rotting begin to develop.
- Just drill in a pilot hole and then hammer the copper nail into the stump
- Comes with 20 nails, which is enough for several stumps at a time
- The storage case is great for keeping them all in one place
- You won’t kill any nearby plants as some tree stump killer liquids do
- 5-inch nails are great for digging deep into the stump
- Might be months or years before it works completely
- Requires the use of both a drill and a hammer
- You need to continue hammering copper nails in over time
Tree Stump Killer Buyer’s Guide
As much as you want that tree stump gone now, you shouldn’t expect just any product to do the job with ease. So, let’s go over some of the key features of tree stump killers and things you should think about before settling on a product.
Using the Product Safely
When you consider the fact that tree stump killers are designed to literally rot wood, you’ll begin to realize just how heavy-duty these chemicals really are. So, you need to be careful about how you’re using them.
Since there’s always a risk of spillage, it would be a good idea to wear some type of safety equipment. We suggest at least gloves, but maybe even safety goggles if you’re pouring a ton of stump killer.
Also, these products are extremely toxic. So, it’s best to keep an eye on your pets and children when they’re outside and keep them out of the way.
Multi-Purpose
You’re looking for a tree stump killer, but you might be getting a lot more from the product! Some are also pretty great at killing vines and unwanted plants, like poison ivy or poison oak.
Price
So, you’re looking to save money on stump removal by using some stump killer before you remove it yourself, right? Well, the products themselves are actually pretty cheap, but they tend to come in small sizes.
That means you might be spending over $15 for only 8 ounces of stump removal liquid.
The issue here comes with the size of the stump and how much stump remover you actually need. If you have a huge stump or multiple stumps you want gone, you’ll probably be loading up on several bottles of stump remover.
Other Solutions
Did you know that copper is believed to kill trees? That’s why many companies are now making copper nails designed to be forced into tree stumps to speed up the rotting process.
All you have to do is nail quite a few copper nails into the stump you want to remove and just wait. It might not be as quick as some of the heavy-duty chemicals found in tree stump removal products, but it could be a decent alternative.
The Application Process
First off, most tree stump killers work just fine by being brushed onto the surface. Others work a lot better if you drill several holes into the tree first and then apply the tree stump killer into the holes.
Not all tree stump killer bottles are the same. Some are just basic capped bottles, so you’ll have to use a paintbrush or a backpack sprayer to apply the product to your stump.
Others are a little easier to use. Some of the better products come with nozzles or squirt features that allow you to easily squeeze the product onto the stump or into the holes that you previously drilled.
Tree Stump Killer FAQs
Should tree stumps be removed?
The issue with a lot of tree stumps is that they continue to grow even though the rest of the tree has been cut down. If you don’t remove the stump, you’ll constantly have to remove the new growths as they begin to develop.
Will bleach kill a tree stump?
Bleach can absolutely be used to kill tree stumps. Other remedies include Epsom salts and herbicides.
How long does it take to kill a tree stump?
It really depends on how much stump is left and how actively you’re treating it with a tree stump killer. For the most part, you’re looking at anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks, though this time obviously varies based on several factors.
How do you use tree stump killer?
Some tree stump killers can be directly applied to the top of the stump and begin to work practically immediately. Other products generate better results by requiring you to drill a hole into the stump and pour the tree stump killer into that hole.
What is in tree stump killer?
For the most part, these products are based on potassium nitrate. This chemical is designed to help with the rotting process and speed it up.
Conclusion
Tree stump killers are incredible tools for speeding up the rotting process and allowing you to get to removing that relentless tree stump sooner rather than later.
All you have to do is simply apply these chemicals to the top of the stump and wait as the stump slowly begins to diet over the course of a few weeks. Also, you can use copper nails to initiate the rotting process too!
Just remember that these products are dangerous and potentially toxic. So, make sure you’re wearing protective gear and keeping children and pets away from the stump after the chemical has been applied.
