How to Remove a Tree Stump With Epsom Salt: Easy Instructions
Learning how to remove a tree stump with epsom salt couldn’t be easier, which also means you’ll no longer need any out-of-pocket expenses for overpriced removal companies that do the same job!
Mix one gallon of Epsom salt with two gallons of water, and pour it around the base of the tree stump, and in the surrounding area. Use a plastic tarp to cover the stump and soak up the solution. Repeat this process once a week until the stump is removed.
To ensure you get the best result within a faster time frame, make sure to chomp the stump as short as possible. If you leave it too high, the likelihood of the epsom salt working can decrease. Continue reading to learn more about the removal of a tree stump with epsom salt.
How to Apply Epsom Salt to Remove a Tree Stump?
Epsom salt is fantastic for sucking out moisture from tree roots and leaving the stump dried out or rotten.
Note: When using epsom salt to remove a tree stump, you’ll need to ensure the holes drilled into the stump is at least 8 inches deep.
This is because you need the salt to go as far down to the roots as possible and work its magic.
It will also help if you ensure the stump is a short as you can get it. If the stump is too high, the epsom salt won’t absorb the entire stump and may leave you with more stress and time wasted.
How to Apply Epsom Salt | Removing a Tree Stump
- Take your epsom salt and pour it into each hole you drilled, making sure the hole is filled up and covered with salt.
- It’s a good idea to sprinkle epsom salt over the base of the stump as well, to aid in accelerating the natural process.
- Cover the stump with a garbage bag, tarpaulin or anything that can keep it dry and warm from the outside environment.
The best time to begin this process is in the summer-time when the weather is warm and moisture will be easily trapped.
Some people may say otherwise, I recommend not spraying the stump with water. The main reason being is the water may remove the salt almost instantly and defeats the entire purpose of this method.
Also, the crystals and chemicals inside of the epsom salt have more than enough strength to obtain moisture from the trunk or roots naturally.
Can Epsom Salt Get Rid of Tree Stumps?
Often thought to be just a “commonly known wives tale”, the great news is it’s more than that. In fact, yes! Epsom salt will indeed get rid of tree stumps.
But how? (You could also be wondering). Well, it’s simple!
When epsom salt is poured inside and covering a tree stump, the crystals within the salt eventually absorb any water, moisture or wetness inside.
Over time, this means the stump will rot and dry out.
Once the stump has been successfully killed, removing the tree stump is a breeze! For this reason alone, it is repeatedly known around the world for people to use this natural epsom salt method to rid their tree stumps.
Unfortunately, because this can be a fairly slow process (compared to burning the stump), make sure to continuously top up the holes with epsom salt and cover the base on a moderately frequent basis to speed up activity.
The more frequently you do this, the quicker things will be and the less time you’ll have to wait for the stump to be removed.
I will mention, however, if you are someone who is wanting a quick and immediate process, you may want to reconsider using this method.
Opting for a removal company or the burning method may be more suitable for your needs and should be something for you to consider beforehand.
What Is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt (also referred to as magnesium sulfate) is a chemical compound well-known for its great source of magnesium and the benefits that come with it.
Although similar in appearance to traditional table salt, epsom salt is far from alike.
Epsom salt encompasses a harsh, bitter taste that does not go well with the foods we eat. (So try not to mix up the two for thanksgiving dinner folks!)
If you would like to purchase Epsom Salt today, head down to your local health store to order your own without having to leave your house, directly from Amazon.
Why Use Epsom Salt As a Tree Stump Killer?
Unfortunately for some of us, burning a tree stump or forking out hundreds on a removal company to kill that one annoying tree stump in the yard isn’t always an option.
Thankfully, a significantly cheaper and less expensive alternative is through the use of epsom salt, which eventually will kill any tree stump (when done the correct way).
I’ve listed below 8 reasons why using epsom salt as a tree stump killer is a great idea:
- It’s extremely cost-effective and can save you tens or hundreds of dollars.
- The application process is fairly simple and quick!
- There’s no ought to worry about power lines, potential hazards or the crabbed neighbors when using this method compared to alternative methods.
- You may find that a slower process could end up being a safer process for you in the long run, depending on your circumstances.
- Epsom salt can be used for many other things! The versatility of the salt means you can potentially get multiple uses for multiple things through the use of epsom salt.
- Apart from drilling holes, the entire process is stress-free and doesn’t require a lot of strength. Practically anyone can do it.
- The purchasing of epsom salt is affordable and won’t break your bank.
- Because epsom salt is a great fertilizer, the only damage will be to the stump itself. Which means your soil will stay intact and unharmed.
How Long Does Epsom Salt Take To Kill a Stump?
Have you heard that wonderful saying “All good things take time”? That would be my answer when asked how long epsom salt takes to kill a stump.
Technically speaking, there is no set time on how long it can take to kill a stump when using the epsom salt method.
This is because it can depend on multiple different factors, such as:
- The frequency you check on and re-apply salt inside of the tree stump
- Weather, location and environment factors
- How deep you drilled your holes
- The depth of the stump when originally cut
On average, it can take between 2 months to an entire year for the tree stump to be successfully killed and removed, however, as mentioned it may be shorter or longer for you.
Does Epsom Salt Kill Roots?
A slower process compared to other methods, epsom salt can indeed kill roots.
Unlike traditional herbicides that can be purchased from major plant/garden stores, epsom salt is a natural root killer and doesn’t need to be used with any other chemicals.
Epsom salt kills roots by the ability to absorb any moisture found from within the roots and eventually kills them over time.
Will Epsom Salt Kill Weeds?
Epsom salt on its own, will not kill weeds. However, epsom salt can be found within plenty of home-made gardener recipes, accompanied by other resources to help aid in the killing of weeds.
Fun Fact: Epsom salt can act as a natural fertilizer. This means your soil will stay unharmed while the real damage happens above.
For this reason alone, if your goal is to kill weeds through the use of epsom salt, then it would be better to incorporate epsom salt with other products and create a home-made weed killer that will actually work (now that we know epsom salt on its own will not).
Commonly found ingredients that you probably already have at home for you to use in your home-made weed killer may be dishwashing liquid, vinegar or even regular table salt.
By mixing the three ingredients (plus the epsom salt you may already have), simply pour the liquid into a spray bottle and TA-DA!
The epsom salt inside will help to keep your soil free from damage when being used on your weeds.
Spray the weeds frequently (every odd day or weekly) to quicken the process!
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