Summary
- VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer rots stumps in four to six weeks and is easy to apply with a paintbrush.
- Epsoak Epsom Salts, natural stump killer, takes four to eight weeks, and it's also suitable for aching muscles.
- Bonide Stump and Vine Killer destroys roots without harming other plants.
Are you tired of looking at continuously sprouting tree stumps in your yard? Not only can they be an eyesore, but they also take up space and resources. If you can't put the stump to good use, it's time to get rid of it.
Most tree stump killer products take four to eight weeks to rot, so keep that in mind. Get a look at the five best stump killers on the market.
Backyard Boss Top 5 Tree Stump Killers
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Best Stump Killer for Small and Big Trees
VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer
The complete go-to for removing small and large stumps with one application
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Pros:
- Takes four to six weeks for stumps to rot
- Large 32-ounce bottle
- Great for killing weeds, too
- Apply easily with a paintbrush
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Cons:
- Takes time to disintegrate for some users
- Needs better packaging
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Why We Like It: VPG Fertilome is easy to use and highly effective. It will get rid of most stumps in just one application. As far as that application goes, this formula is very easy to put on tree stumps. The only drawback is that it can take several weeks before the stump is fully gone. The formula kills vegetation very well. It can also be applied to invasive and unwanted plants, including poison ivy.
Why You Should Buy It: People who want a product that destroys small and large stumps, including vines, poison ivy, and unwanted woody plants. The formula is suitable for people with large gardens.
Best Natural Stump Killer
Epsoak Epsom Salts
One of the safest natural stump killers
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Pros:
- Destroys stumps in four to eight weeks
- Big 19-pound bag
- Can be used for aching muscles, too
- Simply mix salts with water
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Cons:
- Takes longer for the stump to rot
- Apply salts every week when poured over the stump
- Apply salts every three weeks when drilling into the stump
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Why We Like It: Epsom salts are a famously all-around product that can be used for just about anything. These salts can added to bath water to soothe aching muscles and they have numerous uses in the garden, too. Epsom salts are also able to kill tree stumps. One common method is to use a power drill to create holes in the tree. Salt can be poured into these holes to begin rotting the stump from the inside out.
For people who don't want to drill holes into the stump, simply mix Epsom salts with water (one part salt to two parts water) and pour the liquid over the stumps and exposed roots. Cover the stump and roots with a tarp and repeat the same process each week until the stump is dried out. When drilling holes into the stump, followed by pouring salts and water into the holes, cover it with a tarp and repeat the same process every three weeks.
Why You Should Buy It: People who want to stay away from commercial stump removal products made from potassium nitrate and glyphosate (potential cancer-causing agent). Epsom salt will add no harsh chemicals to your lawn and garden areas.
Best Multi-Purpose Vine and Tree Stump Remover
Bonide Stump and Vine Killer
Bonide doesn't kill nearby plants, it's easy to use, and it keeps stumps from re-sprouting
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Pros:
- Takes four to six weeks for stumps to rot
- Easy brush top applicator
- Destroys tree roots
- Gets rid of vines, too
- Doesn't harm other plants
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Cons:
- Bottle leaked for some users
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Why We Like It: Bonide Stump and Vine Killer is very easy to use. Simply brush it on to apply. Tree stumps rot away after a few weeks. Nearby vines will also be affected by the formula, but vegetation and other plants will not.
Who Should Buy It: People who want a strong two-in-one product that also kills tree roots.
Best Stump Remover for Warm Regions
Spectracide Stump Remover
Reduces unwanted tree stumps to ashes
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Pros:
- No odor
- Money-back guarantee
- Does not harm nearby plants
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Cons:
- How to apply is confusing
- High potassium nitrate
- Dangerous chemicals
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Why We Like It: You will start to see results very quickly after just one application of this product. The formula does not harm other plants and it is odorless, which is a nice feature.
Why You Should Buy It: People who live in warm and dry areas, as the product works best when the stumps themselves are dry and warm.
Best Sustainable Stump Killer
Killer Spikez Solid Copper Nails
A chemical-free solution to tree stumps
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Pros:
- No harmful chemicals
- No need to apply granules or liquid
- Economic pack of 10 nails
- Only four nails needed for each stump
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Cons:
- Can take up to one to 12 months
- Questionable reputation
- Choking hazard for under three-year-olds
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Why We Like It: There are no strong chemicals used like potassium nitrate or glyphosate in this simple product. Copper nails are pretty safe to use around children and pets, provided they're drilled into the stump nice and tight. Killer Spikez nails are Amazon's top choice for copper spikes for killing trees.
Who Should Buy It People who don't want to use chemicals and prefer to kill the stump organically. The product is known to take a lot longer than other stump removal solutions, therefore this would appeal to consumers who have a bit of time up their sleeve. It's also great for people who have a wood chipper, as the leftover stump can be turned into mulch. Just remember to take out the copper nails so you don't damage your wood chipper!
What to Look for When Buying a Tree Stump Killer
There's a lot to consider when buying a decent stump killer. There are some questions you should be asking to help you narrow down your choices.
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How Long Does It Take for the Stump to Rot? |
After applying a tree stump killer product, most tree stumps will rot anywhere from three weeks to two months. Copper nails can take up to 12 months. It can also depend on the weather, the type of tree, and how strong the chemicals are in the product. |
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Are There any DIY Tasks Like Drilling Into the Stump Required? |
Yes, a majority of stump killers require you to drill at least four holes into the stump, pour in the chemicals, add water, and then play the waiting game. |
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Are Tree Stump Killers Safe to Use? |
After applying the stump killer product, it's best to keep kids and pets inside for at least 24 to 48 hours in warm weather. During autumn and winter, allow three to four days before getting near the stump again. Even if the product says it's safe around the little ones and furry friends, the chemicals and water poured into the tree stump still need time to dry.
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Can You Use the Rotted Stump as Firewood? |
No, you shouldn't use the rotted stump for firewood as the chemicals in the stump killer may cause breathing difficulties and other serious side effects. Products like Spectracide will leave dangerous chemicals in the stump. |
How We Picked
At Backyard Boss, we evaluated the best tree stump killers on the market based on the time it takes to apply the product, including tasks like drilling into the tree stump and how long it takes for the tree stump to rot. The final result was based on personal experience and user reviews.
On average, most people will only have three or four tree stumps to kill in their yard. A product that kills 30 stumps is not really necessary. However, some of these two-in-one products also kill weeds and vines, so you definitely get value for the money.
Your Tree Stump Woes Solved
Based on user reviews and our personal experience removing tree stumps, the clear winner of this buyer's guide is VPG Fertilome Brush Stump Killer. This product is ahead of the rest due to taking only four to six weeks for a stump to rot. It comes in a big 32-ounce economic bottle and it's easy to apply with a paintbrush.
After you find the best tree stump killers on the market, you're one step closer to creating your perfect garden!