The Easiest Way To Remove A Tree Stump From Your Yard Is Already In Your Bathroom Cabinet

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When removing a tree from your property, having the trunk and canopy cut off is just the first step of this involved (and sometimes dangerous) task. It's common to have a plan for cutting the tree down but not having a strategy for dealing with the remaining stump left behind. A stump itself can be up to 4 feet tall. While letting the stump be is one option, you're probably like most homeowners and want to find a way to remove it from your yard. Professional stump grinding is the only way to guarantee complete and fast stump removal, but you may be able to safely remove a tree stump without calling in the professionals, as long as you're not in a hurry. One such option is Epsom salt, a common household product you might already have in your bathroom cabinet.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) works by gradually rotting a tree stump. It's thought that this ingredient works by absorbing moisture in the tree so it will stop growing. Using this product is arguably much more affordable compared to hiring a professional stump grinder or renting a machine yourself. At the same time, Epsom salt is easy to use, and unlike chemical-based tree stump removers, the product is safe and non-toxic. There are even several ways to use Epsom salt around the house. While the method itself is not currently backed by scientific studies, there have been anecdotal reports of people having success with Epsom salt for gradual tree stump removal.

First, you will need to drill several holes into the stump that are 10 inches deep before filling them with the salt. Leave a small amount of space in each hole and fill the rest of them with water from a garden hose. Cover each hole with compacted soil, and then place a tarp over the entire stump. This will help keep the salt in place for better efficacy. Once the tree stump is rotted, it should be soft and able to fall apart easily with a shovel. At this point, you can then dig it out of the ground.

Overall, this Epsom salt method for tree stump removal is not a quick fix, and you may need to repeat it every few weeks. For perspective, commercial chemical-based tree stump removers are said to take at least four to six weeks, and you might have to repeat the process several times before their full effects are realized over the course of 1 to 3 years. The exact timeline for the rotting process also depends on the type of tree and its size, as well as its overall health before cutting. In some cases though, full rotting can take over a decade. Nevertheless, the Epsom salt method is still among the least expensive and easiest options to get rid of a tree stump in your backyard. As long as you have a bit of patience, and avoid common mistakes when removing a tree stump, you may feel good about using this strategy over others.