A couple of months ago, I was sitting in our backyard staring at the big stubborn old tree stump stuck in the ground and thinking about how to get rid of it. You know how they are: So ugly, so useless and always there when all you wanted to do was mow the lawn. We worked around it for years. But lately, my husband began dropping not-so-subtle hints: “We really ought to do something about that stump.” At first, I shrugged it off. I didn’t want to spend money to hire someone, and I most certainly wasn’t enthusiastic about digging it up myself.
Then, one night during one of my late-night internet spirals, I stumbled upon this: Epsom salt can kill tree stumps. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Epsom salt? SALT? You know that thing you soak your feet in at night when life wears you out? Then, after a bit of digging, I discovered this simple, cheap household product might actually fit the bill. So, we decided to try it. When I told my husband were gonna use Epson salt to do this, he did give a an eye roll and di not expect any results at all. I think the only reason he agreed was that he could tell me ‘I told you so’.
Why Epsom Salt Works Like Magic
Thing about tree stumps: They are not “dead” now that the tree is gone. The roots below are very much alive and well, and waiting to send up new shoots if you aren’t careful. That’s where Epsom salt comes in. It does so by drawing out moisture from the stump and roots, desiccating them completely. You’re just slowly starving it of life.
And the best part? Epsom salt is environmentally friendly. That is very important to me! Unlike with those harsh chemical stump killers, you won’t be poisoning the soil or your neighbor’s plants. It’s the environmentally friendly thing to do with this vexatious problem.
How to Remove a Tree Stump with Epsom Salt
So, how do you actually use Epsom salt to take down a stump? Don’t worry—if I can do it, so can you.
Step 1: Drill Holes
Grab a drill or buy a drill if you don’t have one, or get your husband to grab a drill. (We used a ½-inch bit, and it worked great.) Drill holes straight down into the top of the stump. Make them as deep as you can—about 8 to 10 inches is ideal. Space the holes a few inches apart. If you’re feeling ambitious, drill some holes into the sides of the stump too.
Step 2: Fill the Holes
This part is oddly satisfying. Pour Epsom salt into each hole until it’s completely full. And I mean COMPLETELY.
Step 3: Add Hot Water
Once the holes are all packed with salt, pour in hot water. The heat helps dissolve the salt and carry it deeper into the wood. You’ll probably see it bubbling a little, which is a good sign.
Step 4: Cover It Up
Here’s a trick that helps a lot: cover the stump with a tarp or plastic sheet as heavy weight and as opaque as you can find. It serves to prevent rain from sloughing away the salt and it accelerates drying by holding heat in.
Step 5: Be Patient
This isn’t a quick fix. It may take a few weeks to a few months for the stump to completely dry up. If you wanted to wake up the next morning and have it all completely gone, it’s just not gonna happen. Haha! I’d check for some every couple weeks or so and would repeat the process if necessary. Eventually, the wood will dry up and you can just crack it off.
Does This Really Work?
When we first tried this, I wasn’t convinced it would do much. But after about six weeks, when I checked on it, it was dry, it was crumbling, and I knew that it has really worked. I was SO HAPPY! Started yelling for my kids and husband right away. Then one way or another shared my excitement.
Other Stump Removal Options
If you’re not sold on the Epsom salt method and don’t have the time to wait for it to work, there are a few other ways to tackle a tree stump.
Burning It
One option is to burn the stump, which sounds dramatic—and honestly, it kind of is. You’ll need to drill holes, pour in kerosene, and carefully light it. Just be sure to check local fire regulations first, you don’t want to make that mistake.
Stump Grinding
For a faster solution, you can rent a stump grinder. But it will be pricey! It’s a powerful machine that grinds the stump into sawdust. We looked into this, and quickly decided not to do that.
Good Old Elbow Grease
If you’re feeling up for it and for some reason have a lot of energy (can’t relate), you can dig the stump out by hand. This method works best for small stumps or shallow-rooted trees, but it’s a workout. Think of it as your free backyard gym session. But I know very well, me and my back wouldn’t be able to do that.
In case of a stubborn stump that’s tied to a dying or unstable tree, a professional tree removal service is the safest way to handle the whole situation.
Take Back Your Yard
Tree stumps have a way of overstaying their welcome. They are the drunken party guests who just won’t leave. But by using a bit of Epsom salt, a bit of patience and a couple hours of work, you can get your yard back.
If you’ve got a tree stump in your yard that’s been annoying you and you’ve just given up on it, PLEASE give this method a shot. It’s inexpensive, it works, and there’s something very satisfying about solving a problem with your own two hands. Believe me, when the last little piece of the stump finally goes, you’ll be the DIY superstar you always wanted to be. And bonus point of it all, I was the one who got to tell my husband I TOLD YOU SO, and not the other way round. HA!
