Tree stumps can be difficult to remove from your yard. They can be eyesores that take up valuable yard space. The roots are deep within the ground, so it can be hard to get out on your own. There are multiple ways to kill a tree stump. You can DIY it, or hire someone to take it out. TreeQuote, a Marietta tree service, has helped up explain the different methods.

Home Remedies

If you want to tackle the project on your own, you can follow home remedy methods. Family Handyman offers a video of how to cut down a tree. Most of the methods listed below require you to cut the tree and stump down as close to the roots as you can.

Home Guides recommends using an Epsom salt solution. First, you mix 100% Epsom salt with water to create the solution. Then, you drill about ten holes in the tree stump and pour the solution in those holes. The holes should be 1-inch wide and 10-inches deep. This will ensure that the solution reaches the roots and kill the tree.

Another home remedy is using rock salt. It will retain water and dry out the stump, effectively killing it. Similar to using Epsom salt, you also need to drill holes in the stomp. Then you will stuff the holes with rock salt and pour hot water over the stump. Afterward, surround the tree stump with 2 inches of rock salt. Pour more hot water over the salt so that it soaks into the soil. Cover the top with mulch and leave it alone for 6 weeks. Then you can start the removing process as the tree decomposes.

You can also do a controlled burn, if it is permitted in your area. Check with your fire codes before doing this one. Drill 12-inch deep holes and pour kerosene into the holes until the stump is saturated. Then cover the stump with scrap wood and ignite it. Keep a close watch on the fire to make sure it doesn’t spread. Let it burn until it turns to ash.

You can also use forced darkness. It is one of the cheapest methods around for taking out tree stumps. Cut the stump as close as you can to the roots, and cover it completely. If it is a larger stump, use a trash bag. If it is a smaller stump, use a dark colored bucket. Cover it for around eight weeks before removing the stump.

Lastly, you can chop up the tree stump. You can rent or buy a stump grinder to do so. You can find them at a hardware store. It is heavy machinery, so be careful when operating it. Also, make sure you wear protective gear like safety goggles and a mask. Cut the stump down as far to the roots as you can before using the stump grinder. Then use the grinder to grind up the stump into little pieces. Shovel out the grinded parts and fill in the hole. This is a far quicker way than the others mentioned above.

If these methods all sound too difficult or you are worried about not doing it correctly, you can hire someone to help you.

Tree Services

Hiring someone may cost more than doing your own home remedies, however it can keep you safe. There are stories of homeowners being severely injured or even killed trying to take out a tree and tree stump on their own. You are even more at risk if you do not have any experience removing tree stumps.

If the tree is still up that you want to get rid of, hiring someone to take it down will protect you as well as your home. Trained tree service workers will know which angle to cut into the tree to make sure it lands away from your house and any other expensive parts of your yard.

Tree service workers will also have all the equipment needed to take out the tree and the tree stump. These workers will also do all the hard labor, leaving you safe and sound. You would need to figure out and rent all the machinery on your own if you choose not to hire someone. Workers can also use the spare wood effectively. They can cut up the wood to use as firewood, or remove the wood themselves.

The cost can vary depending on the tree size and stump size. Larger trees and stumps will cost more than smaller ones. Prices are decided based on total feet of the tree. Services can charge $15-$20 per foot. Angie’s List states that homeowners will pay around $1,264 for their tree and stump removal.

Whether you choose to use home remedies or hire someone, there are pros and cons to both. It is really up to what you’re comfortable with, and what experience you have with removing stumps. Good luck with your project!