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Tree stumps

alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
in Problem solving
Is there any truth in the effectiveness of the various methods to kill a tree stump - copper nails, Epsom Salts etc?
There is no urgency for me to remove the stumps so would prefer to avoid the expense of them being ground down but I would like to rid myself of them at some stage to free up the space. Thank you. 
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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Different trees rot at different rates. 
    Devon.
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Copper nails can kill a tree but they won't make the stump rot. That requires years of weathering and hard work by fungi and boring insects.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Several conifers were removed from my garden about 9 years ago.  The stumps are still visible and quite solid.  The outer bark has rotted, creating a gap where there are all sorts of  insects and other creatures happily enjoying the retreat!  I've put other plants nearby to cover them up and also used bark chippings to hide one of them.  I've also noticed that birds use the exposed ones as vantage points.  Let nature take its course and enjoy it!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • CrankyYankeeCrankyYankee Posts: 504
    You can bore holes into the stump and roots and then pour boiling water down them to kill it, but that will only prevent it from sending up shoots, not make it rot that much quicker.  I like letting them rot naturally like Plantminded does, but I'll use them as platforms or pedestals for pots of flowers, bird baths, or garden decor. 
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
    They are Ash stunps (casualties of Die Back) and some have already sprouted.
  • SueAtooSueAtoo Posts: 380
    There are stump killers to buy, some liquid, some granular that you stuff in drilled holes or dribble or paint over, that rot it down more quickly. 
    East Dorset, new (to me) rather neglected garden.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    it's not going to rot away if it's still alive, which, clearly, it is
    Devon.
  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
    @Hostafan1 - which is why I wondered if copper nails /Epsom salts would see them off?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    You can cut them flush to the ground, cover over with thick black polythene, then cover that in a Very thick mulch. It'll take a long time, but not much effort, just patience 
    Devon.
  • alfharris8alfharris8 Posts: 513
    Thanks @Hostafan1.
    That's something I've never heard of.
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