How to Get Rid of Tree Stumps: Simple and Eco-Friendly Methods

There are almost 300 billion trees in the US, according to data from the Department of Agriculture collected in 2020. Despite issues of conversation and deforestation, the number of trees has been increasing overall.

More trees growing means that some of them will sprout up in the wrong places. This includes the backyards of people who don’t want them there. Getting rid of a tree is one thing, but what if you have an unsightly stump on your property?

This raises an interesting question: how to get rid of tree stumps without hurting the environment? The truth is that you have a few options. We’ll discuss some of them here.

1. Use Epsom Salt

The most eco-friendly way to get a tree stump out of your yard is to speed up its decomposition. Epsom salt can cut a tree stump’s total decomposition time down to a year if used correctly.

Drilling Holes

The first step in this process is to drill holes in the top of the stump. This increases surface area so that decomposers like fungi can break down more of the stump at a time. Fungi lack the chlorophyl of plants, so they can’t make their own food.

Adding Epsom Salt

Coating the top of the stump with Epsom salt further helps with this process. Like most forms of salt, it absorbs moisture, which causes the stump to dry out. This has to do with its chemical makeup. Salts including Table Salt, Epsom Salt, and MSG, are ionic compounds, which causes them to break down and combine with the ions in water.

Dry tree stumps will decompose faster because trees absorb water into their pores. When there isn’t any water, they absorb whatever’s available, often decomposers.

Sprinkle Water and Cover

Epsom salt helps the stump decompose, but it won’t penetrate into the drill holes by itself. Add a bit of water to the stump to help the Epsom salt absorb into the tree. Keep in mind that too much water will wash away the salt.

The last step is to cover the stump with a tarp and secure it to the ground. This will keep the stump dry and should keep most pests out.

2. Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is among the most common and sustainable solutions to stubborn stumps. While soil can be affected by stump grinding, the only materials left behind are sawdust and bits of wood.

A good company will remedy this by adding fertilizer and planting grass around the stump to keep your property healthy and growing.

Stump grinding requires specialized and dangerous equipment, so it’s best left to professionals. This will save you money in the long run, since grinding equipment is often more expensive than a professional service.