What to do When Your Tree Stump Starts to Grow
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After you cut down a tree, you may find that each spring the
tree stump sprouts. The only way to stop the sprouts is to kill the stump. There
are two options you can use to get rid of the stump: grinding or killing the
stump chemically. Grinding will generally kill the stump the first time if it
is correctly done, whereas killing the stump chemically may take several tries.
Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is the way to go if you’re strong don’t mind
using heavy equipment. You can also rent a stump grinder. Make sure you fully understand
the operating instructions and that you have the safety gear you need. Grind
the stump down to 6 to 12 inches below the ground to ensure the stump is dead.
Of course, you can always hire tree care professionals to stump grind and you
may discover it’s not more costly than renting the equipment and doing it
yourself.
Chemical Control
You can also stop tree stump sprouting from occurring if you
use chemicals to kill the stump. However, it does not kill the stump as quickly
as grinding, and it often takes more than one application, but it is also a lot
easier for do-it-yourselfers to do than grinding the stump.
Start by drilling a number of holes in the cut surface of
the trunk. The deeper holes are far more effective. Then fill the holes with
stump killer. There are different products on the market made specifically for
this use. Read the label carefully and understand the risks before you choose a
product.
You can also use broadleaf weed killer in the holes. They contain
glyphosate or triclopyrk, which are good choices. A word of caution – glyphosate
can be transferred to other trees where the roots have grown together.
If you are working with chemical herbicides you need to wear
gloves, goggles and long sleeves. Store any remaining product in the original
container and read.