How to Kill a Tree Stump With Nitrogen Fertilizer

Tree stumps are often all that's left behind when a tree is cut down and removed. They can be unsightly and more importantly can continue to grow their roots. You can have them professional removed or save money by naturally decomposing the stumps using fertilizer with high nitrogen content. The nitrogen provides energy to fungi, which decomposes the tree stump.

Chainsaw
Power drill (choose largest drill bit you have)
Protective goggles
Small funnel
High-nitogren fertilizer (liquid or powder)
Garden hose connected to water supply
Large tarp or heavy plastic bag
Large rock or brick (optional)
Mulch or compost

Instructions

- 1
  Use the chainsaw to cut down the stump as much as possible. Wearing protective goggles, turn on the chainsaw and move it in a slow, slicing motion starting on one edge of the stump 2 inches from the top and slicing across until the top of the stump is removed.
- 2
  Stand over the tree stump with your protective goggles on and the drill.
- 3
  Place the tip of the drill on a section on top of the stump. Press and hold the drill's trigger or button and push down firmly to drill a hole into the stump. As you drill, you may need to lift the drill up and down to complete the hole. Drill at least 2 inches deep.
- 4
  Repeat step 2 multiple times on different sections on top of the stump. Aim for four or five holes.
- 5
  Place the narrow tip of the funnel into one of the drill holes. Carefully and slowly pour nitrogen fertilizer into the drill hole. Remove the funnel and repeat this on each drill hole.
- 6
  Turn on the garden hose and wet the tree stump until moist. Make sure some water gets into the drill holes.
- 7
  Inspect the drill holes after the wetting the stump. Add more nitrogen fertilizer as needed to fill the holes, using the funnel.
- 8
  Moisten the tree stump each day and add more fertilizer to the holes as needed.
- 9
  Cover the stump with the tarp or large plastic trash bag. If the tarp or bag won't stay in place, put a large rock or brick on top.
- 10
  Remove the tarp periodically to moisten the tree stump and add more fertilizer as needed. This is optional but can speed decomposition.
- 11
  Cover the tarp or plastic with mulch or the beginnings of a compost pile. Wet the mulch or compost with enough water to make it damp. This is also optional but can boost decomposition.

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