Tree Stump Problem

[babylark]

I'm in a neighborhood and I can't burn. I wish....it would make Spring clean up much easier. I'll just have to try the sale and boiling water route. If that kills it, in a couple years...I will be able to chop it out.

[travis]

In the original question, Baby Lark also says "I have a very stubborn stump that is in the middle of a new garden plot ..."

Now, having reread that, do you folks who recommend applying salt, Roundup and brush killer stand by your recommendations?

[Barbee]

I stand by my post of applying roundup to the suckers with a paintbrush.

[bcday]

Since the magnolia was cut down several years ago, I had the impression that the only roots that were left were the ones right under the stump and that the surrounding area was already cleared of roots in preparation for planting. The Roundup is not going to run down through the sprouts' cut stems and out the few remaining roots to contaminate the whole garden as if you were pouring it down an open pipe, LOL.

Roundup and other herbicides are routinely used on entire fields where beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, leeks, onions, parsnips, peanuts, peas, potatoes, soybeans, sunflowers, wheat, barley, oats, rye, and other food crops are grown. In contrast, babylark's entire garden plot wouldn't be getting treated, just a small area under the stump. When the stump does come out and that spot gets cultivated, the remaining roots (along with the Roundup inside them) will also be removed from the major root zone of the intended crops to get the soil into a tilth suitable for planting.

But salt and boiling water might work just as well and more economically, providing that an excess of salt doesn't run off into the surrounding area.

[stormymater]

I totally stand by my recommendation of pouring salt into holes bored into the stump & wetting well with boiling water. It'll work, have very limited spread & is utterely non-toxic. I think it is cheaper than Roundup shrub killer which can also be poured discretely into bored holes as well. Both would do well & not cause pervasive problems.

[Polar_Lace]

Thank you bcday and stormymater; I couldn't get to answer this earlier, too many chores to do. I wholeheartedly agree with both of you, as I would've answered back the same way.

~* Robin

[babylark]

I think I got most of the roots out of the garden plot. Whatever the tiller hit and I pulled out.

I think I will stick to the salt and water or vinegar. Hopefully once it's dead...I will be able to chop it in a couple years.