10 Best Stump Killer [Buyer Guide]
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Cutting down a tree is a great way to save space in your garden, however the removal of the stump may prove a little harder than you first anticipated. Getting the stump professionally removed can be time-consuming and often, quite costly! However, if you fail to remove the stump, the tree is likely to grow back for years to come. This becomes an unnecessary expense and annoyance.
This is where a chemical stump killer can work wonders. Chemical stump killers are made specifically for removing unwanted tree stumps by causing them to rot prior to your removal. This makes it lot easier to get rid of any tree stumps causing you hassle in your garden. You’ve heard of chemical weed killers, it’s now time to get to grips with some stump killers, too! There also isn’t much work involved with a chemical tree stump killer. All you really have to do is apply the chemicals at the top of the stump, wait for the magic to take place over a couple of weeks and you can get to removing the stump from your outside space with ease. For a bit of added speed, you can also use copper nails to initiate the rotting process, too!
When it comes to purchasing a stump killer, there are many to choose from. This can make your job quite difficult if you’re not sure which one is the best for you and your needs. Here at Konservatory, we’re here to help that decision become a little easier! We’ve written this buyer guide with product reviews, pros & cons and a list of considerations you may want to make before you buy. If you still have any unanswered questions, we’ve included an FAQ section at the end of this guide. So, if you’re interested in finding out a bit more- keep on reading!
Vitax Tree Stump Killer
Despite being only 250ml, this stump killer 250ml concentrate can treat up to eight stumps. This stump killer works by killing at the root to prevent re-growth, great for pesky tree stumps that don’t seem to disappear! This product is also multi-use, which means it works great on tough weeds that are hard to manage. This stump killer also works brilliantly on other unwanted garden additions, such as poison ivy. This product recommends avoiding planted areas, and if you’re using it for woody weeds, apply from June to August when the soil is moist and weeds are actively growing. This stump killer is also a glyphosate-free solution.
Key Features:
Glyphosate-free solution
Kills up to 8 stumps
Kills at root to prevent re-growth
Specification:
Brand
Vitax Ltd
Volume
250ml
Weight
380g
Pros
Also suitable for tough weeds
Comes with clear instructions
Cons
Might have to bulk buy for several uses
Resolva Tree Stump Killer
These pre-measured sachets are great for targeting and killing tree stumps as well as annual and deep-rooted perennial grass and broad leaved garden weeds including bindweed, bracken, bramble, broad leaved dock, common couch, cleavers, colt’s foot, chickweed, common nettle, common thistle, creeping buttercup, curled dock, dandelion, ground elder, perennial sow thistle, plantains, red clover, scotch thistle, sheep’s sorrel, spear thistle, speedwell, white clover, white dead nettle, willow-herb, yarrow and many others. This no mess formula is easy to use and soluble. An all-round great stump killer!
Key Features:
No mess
Soluble formula
Pre-measured sachets
Specification:
Brand
Resolva
Volume
2 x 100ml
Weight
200g
Pros
Also suitable for tough weeds
Comes with 2 sachets
Cons
May need to bulk buy for several uses
Roundup Tree Stump Killer
The Roundup Tree Stump Killer can kill up to 16 Stumps, which is super beneficial if your outside space has more than one pesky tree stump. Along with killing tree stumps, this formula can also kill trees, brambles, nettles, deep rooted and woody weeds. This chemical stump killer works by killing the stumps and tough weeds at the root, reducing new growths. This Roundup stump killer is a non-selective, translocated weed killer that is absorbed by leaves and freshly cut woody surfaces and moves throughout the entire plant, above and below the ground, to control unwanted stumps and weeds.
Key Features:
Kills up to 16 stumps
Multi-purpose
New super concentrate formula
Specification:
Brand
Roundup
Volume
250ml
Weight
400g
Pros
Also kills tough weeds
Easily absorbed
Cons
May kill surrounding plants or grass
Doff Tree Stump Killer
The Doff Tree Stump Killer is a systemic action weedkiller that is carried to all parts of the cut tree stump or weed. This stump killer works by killing weeds and stumps right down to the root. This stump killer produces visible results quickly as effects should be visible within 7-14 days. A multi-purpose product which is suitable for cut tree stumps, grasses, nettles, dandelions and willow-herb, meaning you get even more for your money. Win-win!
Key Features:
Multipurpose
Budget friendly
Systemic action
Specification:
Brand
Thompson & Morgan
Volume
2 x 80ml
Weight
100g
Pros
Satisfaction guarantee
Easy to use
Cons
May need to bulk buy for more uses
Bayer Garden Tree Stump Killer
The Bayer Garden Tree Stump Killer is a tough systemic weedkiller for killing tree stumps, brushwood, brambles and other deep rooted perennials. This stump killer works by breaking down naturally down in the soil to allow replanting – a good option for the avid gardener. Coming in easy-to-use soluble sachets, this product is easy to use and mess free.
Key Features:
Tough
Breaks down naturally
Soluble sachets
Specification:
Brand
Bayer Garden
Volume
3 x 8ml
Weight
60g
Pros
Easy to use
Budget friendly
Cons
Nozzle not included
Scotts Miracle-Go Roundup Tree Stump Killer
The Scotts Miracle-Go Roundup Tree Stump Killer is a liquid concentrate tree stump and tough weed killer. This particular product kills most garden weeds and tree stumps with a single application. As it is a chemical weed killer, kids and pets should not be in the area when application is taking place. However, once the stump killer has dried children and pets need not be excluded from the treated areas. This stump killer fully degrades in soil by microbial action and leaves no harmful residues to allow replanting. We think his is a great feature in a stump killer.
Key Features:
Kills with single application
Microbial action
Leaves no harmful residues
Specification:
Brand
Scotts Miracle-Go
Volume
250ml
Weight
390g
Pros
Comes with nozzle for easy use
Super concentrate
Cons
Slightly more expensive than other stump killers
Doff Tree Stump Killer
Despite being only 200ml, this stump killer can treat many tree stumps. This stump killer works by using its super-strength formula to kill at the root to prevent re-growth, great for pesky tree stumps that don’t seem to disappear. This product is also multi-use, which means it works great on tough weeds that are hard to manage. The Doff Tree Stump Killer features systemic action for effective and efficient stump and weed killing.
Key Features:
Super strength
Tough
Systemic action
Specification:
Brand
Doff
Volume
2 x 100ml
Weight
215g
Pros
Kills down to the root
Budget friendly
Cons
Nozzle not included
Copper Tree Stump Killer
This particular stump removal technique is different type of stump killer when compared to more traditional chemical killers, these copper nails work by poisoning the tree stump over time. Just hammer these 3.35mm circumference nails in for super easy and effective stump removal in no-time. These copper nails are 75mm in length which is perfect for most stumps, and because they come in a pack of 50, you can use them over and over again for multiple stump removals.
Key Features:
Poisons tree over time
Comes with 50 nails
Won't kill any nearby plants
Specification:
Brand
Source4me
Length
75mm
Weight
320g
Pros
Safe to use due to no chemicals being present
Easy to use
Cons
Will need a hammer
Copper Nail Tree Stump Killer
The main function of these copper nails is to rot trees and stumps easily without damaging the surroundings. Copper nails work effectively for this reason as they poison the tree stump over a period of time, allowing removal to be as smooth and simple as possible. This package includes a pack of 12 extra long solid copper nails (4 inch/ 100 mm). These copper nails also come with 1 steel nail (4 inch/ 100 mm) for drilling a hole, too. One pro of using copper nails for tree stump removal is their energy saving aspect, and they also won’t disturb or harm the area surrounding the tree stump in question. These nails also include a storage box for efficient storage and transportation.
Key Features:
Storage box included
Energy saving
Comes with extra steel nail for drilling a hole
Specification:
Brand
Frienda
Length
100mm
Weight
91g
Pros
Won't harm surrounding area
Suitable for home improvement
Cons
Will need a hammer
Vitax Tree Stump Killer
Another multi-use product, the Vitax Tree Stump Killer kills tree stumps and hardwood saplings as well as tougher weeds. This stump killer is ideal for use on unwanted garden additions such as brambles, nettles, dock and woody weeds. This particular stump killer is great too as it won’t kill any grass surrounding the stump you’re wanting to treat and remove. This product is also really easy to use and mess free, which is definitely a plus.
Key Features:
Kills roots to prevent re-growth
Easy to use
Treats up to 400 square yards
Specification:
Brand
Vitax
Volume
2 x 125ml
Weight
300g
Pros
Will not kill surrounding grass
Cons
Nozzle not included
Summary
A tree stump killer can make an excellent addition to your garden tool collection. Stump killers are handy for speeding up the rotting process of the tree stump, which basically allows you to get rid of that annoying stump a lot quicker. If you’re looking to place a piece of garden furniture (like a 3 seater garden swing or a hanging egg chair) in a particular spot, but an unsightly tree stump is taking prime position, a chemical stump killer is exactly what you need.
However, you should remember that these products can be harmful and potentially toxic. So when dealing with them, make sure to wear protective garden trousers, and your gardening boots so you’re well protected from any spills or splashes. It’s also a good idea to keep children and pets away from the area once the chemicals have been applied to avoid any accidents!
Check if it’s suitable for weeds, too!
When purchasing a chemical stump killer, you should also look to see if it can be used on tough weeds too. This is beneficial as you essentially get a 2-in-1 product which saves both money and space in your garden shed or garage. Having a multi-use product makes your time in the garden more productive and efficient, too. So, we recommend looking out for a stump killer that also pesky kills weeds at the root for an added bonus! You may also be interested in seeing our review on the best moss killer too.
How to apply
Not all chemical stump killers are made equal. Some have easy-to-pour nozzles which can make the application process that little bit easier. If possible, we suggest going for a stump killer that is easy to use. This in turn reduces the amount of splashes and spills you might get along the way, which then also decreases the chance of killing any grass or plants around the tree stump you’re trying to remove.
Price
Look for a tree stump killer that is both effective and easy on your wallet! Most chemical stump killers range from a very pocket-friendly £5 to £20, which is great considering a professional removal could end up costing a lot more money. However, one thing to consider is that although the prices are low, they often come in quite small sizes/volumes. This means that you might need to buy a couple of sachets or boxes – this still beats the cost of a professional stump removal, though!
Using the stump killer safely
When using any chemical product, it’s always a good idea to protect yourself properly. If you think about the stump killers main purpose, it is specially designed to rot and cut through tough wood. This means that it will cut through pretty much anything, including you! Here at Konservatory, we always recommend investing in proper, protective garden clothing and accessories (such as goggles and heavy duty gloves) when you’re planning on using anything sharp or any invasive chemical-based products. Also, if you have young children or pets, it’s best to keep them well away from the area when you’re applying the stump killer and keep them away after application, too!
Some alternatives to chemical stump killers include copper nails. This is because copper has been found to be effective in killing trees. In order to use them, you need to hammer them into the tree stump and wait! When using these copper nails, you will need a hammer, so bear that in mind when considering the safety of this stump killer.
FAQ
Should tree stumps be removed?
Tree stumps can be unsightly and annoying in your garden – often getting in the way of decorating plans and garden furniture (such as rattan cube furniture or rattan sun loungers). The main issue with tree stumps is that they will continue to grow even after the tree has been cut down, this means that if you don’t remove the stump, you will be constantly having to deal with new growths. Something to bear in mind when thinking about removing the stump from your garden.
How do use a stump killer
Depending on what type of stump killer you opt for, using any of the products we’ve listed in this buyer guide is relatively straight forward! Those that are chemical stump killers with an easy-to-use nozzle may take your fancy, however, we recommend looking into the product info as some of them require holes being drilled into the stump previous to application. If you opt for the copper nail option, you will also need a hammer to hand.
How long does it take to kill a tree stump?
The length of time needed to kill a tree stump really depends on the size of the tree stump and how actively you’re treating it with a stump killer. On average, stumps take between 2-6 weeks to fully rot and be ready for removal – however, this isn’t a one size fits all approach as various factors can influence how long it will take for the stump to be completely ready for removal.
How to remove a tree stump
After you’ve treated the tree stump accordingly, you will need to remove the bulk of it. Here we’ve included a video to show you exactly how it’s done.
Further Reading
For more advice about removing stumps in your garden, click here.