Cutting down a tree is necessary if it causes more harm than good. Sometimes, it is needed for safety and aesthetic reasons. After a tree removal service, the stump and roots can still sprout during springtime. No matter how small a stump might appear, it can grow again and become zombie tree stumps.
In order to kill tree stumps permanently, there are several measures that you need to follow. We have compiled relevant information on why tree stumps grow back and how you can quickly remove them.
Do Trees Grow Back After Being Cut Down?
Yes, zombie tree stumps exist. There are certain species like Chinese elm, ash, and cottonwood that send up sprouts from their stumps as early as 30 days after the tree removal. This happens when there are enough stored sugars in the roots. All the leftover nutrients help produce sprouts and microgreens.
It’s best to remove them completely before they pose a hazard to your health and safety. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from when it comes to getting rid of tree stumps. Let’s explore them one by one:
Stump Grinding
This is one of the most common ways when dealing with tree sprouts. Stump grinding is part of tree maintenance after removal.
Using heavy equipment, you will grind the stump and chop up all the roots. Start by grinding the stump 6 to 12 inches into the ground. You need to be as close to the ground as possible to make sure it’s dead. After this, remove all the wood chips and fill the hole with topsoil.
During the process, keep children and pets at a safe distance and wear appropriate safety gear. If you’re not familiar with using a chainsaw or stump grinder, you can hire a professional to tackle the job for you. Working around heavy machinery requires focus, extreme precision, and experience.
Chemical Control
You may also apply chemicals to kill the leftover stump. This method isn’t as fast as stump grinding but it is an easier way to do so.
The process starts with drilling holes in the cut surface of the trunk. The deeper the hole, the better. Next, fill the holes with stump-killing herbicide and broadleaf weed killers. Spray-on or brush-on herbicides are now available in the market. Make sure to read the labels and apply the product according to package instructions.
Chemical herbicides have active ingredients that poison the leftover sprouts and roots. Be careful when applying the product: wear goggles, gloves, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Slow-Release Fertilizers
Excessive use of fertilizers will give your trees too much nitrogen. This will eventually damage and even kill your trees. This method is highly effective in accelerating the decay process of the stump.
If you use the fertilizer method, you need to first cut the stump, drill holes until you see protruding roots at the base of the stump. Then start applying a slow-release fertilizer to the holes before covering them with topsoil.
Epsom or Rock Salt
Made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate or magnesium and sulfur, Epsom salt will help inhibit the growth of the zombie tree stump. When added in excessive amounts, it will drain moisture away and eventually kill the tree stump.
All you need to do is fill deep holes and cavities with a lot of Epsom or rock salt. To seal the holes, you can use hot wax or waterproof sealant. The final step is to secure the stump with a dark plastic tarp or trash bag. The tree stump will start to break apart within 6 to 10 weeks.
Stump Burning
You can also kill and stop zombie tree stumps by burning them down to ashes. This procedure helps you ensure that no leftover sprouts will grow back. Start by drilling holes at least 12 inches into the wood. After this, pour kerosene into the holes and build a fire on top of the stump. Remove the ashes and add topsoil as necessary.
Never leave the fire unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Before using this method, consult your local authorities to ensure that controlled burn is allowed in your area.
Remove the Sprouts By Hand
If you are aiming for an eco-friendlier method, you can simply dig out the stump from its root. Use a shovel and dig around the leftover sprout. After taking out the tree sprout, you can cover the soil. This method is effective in starving the roots and preventing them from producing more sprouts during the spring season.
While manually removing the tree sprouts is labor-intensive, you don’t have to deal with intrusive methods such as using chemicals or fertilizers.
Stop Your Tree Stump from Growing Back
We hope you find this blog post helpful in preventing sprouts from growing back. If you need assistance in handling stumps and getting rid of tripping hazards, reach out to Tree Removal Lancaster. We offer residential and commercial tree work in Lancaster PA.
Depending on your needs, our team can grind the leftover stump or remove them completely. Aside from stump removal service, we also provide trimmings, pruning, and emergency tree solutions. For the best results, schedule an appointment with our team of tree experts. Call us today to get a free, no-obligation quote!