What is the easiest and cheapest way to remove a stump?

Try drilling more holes and pour salt down

Hi Janet. I have the same issue. A Pinterest idea was to drill holes and use Epsom salts (unscented) then pour some water in. We put a plastic bag over it to keep the rain out but when I took that off recently I uncovered a HUGE colony of ants within the holes themselves and on the stump. Ick. Only thing is I don't know how long it actually takes for the salt to kill off the roots, etc. Good luck.

Hire a stump grinding service. Or drill holes in it and drown in vinegar, use at least a couple gallons. May need to be reapplied but vinegar is cheap. Then just let rot out naturally.

Otherwise make a Feature of it by putting a Lid on it to make a Toadstool and Paint.

Fire is the cheapest and easiest way to remove stumps, Katlover.

A few general, common-sense tips before you get started though: Always check with your fire department before you get started, and never burn your stump during a burn or fire ban. Also, make sure that you store your potassium nitrate in a safe location because the substance can be explosive.

Materials Needed to Burn a Stump

• Drill with a one-inch spade bit or other wood-boring bit
• Eight to 10-inch extender for the bit
• Potassium nitrate or saltpeter
• Plastic scoop or garden trowel
• Bucket of hot water
• Cup with spout or a funnel
• Pieces of dry scrap wood
• Matches or starter for the fire
• Shovel

Step-by-Step Directions for Burning a Stump

1. Attach the spade bit and the extender to your drill. Drill a hole from the top down into the center of the stump with your drill at a 30-degree angle. The hole should be about eight to 10 inches deep.
2. Clean all of the debris out of the hole. Continue boring holes in the stump, leaving about one inch of space between each hole.
3. Use the plastic scoop or trowel to scoop potassium nitrate into each hole.
4. Pour hot water into each hole. You can either dip a cup with a spout into the bucket or insert a funnel into each hole and pour the water directly from the bucket.
5. Continue pouring water into the holes until all of the potassium nitrate has dissolved. The hot water will help to distribute the substance through the stump.
6. Place the scrap wood on top of the stump. Alternatively, you can construct a tepee-like shape with the wood, placing one end on the ground and bringing the ends together above the stump in a cone shape.
7. Light the scrap wood and wait for the stump to ignite. Allow the stump to smolder until all of the wood has turned to ash.
8. Use your shovel to break up any large roots or stump pieces that are left over. Bring in soil to fill the hole as needed.

You can read more about stump removal here:

http://www.treeremoval.com/stump-removal/how-to-burn-and-rot-tree-stumps/#.WWuPV4jytdg