How to kill an Oleander stump. The stump is like granite

DJFoster
by DJFoster

How do I kill a tree stump? The Oleander stump I have is like granite


  13 answers
  • John Joseph Squicciarini John Joseph Squicciarini on May 04, 2018

    drill holes into the cut side of the stump and then impregnate with Round Up....

  • 27524803 27524803 on May 04, 2018

    I have a friend who said he drilled big holes in the stump(s) and filled the holes with muratic acid (pool supplies)... in a couple of weeks... the stumps just pulled right out of the ground.... BUT be really careful if you try this... cover the stump with a trash can or other container to keep the kids, dogs, cats..etc. away from it... Muratic acid is an ACID after all and pay attention to all the handling instructions on the container.

  • Carolyn Carolyn on May 04, 2018

    Pour diesel on it and burn it.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on May 04, 2018

    Use a large drill that is big around as well as at least a foot long. Drill holes in the stump. Pour Epsom Salts in the holes and it will begin to rot. It may take a season, but having it rot and be easy to demolish is much better than trying to dig it up.

  • Do NOT BURN IT. Oleanders are poisonous and igniting that will not end well for anyone. Idiots.

    • John John on Apr 19, 2020

      It's OK not to call people names when you're educating them.

  • J Brown J Brown on Apr 21, 2020

    Depending on stump size and location/accessibility my husbands GO TO is the truck. Heavy chain and stumps gone in no time.

  • Curt Halford Curt Halford on Jan 05, 2021

    I had this problem and I tried two methods - on the same stump. Copper nails and Epsom salts and I waited for ages. https://theyardandgarden.com/how-to-kill-a-tree-stump/ it takes about two months and the wood goes spongy and breaks up.


    My brother-in-law then successfully killed a tree stump in his yard by burning it. This was very effective but a bit too ferocious for me to attempt. Plus I see above its not recommended for your species lol

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Sep 06, 2023

    Use this product and you should have success. Bonide

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 07, 2023

    Begin by gathering a few supplies: a drill with a large bit or an ax, Epsom salt, water, wax, a tarp, and a shovel. Proceed to drill several 1-inch-wide holes in the stump's surface, including its aerial roots, ensuring each hole is placed at a distance of at least three to four inches. While six holes are sufficient, bigger stumps may require more. Ensure you drill down to around eight inches to allow for deeper salt penetration. Alternatively, you may use an ax to make hollows in the tree stump. Next, directly pour Epsom salt ¾ of the way up in the drilled holes and fill the rest with water to keep the salt moist. Then, plug the holes with wax. Additionally, cover the trunk remnant with a non-porous tarp to minimize rain and sun exposure so that the roots do not sprout again and the salt does its job of rotting the stump. Repeat the procedure every three weeks until the stump is dead, and dig it out using a shovel.


    If you don't wish to strain yourself by drilling holes, you can use the soaking method to remove a tree stump. In a bucket, combine Epsom salt and water in a 1:2 ratio. Generally, soaking a single tree base requires two gallons of water and one gallon of salt. Pour this solution all over the tree stump and its largest exposed roots. After drenching the stump, cover it with an opaque tarp or a plastic sheet, and add a layer of mulch on top to weigh it down. You can also sprinkle a nitrogen-rich fertilizer around the tree trunk's base to further boost its breakdown. Repeat this method at least once a week and chip away at the wood as it decomposes. Finally, pull out all the stump remnants, especially the root system, when it completely dries out. After disposing of the stump, you can repurpose the space by adding soil and sowing grass or flower seeds.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 11, 2023

    Hi DJFoster, hope this helps you. Drilling holes into the stump will help the hot water kill deep and exposed roots. After you're finished drilling, carefully pour boiling water over the stump, making sure to cover the entire stump. The hot water will shock the system and begin the decomposition process using heat. Then you could pour some epsom salts in the holes and cover them ( to prevent them getting diluted by rain)to let them break down the stump.