How can I kill a tree trunk?

Neelie B
by Neelie B

I cut three large willows down but didn’t have the trunks removed. They keep sprouting. How can I kill the trunks?


  11 answers
  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Jan 23, 2020

    Neelie...you can rent stump removers in our area & they work great...they can be burned but must be careful.. of course you can dig them out but takes time. My husband says most money is wasted by purchasing recommended items to remove since they don't work well. Renting is definitely the best! Good luck

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jan 23, 2020

    Hi Neelie, the last time I needed to kill a trunk I did some searches online and the one I chose was to use salt. Its not harmful like some of the chemical tree killers etc but it did work for me. I used a 1/2 hole saw and drilled MANY holes into the top of my trunk and then filled it with salt. Every couple of weeks I dumped more salt on it over and summer and it seemed to work!

  • Try drilling a bunch of holes in it and pouring in salt to help it break down faster.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jan 23, 2020

    Hello. Wack it out with sledgehammer, wedge, maul and or mattock. If its rotted it should be much easier than a newer stump.

    In the past we’ve tried drilling out the stumps, attempting to burn them, and using a Stump out root disintegrating chemical on a large willow tree and found it not to be very helpful. On subsequent sizeable trunks we’ve been calling a professional stump grinder and having the issue over and done with in less than an hour.

    On smaller cedar stumps we leave them for a matter of time and hack away with sledge hammer maul wedges till it breaks up.

    I did recently see they do rent out two different sized hp -stump grinders at my local Home Depot Tool rental.

    If it’s a significant size stump- I suggest hiring a stump grinder.



  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 23, 2020

    To piggy back on the hole drilling already suggested, use Epsom salt and it will decompose faster than table salt. Be careful as you administer the salt because it will also damage the grass surrounding it.


    If it is still sprouting new shoots after salt, there is a broadleaf weed killer that will take it out. 2,4-D. It was the only thing that took care of the mimosa trees.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 23, 2020

    If tree is not near anything valuable. I've drilled holes in top of stump and filled up with gasoline. Let it soak in. Filled again and burned it out. Only do if safe and city laws permit burning. Works great.

  • Lucie - Oh my sander Lucie - Oh my sander on Jan 23, 2020

    You can burn the tree trunk. It may take a few times.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Jan 23, 2020

    Drill holes into the stump and pour in some Epsom salts and it will eventually kill the stumps. Another method is to pour some used oil into the holes and it will immediately stop the new growth.

  • Annie Annie on Apr 30, 2020

    Uggg, willows, yes they will just keep on sprouting, they are trying their best to stay alive. spray some of this right on the cut willows

    https://countrylivinginacariboovalley.com/homemade-poison-ivy-and-weed-killer-that-really-works/

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 20, 2021

    Call in a Tree specialist, but are you sure you want them down as they are draining your land for you?