Epsom Salt Solution for Stump Removal

Epsom Salt Solution for Stump Removal

By Will Capra, eHow Contributor

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In small amounts, Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate) can be a beneficial addition to many gardens because it is rich in magnesium. In greater concentrations, however, Epsom salt can have a powerful destructive impact, which makes it a popular tool for stump removal. If you have a stubborn or unattractive stump that you need to remove, Epsom salt can provide a simple, cost-effective solution.

1. The Bowl Method
• Like many varieties of salt (and other chemical stump removal agents, such as potassium nitrate), Epsom salt works to degrade the wood through prolonged contact and absorption. The simplest way to facilitate this contact is by filling a hollow or sunken stump with a mixture of Epsom salt and water. The exact proportion of water to salt is not critical, so long as the solution is fairly concentrated, or even saturated. If your stump does not have a natural hollow or depression, you can cut or grind one to hold the solution. Note that you may need to add water periodically as it evaporates or is absorbed by the stump.

The Dousing Method

• If your stump does not contain a natural hollow or bowl, and especially if the roots are widely or deeply exposed, the dousing approach may be a good choice. For best results, trim the stump as low to the ground as possible. Then pour a strong mixture of Epsom salt and water over and around the stump, thoroughly soaking the wood and saturating the soil and roots as much as possible. When finished, cover the stump with dirt or mulch to help seal in the moisture and promote decay. As with the bowl method, you may find it helpful to reapply the salt solution on occasion for best results.
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The Drilling Method

• The most invasive and often quickest approach to removing stumps with Epsom salt is the drilling method. By drilling a series of holes into the top of the stump, usually around 1 inch wide and 1 foot deep, you can get your Epsom salt solution deep into the stump, making it easier to permeate the wood and cause its decay. For best results, you can also drill diagonally into the side of the stump and try to link to the vertical holes.

The Combination Method

• Stump removal is hardly an either-or, rigidly regulated endeavor, so there's no need to confine yourself to one approach. In fact, it is possible to combine all three of the previous methods. For example, you might drill deeply into a stump through a natural hollow in its top, fill this depression and the holes with an Epsom salt solution and then pour more of the solution over the whole outer surface of the stump, as well as any accessible roots. As long as you're taking precautions to be safe and protect yourself, others, animals and the environment, all's fair in stump removal, so if one approach doesn't work, feel free to shift gears or get creative.

Source : http://www.ehow.com/way_5733494_epsom-salt-solution-stump-removal.html

Full credit for this article goes to Will Capra, an eHow Contributor