It’s important to make sure the salt stays in place, rather than scattering over your yard, since excess salt can be harmful to topsoil and the roots of other plants.
As it dies and rots, you can use stump removal solution to speed the process along. It’s available at nurseries and garden centers. You can also add some Epsom salt to cracks that appear in the stump, or see Method One and drill holes in the stump and fill them with salt to make it go faster.
Another option is to place charcoal on top of the stump and light the charcoal on fire. The coals will slowly burn down through the stump. This method will reduce the chances of burning nearby plants. If you’re worried about nearby objects catching fire, you shouldn’t use this method. You’re going to be setting the stump on fire, and while it’s quite effective, it can be dangerous if you don’t have plenty of room around the stump. Check local city ordinances to make sure it’s legal to do a controlled burn. Call 411 to find out more information.
Be sure to monitor the stump as it burns to ash. Don’t leave it unattended, in case the fire gets out of hand. Depending on the size of the stump, the burn may take several hours.
Get protective equipment, too. Goggles and a mask will protect you from sawdust and flying wood chips. If you don’t enjoy handling heavy machinery, call a local landscaper and explain that you have a stump that needs to be removed. You’ll be able to pay someone else to do it.
Be careful not to get your feet in the way of the grinder. Wear heavy boots so you won’t accidentally hurt yourself. Make sure children and pets are safely away from the equipment before you begin operating it.
You might need to use an ax to chop out remaining roots.
