Removing A Tree Stump With Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is commonly used by athletes or anyone looking to relieve muscle pains as well as stress. When added to bath water, it can be very therapeutic for sore muscles. But did you know that Epsom salt can also be used when it comes to getting rid of a tree stump? Read on to find out how you can remove an unwanted stump from your yard with little effort and cost using this common household item.

How it Works

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, has often been used as part of a gardening regimen. It can help add magnesium to the soil, providing vital nutrients for plants to grow. However, too much Epsom salt can actually have the opposite effect and can kill plants. If too much is added, it will take too much water from the plant, as well as dissolve or eat up all of the nutrients the plant needs to survive. When it comes to tree stumps, it will also help to remove any leftover moisture from it, causing it to dry out and eventually rot away.

How to Use It

There are two different ways you can utilize Epsom salt in helping to get rid of a tree stump:

  1. Using an extra long drill bit, drill several deep holes into the top of the tree stump. You should also drill holes all around the base of the stump and around the middle. Stuff all of the drilled holes full of Epsom salt. Then, water the holes slowly, making sure the excess salt does not come back out. Once you're finished, cover the stump so that the Epsom salt doesn't get washed away from rain water. This is also to help prevent runoff so the saltwater does not damage the rest of your lawn and garden.
  2. If you would rather not or cannot drill holes into the stump, there's an alternative way to use Epsom salt and make it effective. Make a mixture that can be used to water the stump. Using a large bucket, mix about two gallons of water with about one gallon of Epsom salt. Mix it together thoroughly making sure the salt is completely dissolved. You can add more salt, because the more salt that is concentrated, the more potent and effective it will be. Pour the solution all over the top of the stump and all over the main roots as well. Cover it with a tarp and let the Epsom salt work its magic.

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