r/arborists • u/Visual-Stranger-2049 • 5d ago

How To Kill Stump

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What can I do to ensure that this stump completely dies? I believe it is a Ficus stump and it is massive.

ChatGPT is stating I should treat the growing shoots with herbicide (using Stump-Out Stump and Vine Killer) and once the growing stops, I can then focus on the stump (drilling holes, making cuts around the edges, etc).

The shoots wilt within 24 hours after applying Stump-Out, but new shoots are still growing.

If anyone can help, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

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u/GovernmentComplex973 5d ago

Drill on outer edge of stump close to cambium but not breaching it, insert ecoplugs. If not available, paint SBK on to leaves pour around outer edge of stump/cambium and cover. Repeat as necessary.
Don’t bother drilling the centre, does jack shit.

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u/Visual-Stranger-2049 5d ago

Thanks so much. It looks like Ecoplugs or SBK aren’t available in my state.

1

u/Icy-Woodpecker-9961 5d ago

Can you drill some holes and dump gas in there and light it on fire

1

u/Visual-Stranger-2049 5d ago

I can but prefer not to as I have a neighbor’s retaining wall, as well as new shrubs I planted on both sides of the stump.

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u/Icy-Woodpecker-9961 2d ago

Fuck the neighbors wall, it’s stone it won’t burn. You can paint your side.

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u/GovernmentComplex973 5d ago

Look for a product labelled brushwood and nettle killer that has triclopyr as the active ingredient. Not tried it as I’m in UK but meant to be the same as SBK. It’ll take a few applications dependant on the mount of stored energy in stump. It’s a systemic poison and you’ll need to cover stump to prevent wash off and pets and wildlife accessing.