Q&A for How to Burn Tree Stumps

Yes, burning a tree stump will kill the stump. It will also kill the tree's ability to grow back in the future. So if you never want the tree to come back, this is an alright way to go. I would recommend using a root killer instead of fire to kill the stump off though, since that doesn't involve burning anything.

You can speed up the process by making the stump more flammable. Drill a hole in the center with a spade bit and then drill holes roughly 8 inches (20 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm) deep in the top of the stump. Fill the holes with potassium nitrate and then pour hot water into the holes to dissolve the powder. Build a teepee of wood around the stump and set it on fire. Let it burn all of the way down and add more wood if you need to until the stump is gone.

Absolutely! In fact, burning a stump is probably the easiest way to get rid of it. To help it burn faster in more evenly, drill holes about 8 inches (20 cm) to 10 inches (25 cm) deep on top of the stump and fill it with powdered potassium nitrate. Add some boiling water to help dissolve the powder and pile up some scrap wood around the stump. Set the wood on fire and add more as needed to burn away the whole stump.

Not if you take the proper precautions. Start by clearing away any flammable materials around the stump like leaves, sticks, and brush. Build a "teepee" shape around the stump with scrap wood and start up a fire. Add more wood as the stump burns down until it's completely gone. Never walk away from the stump or leave it unattended until it's fully burned away so the fire doesn't spread.