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Will burning a stump kill it?

Scott Johnson
Landscape & Design Consultant
Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University.

Scott Johnson

Landscape & Design Consultant

Expert Answer

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.

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Question

What is the fastest way to burn a stump out?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Can you burn a stump to get rid of it?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Is it dangerous to burn a stump?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

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.

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