Q&A for How to Kill a Tree

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Is it bad to water a tree by spraying the whole tree down all the time?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

It is more effective to water the tree near the roots. This is where the tree will absorb the water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 20
Question

Are there any other substances we can apply after cutting the tree in case we don't have herbicide?

Ninox

Top Answerer

You can use Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or rock salt (sodium chloride). You can also benzine and burn the trunk.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 15 Helpful 70
Question

How do I kill the roots of a tree that I previously cut down?

Community Answer

Follow the steps as shown above. Be careful of re-girdling the stump though, it's an easy way to cut yourself.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 35
Question

Can I plant vegetables around or near a poisoned stump?

Community Answer

I wouldn't recommend it, since there is a chance the herbicide leached into the surrounding soil, and the plants will absorb it through their roots.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
Question

How do I kill a tree without peeling it or cutting it?

Community Answer

Put the herbicide in water, then put the poison water in the soil near the trees. Be aware that it will poison the plants nearby as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 18
Question

Can I kill a tree without cutting it by applying chemicals to its roots?

Community Answer

If you use enough herbicide (or any other harmful chemical), then yes, it will die.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 10
Question

What benefit is there in killing the tree before cutting it down, instead of simply felling it?

Community Answer

It'll be easier to cut the wood because it wont be as spongy or springy. Mostly it is about personal preference, though.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

I intend to slab over the ground when leveled. If I apply poison to the tree root and cover it with soil, which I need to do to raise the ground level, will the root just rot away?

Community Answer

Most likely yes. Though it’s possible, depending on the specific plant, for sprouts to emerge nearby. You can drill holes in the stump and pour bleach in them. It’s cheaper and less toxic to the soil than herbicide.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7