Eliminate Unwanted Tree Stumps Easily With An Affordable Household Solution

You're walking through the yard, coffee in hand, admiring how clean everything looks ... until your eyes land on the one thing that doesn't belong. That stubborn tree stump. The tree's been gone for a while, but the stump still sits there like it owns the place. What many people don't realize is that cutting down the tree doesn't always kill it. A stump might look dead, but the root system underneath could still be very much alive. That's why regrowth keeps happening. To destroy the tree stump, you need to shut down what's left of the living tissue.

One way to do that is with Epsom salt. This common household item is made of magnesium sulfate. When you drill holes into the wood and pour Epsom salt inside, it starts pulling water from the tissue. Over time, the stump dries out, weakens, and loses the ability to send up new growth. It's not a fast process, but if you're patient, it can be a practical fix that doesn't involve chemicals or heavy machinery. Some gardeners also use Epsom salt to control garden pests.

However, like any garden product, it's best not to go overboard. Epsom salt may seem harmless, but using too much too often isn't always helpful. In some cases, it can upset the balance of nutrients in your soil or leave behind excess minerals that plants don't actually need. There's also the risk of salt making its way into nearby water sources over time. It's effective in the right situations, but not a cure-all for every garden issue.

Once you're ready to give the Epsom salt method a shot, you'll need a few tools to start with. Get a drill with a wide bit, a bag of Epsom salt, some water, and a tarp.  It's not a dangerous job, but you'll be dealing with splinters and flying debris, so protective gloves and eyewear are a good idea, too. Start by drilling multiple holes across the top of the stump. Each hole should be at least 9 to 10 inches deep.

Space them out evenly so the salt can reach as much of the stump's tissue as possible. Think of it like poking holes in a sponge — the more you add, the better the salt soaks in. Once you've drilled the holes, pour dry Epsom salt into each one until they're half full. Add a little water to help the salt disperse and seep deeper into the wood. When you're done, cover the stump with a tarp to protect it from unfavorable weather conditions.

This step helps speed up the process and stops the Epsom salt mixture from evaporating too soon. Instead of expecting instant results, think of this as a slow-and-steady process. After your first round, give the stump some time, then repeat the treatment every few weeks if needed. Smaller stumps might start softening sooner — maybe around three months – but older or thicker ones will take longer, maybe even up to a year. Once it's dead, go ahead and dig it out or break it apart with an axe or shovel.