How to Treat a Stump
- 1). Purchase a general use herbicide. Nurseries and garden centers carry a selection of products from different manufacturers. Only purchase the amount of herbicide necessary for the job.
- 2). Read the product label. Look for an herbicide containing water soluble active ingredients, such as glyphosate or triclopyr amine. Make sure it is intended for cut stump applications.
- 3). Wear protective clothing when handling herbicides. If you get herbicides on your clothes or skin, remove your clothes and wash exposed skin immediately with soap and water.
- 4). Follow the product label instructions when mixing and applying herbicides. Failure to do so violates the law.
- 5). Use a chain saw and cut the stump as close to ground level as possible. Make sure the surface is smooth and even. This helps minimize herbicide runoff.
- 6). Apply the herbicide to a fresh cut surface. Use a small paint brush and spread the pesticide over the surface of the stump. If the stump is larger than 3 inches in diameter, only treat the outer 2 to 3 inches of the stump.
- 7). Check the stump for re-growth. Remove new shoots and re-apply herbicide, if necessary.
