Last updated on June 14th, 2022
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Trees play an important part in nature but sometimes they can become a bit obtrusive in our daily lives. If you have just cut a tree on your property and you want to prevent regrowth from the base or stump itself, you need to treat it with an effective tree stump killer.
Tree stump killers are available in both wet and dry forms and all you have to do is select a product that matches your price point and how you would prefer to apply it, such as ready-to-use or concentrates.
In the spirit of helping you find the best tree stump killer, we have picked five products that we think are the most effective.
BEST PICK
RUNNER UP
Tree Stump Killer Reviews
1. Roundup Tree Stump Weedkiller
BEST PICK
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Introducing first the Roundup Tree Stump Weedkiller. It is a powerful solution that you can use to get rid of weeds (more importantly for this review) and to kill tree stumps. What makes this so effective is that it comes with a pipette so you can insert the weedkiller directly into the trunks.
This weedkiller starts to show results in around seven days although it can take longer. You can use the concentration to kill off ivy, knotweeds and brambles amongst other plants gradually, as well as tree stumps.
The 250ml concentration covers an area of 500m2 easily for weeds but if you are using this weedkiller for tree stumps you need to apply it as a neat concentrate. It is important not to treat the area with the solution if there are other plants around that you would like to keep. Use the concentration on the weeds and tree stumps only. What makes this weedkiller so useful is that it comes with a pipette and this means you can drill a hole into the trunk of the plant or tree and then use the pipette to slowly let the tree absorb the concentrate. This method is very effective and direct only treating the individual stumps.
Pros
- Can treat stumps directly using the pipette so only the stump is killed.
- Kills various hard to kill weeds as well as tree stumps.
- Starts showing results in 7 days.
- Can be diluted to reduce the intensity if used as a weedkiller (use neat for tree stumps).
- Ingredients of the solution are broken down in the soil therefore, there is no pollution of the soil and you can plant in the soil after 7 days.
- Offers good value for money.
Our recommendation
The Roundup Tree Stump Weedkiller does the job and we like that it can be applied with a pipette to put the weedkiller directly into the tree trunk you want to kill.
If you are dealing with stubborn weeds, you will need a few applications before the plants completely die but if used at the right time of year and correctly, it usually works the first time.
As with nearly all weedkillers, avoid using this solution around water sources just for safety purposes. Overall this weedkiller is very effective for killing tree stumps and is our go-to product for killing tree stumps.
Read next: How to remove tree stumps
2. Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer
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Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer is designed to kill off perennial weeds and tree stumps slowly but surely, so it’s important not to expect to see dead growth after only a day or two.
This product comes in two sachets of soluble solution to be applied directly on the freshly cut tree stump. This makes it easy to apply with no measuring to do and if you prefer not to start mixing and measuring chemicals you will appreciate the soluble solution.
You do not have to worry about diluting the concentration because the formulation is already perfected. It deals with a wide variety of weeds including brambles, dandelions, bracken and thistle amongst others. We recommend applying between November and March to achieve the best results on tree stumps.
Pros
- Comes in convenient pre-packed sachets which means there is no mixing to worry about.
- Kills off a wide variety of unwanted hard to kill weeds as well as tree stumps.
Our recommendation
The Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer is already formulated and packaged for convenience so it’s a ready-to-use stump killer that is easy to apply.
You can choose to use one sachet or both depending on the number or sizes of the tree stump or weeds. If you are working with a lot of weeds, you might want to purchase the pack of 12 at an affordable rate. This product works, it is just that it might take a little longer to see the results depending on how tough the weeds are.
Read next: Check out our review on the strongest weedkillers
3. Rootblast Super Concentrated Weed Killer Commercial Strength Glyphosate
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Get rid of those annoying weeds and tree stumps using the Rootblast Super Concentrated Weedkiller. This super-concentrated solution seeps into annual and perennial weeds killing them off gradually without harming the other plants. It should take around 2-4 weeks to see the results.
The weedkiller features 360g/l of commercial strength glyphosate weedkiller in a 1 litre bottle. You can use the one litre solution for a few applications or a one-time 1666 sq. /m coverage or neat on tree stumps. For the best results, be sure to follow the dilution ratios prescribed to avoid any complications.
Pros
- Features a strong 360g/l glyphosate solution which is effective at killing tree stumps.
- Can be diluted to cover a total area of 1666 sq. /m for weeds but use neat for tree stumps for the best results.
- Also works on a wide variety of annual and perennial weeds.
- Sold at an affordable price.
Cons
- Takes a while to start showing results.
Our recommendation
The label on the Rootblast Super Concentrated Weedkiller may give you the impression that it will work like magic but it will take around 2-4 weeks before you see results. It is just how glyphosate works and it is what the professionals use commercially.
A couple of applications may be required to kill tree stumps and stubborn weeds if you also treat these.
4. Vitax SBK 1L Brushwood Killer Tough Weedkiller
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The Vitax SBK 1L Brushwood Killer is a liquid formula that contains triclopyr. It works faster than glyphosate but what makes this weedkiller different is that it doesn’t kill the grass. Basically, the solution will get rid of the woody plants without killing off the surrounding grass, which makes it perfect for lawn use.
The tree stump killer can cover an area of 332m2 just from the 1 litre bottle provided for killing weeds or just apply neat for freshly cut tree stumps. To see the best results it is highly recommended to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation of when and how the stump killer should be applied. One of the main reasons weedkillers often don’t seem to work is that they were simply applied at the wrong time of year so always check the label.
Pros
- Kills hard to kill weeds and tree stumps but not the grass.
- Features triclopyr that works well with woody plants.
- The 1 litre solution covers an area of up to 332m2 when used as a weedkiller.
- Simply apply to tree stumps by sprayer or painting the tree stump down to ground level.
Cons
- A bit pricey.
Our recommendation
If you are dealing with brambles or creeping Charlie, the Vitax SBK 1L Brushwood Killer works effectively. This solution is designed to deal with woody/herbaceous plant matter that you want to get rid of, however, it is also great for tree stumps and is super easy to apply.
It does take a while to completely kill off the weeds but with a few applications, the work will be done. A helpful tip is to find a way to break the surface of the trunk before applying the solution to increase absorption.
5. Doff Tree Stump Killer and Tough Weedkiller
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The Doff Tree Stump Killer and Tough Weedkiller offer two 80ml pre-packed sachets that are ready to apply to the tree stump. This herbicide seeps through tree stumps and weeds until the roots completely die off.
You can also use this solution to kill off brambles, nettles, willow herbs and dandelions amongst other perennial weeds. This is handy if you have some left after treating the tree stumps because it won’t go to waste.
Within 7-14 days, you should be able to see the plants dying off. You may need more applications to kill off tree stumps completely so be prepared to buy more packets of the solution if needed.
Pros
- Comes with pre-packaged sachets for convenience.
- Kills of different weeds, grass and tree stumps.
- Takes about 7-14 days to see results.
- Sold at an affordable price.
Cons
- Takes a long time for the tree stumps to completely die off.
Our recommendation
The Doff Tree Stump Killer and Tough Weedkiller is perfect if you aren’t in a hurry to kill off some tree stumps. It works faster on weeds but that might be attributed to the rate of absorption.
This product is affordable so you can purchase several packages comfortably if you have a larger area to cover. Overall, it performs well for the price that you fetch the weedkiller for.
Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking to purchase the best tree stump killer, then you need to read this section carefully. The best weedkiller for tree stumps is easy to find if you have the right budget and you know which kind of weeds you are dealing with.
Chemical composition
The chemical composition is very important because it affects the rate of reaction. The common chemicals that you will find in these stump killers are Triclopyr which doesn’t kill grass and Glyphosate that will kill everything. Triclopyr is an organic substance that kills off woody plants and it is friendlier to the environment too.
Glyphosate works slower than Triclopyr but it is suitable for general types of weeds. Depending on your preference, you can choose either one of these.
Concentration
Some tree stump killers come in a highly concentrated solution and others come already pre-packaged for use. You can use a concentrated solution to deal with an intense weed infestation or kill off a large tree stump. Whatever you do, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid health or environmental hazards.
Area of coverage
If you are covering a wide area, you need a solution that can be diluted several times over but is still as effective. If you are covering a small space then you can use the solution sparingly to get your desired results.
Safety to other plants
There are solutions that will affect other plant matter in the area because the chemicals are so strong. If you want to keep your grass or vegetables in a healthy state, you will have to work with a product that works contains organic chemicals. This way, the weeds can die off slowly without affecting animals and other non- weed plants in the area.
Application tips
- Always apply the solution during the time of the year prescribed by the manufacturers. For tree stumps, it is crucial to apply the solution before the sap appears.
- You may want to drill holes into the tree stump or break the surface of the weeds before applying the solution to facilitate widespread absorption of the chemicals.
- If you apply the stump/weed killer and it rains you will need to reapply the weedkiller because the potency of the solution will be weakened.
- Keep animals and children away from the site of application to prevent absorption of the chemicals into their system.
Final Conclusion
When you have the best tree stump killer, you can trust that the process will be complete, even if it means a few more applications.
Please bear in mind that even the best weedkiller for trees will require some patience. Do not go purchasing these products expecting overnight results because you will be disappointed. Most will take at least 2-4 weeks to see results, and most weedkillers that show results straight away, usually don’t kill the roots so the weeds grow back.
If you are yet to find a reliable product, you can go with the Roundup Tree Stump Weedkiller, which is our best pick. Avoid dealing with diluting ratios by purchasing the pre-packed Resolva Xtra Tough Tree Stump Killer which is also a great choice for killing tree stumps.
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
