I just had a sweet gum cut down. It was very close to my home. I still have the root to get rid of. The bad part is some of it is under my home so we can't use a grinder. What is the fastest way to kill and remove this stump and roots?
By Leigh A.
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I've heard of success by driving a huge nail or railroad spike down the center of the stump, but it takes years to accomplish the subsequent rot of the stump and root.
There are products available at plant nursery centres that hasten the decomposition, make sure you read and follow the directions carefully.
Grind the stump down as much as possible, then go to the hardware store and and buy a container of roundup for trees and bushes. Pour the roundup liberally over the remaining underground stump. The roundup will kill stump roots so no new shoots are sent up.
Over time, the roots will rot in the ground. If some shoots are sent up, make sure you spray them too. If you want, you can also buy something called "root rot" at the hardware store also. It will help the stump to deteriorate quicker.
Do NOT ever use Roundup. (This stuff has been banned in Europe for years as a cancer causing agent.) The Sweet Gum tree's roots form a wide network and the Roundup with get into the ground (and groundwater) and destroy other trees and plants as well. After the tree is down, severing a couple of the main roots will destroy what is left and make them easier to remove with equipment.
This is Oh, so totally wrong. To kill a gum tree quickly and effectively: drill three or four holes around the bottom of the tree with the 1/4 in. bit; drill at an angle pointing down towards the ground. Then carefully pour straight Roundup (18% concentration or higher) to fill the holes--you're done.
Round up has been given a bad name. People who say that round up caused their cancer did not use the product well. Wear protective gloves, mask, clothing, glasses. Don't ever spray any type of herbicide into the wind.
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