How can Epsom Salt be used on Tree Stumps
                     HOW CAN EPSOM SALT BE USED ON TREE STUMPS
WHAT IS EPSOM SALT?
Epsom salt or bitter salt is not just a common household item for baths and medicine. Epsom salt is an 
inorganic salt, which is the result of the chemical combination of magnesium and sulphur. It used as a 
component in bath salts and has a plethora of applications in many fields such as medicine, agriculture and 
food preparation. Although Epsom salt (Magnesium Sulphate) is commonly used as a laxative, it is also used for 
reducing inflammation and soothing muscle tension, and as an antiarrhythmic.
This salt is used in aquariums to stabilise ion 
concentrations. It is also applied to soil to increase its 
magnesium or sulphate concentrations, which in turn 
promotes the growth of some plants such as pepper, 
tomatoes potatoes and carrots which require an 
abundance of these nutrients to flourish.
The main quality that sets Epsom salt apart and makes it one of the best substances for removing tree stumps 
is its nature. Magnesium sulphate is a hygroscopic agent, that is, it absorbs moisture from its environment. 
This may not seem like much to you now, but you will soon find out why this trait is essential.
HOW DOES EPSOM SALT KILL A TREE STUMP?
As mentioned earlier, Epsom salt is very hygroscopic, and it removes moisture from 
any substance it comes in contact with. When applied correctly in high enough 
concentrations, it kills weeds and other plants so care should be taken when using it 
for soil treatment.
Epsom salt kills a stump by removing the moisture from the stump, and the 
surrounding soil leaving the stump, and the roots to wither and dry, causing it to rot. 
Applying Epsom salt on stumps is safer and more comfortable compared to grinding, 
which may require the help of a professional arborist.
HOW TO GET RID OF TREE STUMPS WITH EPSOM SALT – ONLY 
A FEW STEPS?
There are mainly two ways you can remove tree stumps. The first method involves an inch drill bit. It is best if 
the stump is as close to the ground as possible (it is easier to kill tree stump and roots this way).
• Use a ½ inch drill bit or a similar size, drill holes into the stump about 1 inch apart. Make sure the outer ring 
of holes should be about 3 inches from the edge of the stump. The holes should be at least 7 inches deep 
or about halfway through the stump to improve the effectiveness of the application.
• Fill up the holes with salt and carefully add a little water to each hole to soften the salt. The moisture added 
is to hasten the absorption process. Be careful not to add too much water, which will cause all salt to run 
off and lose its potency.
• Use a tarp to cover the holes to prevent rain (if its rainy season) from flooding the holes and let the salt do 
its work. The time it takes for the stump to rot entirely depends on the size on the stump so multiple 
applications might be required. Applying the treatment once a week will suffice until you can remove the 
stump.
The second method is easier than the first. It involves using a strong solution of the salt to kill the stump. You 
will need a five-gallon bucket for this operation.
•  Mix a gallon of Epsom salt with two gallons of water. Epsom salt is very soluble and should mix quite 
well. Pour the solution directly on the stump, the roots and its surrounding area. Use a tarpaulin to cover 
the stump and the surrounding area.
• Apply this treatment to the stump once a week till the stump dries out. Try chipping off all the roots as 
the stump dries.
When the stump eventually decomposes and dries out, you have very little work left to do. Just pull out the 
stump and try to remove the remaining roots.
After you have removed the stump, it is not advisable to leave the hole unattended. The ground around the 
hole will collapse if you fail to fill it. You can fill it sawdust or loam. As the loam or sawdust settles the ground 
will sink a little and so you may need to apply it for a few weeks for the ground to be flat.
There are ways to get rid of the removed stump. You can chop it up and add it to your compost pile (if you 
have one). Or you can also burn up the stump but make sure it is legal to have open fires in your area.
Contact Valiant Arborist
www.valiantarborist.com
Address:  Dozen and One Pudsey Hall Lane, 
Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3RY
Call: 01702 910 995
Email: [email protected]