10 Best Stump Killers 2021 | Reviews & Buyers Guide
Once a tree has been felled, you are left with the tree stump. Leaving the stump in the ground can lead to it re-growing or, worse, spreading disease, so it is best to remove it, but this can prove costly if done by professionals. However, there are tree stump removal products you can buy to eliminate stumps efficiently and effectively.
With different application processes to consider and so many products on the market to choose from, we have reviewed ten of the best tree stump killers and a buyer’s guide to help you understand which product would suit your task.
Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll discuss in this best stump killer review article:
- First, we’ll compare our top 10 stump killers side-by-side in a comparison table
- Next, we’ll explore their features and benefits you’ll find handy
- Then, we’ll take a look at their drawbacks which you will need to know about
- And finally, we’ve written a buyers guide to help give you a better insight into the product range
Sound good? Let’s get to it!
Buy Stump Killers on Amazon10 Best Stump Killers Compared
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Dow AgroSciences RTU548 | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 |
  | Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Dibbs Farm Copper Sulfate Crystals | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 |
  | VPG Fertilome 32295 | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Bonide (BND272) | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Dibbs Farm Tree Stump Remover Granules | Click Here | 4.4 / 5 |
  | BioAdvanced 704701A Brush Killer Plus | Click Here | 4.5 / 5 |
  | Frienda Large Copper Nails | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 |
  | Southern Ag 01112 Brush Weed Killer | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 |
  | Monterey LG5367 Brush and Vine Killer | Click Here | 4.4 / 5 |
10 Best Stump Killers – Reviews
1. Dow AgroSciences RTU548Tordon RTU Herbicide (Best Overall)
- The Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Tordon RTU Herbicide is an effective tree stump killer. This stump killer is easy to use, no mixing or measuring required. Apply to a freshly cut stump by squirting into drilled holes along the edge of the stump.
- The product can be used all year round and stops re-growth by attacking the root system. The liquid product shows up as a blue dye so you can see where the chemical has been applied.
- Be careful when using it as it will kill any vegetation surrounding the stump and beware of run-off as it is dangerous for water. Safety instructions: wear gloves, do not use them on a windy day, and keep them away from children and pets. This is a toxic chemical product. Item weight 2.4 pounds.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover (Best Value)
- Spectracide stump remover granules destroy the stump by helping to accelerate decomposition making the stump porous and easier to deteriorate. Spectracide has an easy-to-use applicator, no mixing required, and no odor.
- The granules are poured into drilled holes in a freshly cut stump and filled with boiling water. Once the stump becomes porous it can be removed or burned. Spectracide granules are safe to use around grass, plants, and vegetation that may surround the stump.
- However, before you use the granules a brush killer agent needs to be used on the stump. Item weight 1 pound.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
3. Dibbs Farms Copper Sulfate Crystals
- The Dibbs Farms Copper Sulfate Crystals are made in the USA. The fine grade crystals are 99.8% pure and come in a heavy-duty 3 mil resealable bag. Item weight is 10 lbs.
- This product is a versatile farm chemical and is intended for industrial and manufacturing use only as it does not meet PPPA requirements. It is not safe to use in areas where children or pets are present.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. VPG Fertilome 32295 Brush Stump Killer
- The VPG Fertilome brush stump killer will control any unwanted plants, vines, and poison ivy around the home as well as kill a freshly cut tree stump. This versatile product can be applied with a brush or sprayer.
- The 32-ounce brush stump killer will be enough for several small to medium-sized stumps but must be used with caution as this will kill anything it comes into contact with. Important to read the product label for measuring and mixing. Weight 32 ounces.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Bonide Easy Chemical Stump Remove (BND272)
- The Bonide chemical stump remover granules will only work on an old tree stump that was felled 12-18 months before treatment. To ensure the stump does not sprout after it has been cut down use Bonide Stump and Vine Killer and leave the stump to season before treating with Stump Out.
- Bonide chemical stump remover granules help to accelerate the decomposition of the tree stump so no need for chopping or digging up of the stump. Ready to use and easy to apply, drill holes into the stump, pour Stump Out into each of the holes and fill the holes with water and leave for 4-6 weeks.
- The stump can be left to decompose naturally or by burning out. Bonide Stump Out remover is made from sodium metabisulfite and not potassium nitrate. This product will kill vegetation around the stump so care is needed when using. Item weight is 1 pound.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
6. Dibbs Farms Tree Stump Remover Granules
- Dibbs Farms Tree Stump Remover Granules work by accelerating stump decomposition. Effective and easy to use by drilling holes into the tree stump and pouring the granules in then adding water. This product will not harm any vegetation or grass surrounding the stump. Item weight 5 lbs.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
7. BioAdvanced 704701A Brush Killer Plus, Poison Ivy Killer and Stump Remover
- The BioAdvanced Tree Stump and Brush killer has a special penetrating formula. Easy to apply and ready to use with the battery-powered sprayer provided. Drill holes or make cuts along the tree stump and spray, the chemical will soak in causing the wood to decay.
- This product becomes waterproof 4 hours after applying. As well as destroying tree stumps this product will kill over 70 types of weeds and brush such as kudzu, poison ivy, poison oak, blackberry, and bramble.
- The battery-powered sprayer design offers more comfort, ease, and efficiency when spraying and the grip controlled spray trigger reduces thumb, finger and hand fatigue.
- Also featured is a folding spray wand, wide nozzle wings, and wand storage pocket. Care needs to be taken when spraying as this will kill any vegetation and grass. Item weight 1.3 gallons.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
8. Frienda 20 Pieces Large Copper Nails 3.5 Inch (89 mm)
- Frienda large copper nails poisons the stump over some time. Easy to use by drilling a pilot hole into the stump or using the steel nails provided then hammering in the copper nails into the pilot hole.
- It is advisable to remove as much of the bark as possible exposing the pulp of the tree. The advantages of using these copper nails is it is energy-saving and wont disturb or harm any of the surrounding area.
- For larger stumps more than 2 feet diameter then more than 10 spikes will be needed. Package includes 20 x long copper nails, 2 x steel nails, 1 x transparent storage box.
- These copper nails are environmentally friendly but will take months or even years to see the stump rotting.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
9. Southern Ag 01112 Brush Killer Stump Treatment
- The Southern AG will kill stumps even though it is designed as a brush killer. This herbicide is easy to use, once applied the sprouting will die off then the stump will start to decompose.
- This product is good for killing vines, broadleaf weeds, Brazilian pepper, and many other hard to control plants. Can be brushed or sprayed onto the stump or hard to kill plants.
- Caution this will kill vegetation and grass surrounding the stump. You may need to use more than it says to get the results you want. Comes in a 16 oz or 32 oz container.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
10. Monterey LG5367 Brush and Vine Killer Stump and Tree Sprouting Herbicide Control Concentrate
- Monterey herbicide can be applied to a freshly cut tree stump by scoring or drilling holes into the stump and brushing on from concentrate. When used for killing off brush or vines the chemical requires mixing with water before application.
- This herbicide can prevent the growth of poison ivy, alder, blackberry, cottonwood, poison oak, honeysuckle, and many other unwanted plants. Avoid drift of spray onto any plants that you dont want to kill off.
- Rainfall within 24 hours of application will reduce the effectiveness of the product, stumps can be covered over with waterproof sheeting. Comes in a 32 oz bottle.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: How to Kill a Tree Stump
Tree Stump Killer Buyer’s Guide
There are several reasons why you should remove a tree stump from your garden.
- You can introduce your garden to a disease that could spread to other plants
- If the roots are left in the ground, these can cause structural damage to the property
- Potential safety hazard
- Home to some unwelcome pests and insects
- Unpleasant eyesore
Removing the tree stump with the help of any of the products reviewed can make your garden a healthier environment for other trees and plants as well as aesthetically appealing.
Application Methods
You can apply herbicide chemicals to kill a freshly felled tree stump. They work by speeding up the rotting process to enable you to remove the stump in a few weeks. The brush-on stump chemicals are quicker to work but are more hazardous and can eliminate other plants, whereas copper sulfate granules applied into drilled holes on a freshly cut stump are more environmentally friendly but work more slowly.
Copper is known for killing trees. Nailing copper nails into the tree trunk initiates the rotting process. This isn’t as quick as the heavy-duty chemicals used in tree stump removers but is an alternative method.
Natural Methods
There are alternative natural methods to using chemical stump killers. One of them is to use Epsom Salts or Rock Salt by drilling holes into the top of the tree stump and pouring these into them. However, you will have to take special note of the amount of mix as this can reverse the effect and encourage growth!
It is essential to drill holes right into the tree before pouring the Epsom Salts or Rock Salt. Another solution is vinegar. Filling a container and running it all over the tree will kill off leafy areas and prevent any re-growth by killing the roots. However, vinegar will not poison the stump; you would still need a suitable chemical product that contains Glyphosate or a herbicide.
Stump Size
Large tree stumps take time to be killed off ultimately, so patience is needed! When buying a stump remover, make sure you get enough for what you need to do and ensure the product will be strong enough to kill off a big stump. Look at the ingredients and percentages that make up the chemical mix formula to ensure you get enough. Smaller stumps may have roots that keep re-growing, so look for products that eliminate this problem. Otherwise, removal will be more difficult.
Stump Location
Consider where your tree stump is situated. If it is in a tight space with other plants and vegetation around it, consider a stump killer applied directly into the stump, as chemicals such as Potassium Nitrate used in stump removers will kill off anything surrounding the stump.
Some products are less toxic and safe for surrounding vegetation but will take much longer to work. However, if you are working on a large piece of ground and don’t mind grass or foliage around the stump area being killed off, then pouring chemicals straight onto the fresh stump or using a spray might be the best product. Some tree stump killers are also suitable for killing off poison ivy, poison oak and vines, and broadleaf weeds.
Price
Most stump killers are pretty cheap but do tend to come in small sizes, so for a large stump or several small stumps, you will probably need a significant number of bottles to remove the stump yourself effectively.
Health and Safety Advice
It is essential to remember stump removal products are potentially toxic and can be dangerous. Health and Safety directions when using these products are paramount, so always read the manufacturer’s label and comply with the dosing and application instructions on the product label.
Do not use it if you cannot find these instructions but return it. The wearing of protective clothing is advised, such as nitrile gloves, sturdy boots, and goggles, and keep away from children and pets at all times but especially once the stump remover has been applied.
Tree Stump Killer Bottom Line
As you will see, tree stump killers help speed up the rotting process, which means you will be able to remove the stump efficiently and effectively in a few weeks, depending upon the stump’s size. To get the right chemical or granules to do the job, think about how much you will need as this could save you money. The amount required will be different for a large stump(s) or several stumps than for a small to a medium-sized stump.
Our Best Overall is the Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Tordon RTU Herbicide QT Size. This is an effective stump killer and stops re-growth with no mixing is required. Just pour onto a freshly cut stump, and the chemical will start to rot the stump.
This herbicide can be used all year round and the blue dye showing where it has been applied is also helpful, as this is a highly toxic chemical that will kill surrounding vegetation and be careful of run-off. As with all chemical products, keep away from children and pets and wear the appropriate safety gear. This product has excellent reviews and is effective on more than 20 wood species.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Best Value stump killer is the Spectracide Stump Remover Granules. This product has an easy-to-use applicator with no mixing required and works by pouring the granules into drilled holes and filled with boiling water. This stump remover will not kill surrounding vegetation and is inexpensive. You will need to apply a brush killer first, but it is still good value for money.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
All of the products reviewed do a good job but in different ways. We hope the information given in the reviews and buyer’s guide has helped you decide which product is right for your specific needs, and you can now buy with confidence.
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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