Maybe it’s an invasive species or has extensive sprouting. Or perhaps it has taken over your property, creating obstacles and tripping hazards. Whatever the reason for wanting a stump removed, using salt is one of the simplest, easiest, and most effective ways.
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, contains sodium that starves a tree of potassium and magnesium. These vital ingredients are necessary to make chlorophyll, which a tree requires to survive. Here’s everything to consider about killing a tree with salt.
How Much Salt Will Kill a Tree?
The amount of salt necessary to kill a tree depends on several factors, including the tree species and age. Young trees are more vulnerable to salt than mature trees and certain trees, such as the Douglas fir, handle salt poorly.
In general, because the salt needs to reach the tree roots, either a lot of salt or a long exposure time is necessary. For small trees, the process can take a couple of days, whereas larger trees will require a minimum of two weeks.
The Process of Killing Tree Roots with Salt
Because salt can also kill everything surrounding the tree, extra care needs to be taken when completing this treatment. To kill a tree with salt, complete the following six steps:
- Drill several three-to-four-inch holes diagonally into the tree trunk. The number of holes depends on the size of the tree.
- Create a saltwater mixture using a ratio of one part water to two parts salt.
- Fill the holes completely with the mixture, being careful to avoid any spillover.
- Monitor the solution and refill the holes with more of the mixture when necessary.
- Repeat Step #4 until the foliage on the tree starts turning brown.
- Once the tree dies, contact a professional arborist to remove the tree safely from your property.
Benefits of Killing a Tree Stump or Roots with Epsom Salt
By chopping a tree down, its underground root system remains – and can extend up to 20 feet deep in optimal soil conditions. This intricate system can cause damage to your home’s sewer line or foundation.
Besides potential damage, the decomposing material can feed unattractive fungus. There may also be the creation of a batch of saplings sprouting from the ground, consuming necessary nutrients.
Using salt to kill a tree stump or roots is a great alternative to herbicides. If you take measures to minimize the destruction around the tree, salt provides an environmentally safe method of killing a tree.
Toronto Tree Removal Services
At Greenwood Tree Company, keeping trees healthy and strong is our priority. However, removing a tree from your property may become necessary when it outgrows its location or suffers extreme damage.
Contact us today to learn more about the process we use for tree removal, including killing trees with salt.
