9 Best Stump Killer Of 2023 [Reviewed & Buyer’s Guide]
Often after trees are cut down to free up space, the stump left behind might grow back again, leading to problems. Stumps can also bother you while carrying out any landscaping or gardening work. Hence, getting rid of them once and for all is essential, and that’s why you should bring home a good stump […]
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Often after trees are cut down to free up space, the stump left behind might grow back again, leading to problems.
Stumps can also bother you while carrying out any landscaping or gardening work. Hence, getting rid of them once and for all is essential, and that’s why you should bring home a good stump killer.
But choosing a suitable product is difficult, given the availability of hundreds of options out there. So, to ease the process for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 9 top-notch options to consider.
Read on to know more.
Best Stump Killer
Here’s the list of the 9 best stump killers of 2023 to help you easily get rid of unwanted stumps in your garden or yard and ensure a smooth landscaping experience.
1. VPG Fertilome 32295 – Best for Woody Plants
This product from VPG is sure to impress you with its powerful and quick action on all stumps in your garden or lawn. It is also capable of controlling the growth of many types of poisonous weeds and woody plants. Note that this stump killer is available in concentrate form and comes in a bottle of 32 oz.
- This stump and brush remover is designed to kill stumps and...
- For stump application use in its current form and use a...
Why Did We Like It?
Firstly, the triclopyr content of this fertilizer is very effective in killing stumps entirely. In addition to this, it can control the growth of vines, poison ivy, and the most undesirable woody plants. As such, with this product at home, you won’t need to worry about undesirable plants and stumps spoiling the surroundings of your home.
Furthermore, applying this product is very easy as you don’t need to dilute it with water. All you need to do is completely cover the fresh-cut surface of the stump with a paintbrush.
Plus, there are detailed instructions included to help you with the amount you have to use each time. So, you can always ensure optimal utilization and get the best results.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only drawback of using this product is that it may harm a healthy vegetable plant. So, you must be a little careful while painting the stump or the weeds and ensure that the stump killer doesn’t come into contact with the surrounding vegetation.
- Triclopyr kills stumps entirely
- Effective on weeds and woody plants
- Easy to apply
- Comes with detailed instructions
- May harm surrounding healthy vegetation
2. Roebic FRK-1LB – Best for Root Killing
Next, we’ve selected the Roebic FRK Root Killer, which is completely safe for use and comes with a superb formula. It is one of the most sought-after products when it comes to killing stumps and roots and is made to deliver optimum performance in both cases. Note that this product is available in the form of powder and comes in a jar of 1 lb.
- KILLS ROOTS IN SANITARY SEWERS: Roebic FRK-1LB Foaming Root...
- FOAMS ON CONTACT: Exclusive Roebic Root Killer formula,...
Why Did We Like It?
This product is capable of killing stumps by acting on their roots through its unique formula. It contains highly effective dichlobenil which helps in inhibiting the growth of new roots and thus kills the stump entirely.
Besides, the foaming agent present in it foams on coming in contact with water and fills the pipeline with dichlobenil. This facilitates better action, with the chemical reaching the roots effectively.
Plus, this root killer is safe for use in all kinds of plumbing and will never harm the surrounding plants. Lastly, it is very easy to use since you just need to apply the powder at the base and then water the area sufficiently. Note that you should apply it at a rate of 2 oz per foot for getting the best results.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Sometimes, this root killer may not be totally powdery when it arrives but may form cakes. This might be due to differences in processing the product batches. So, do check it as soon as it is delivered. If you face a similar issue, you can request a replacement immediately.
- Inhibits growth of new roots
- Foaming agent facilitates better action
- Doesn’t harm surrounding plants
- Easy to use
- Powder may form cakes sometimes
3. Spectracide HG-66420 – Best for Easy Application
Using this stump remover from Spectracide is one of the best ways to get rid of undesirable stumps in your garden or yard. It is perfectly safe for use and comes in a 1-lb bottle with a convenient applicator. Note that you should use this product with a brush killer for freshly cut stumps.
- Destroys stumps: accelerates the rate of decomposition,...
- Use with brush killer: before using Spectracide stump...
Why Did We Like It?
To begin with, this product contains potassium nitrate that initiates stump decomposition, making it more porous. Following this, it can easily be burnt or removed from the yard or garden.
Additionally, this stump killer is quite easy to use, since you just need to pour the granules into the holes drilled in the stump. So, you don’t need any mixing or diluting of the product as in the case of liquid stump killers.
Furthermore, this product doesn’t produce any foul odor that might seem disturbing to you while you’re using it. For applying it, you just need to make 1-inch wide and 12-inch deep holes in the stump and pour around 4 oz of the granules into each hole.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only disappointing aspect about the product is that it takes longer to show the results. Depending upon the size of the stump being treated, it can take several weeks to months for the stump to decompose fully. So, you’ll need to be a bit more patient if you choose to go for this stump killer.
- Initiates stump decomposition
- Easy to apply
- Produces no foul odor
- Perfectly safe for use
- Takes longer to show results
4. Bonide 274 Vine & Stump Killer
If you have limited time on your hands, this Vine & Stump Killer from Bonide will be the perfect option to go for. It lets you entirely kill all the stumps in your yard or garden and also comes with a brush-top applicator. Note that this concentrated product is available in bottles of 7.2 oz.
- CONTROL WOODY PLANTS & VINES-Stop undesirable listed woody...
- ALSO USED AS STUMP KILLER-Use undiluted to kill stumps and...
Why Did We Like It?
What we liked the most about the product was that it removed the stumps once and for all. Thus, the problem is not only eliminated but is also prevented from recurring. So, you will notice that the stumps are not regrowing as in the case of ordinary products. And behind this magic is its high triclopyr content.
Further, you get a brush-top applicator with the product, which enables optimal utilization and easy application. Plus, you can rest assured that this stump killer won’t affect any surrounding desirable plant.
Moreover, a small booklet of instructions provided along with it enhances its ease of use. That’s because the instructions are written very clearly and are detailed wherever required.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We observed that the capacity of this stump killer is smaller considering its price. In fact, you’ll find higher quantities of other competing products available for the same cost. Thus, we felt its capacity should be increased to make each bottle last longer.
- Removes stumps once and for all
- Enables optimal utilization
- Is easy to apply
- Doesn’t affect surrounding plants
- Capacity smaller than other products
5. Dow AgroSciences Tordon RTU548
Get superior results each time with this Tordon RTU548 herbicide from Dow AgroSciences. It contains powerful ingredients that work to remove the toughest of stumps much quicker. Believe us when we say, this product wouldn’t fail to impress you a bit. Note that this stump killer contains a blue die and is available in bottles of 2.4 lbs.
- Effective: Kills cut stumps on fence lines&non-cropland...
Why Did We Like It?
There are a lot of stump killers available that become less effective whenever the temperature is extremely low. But you wouldn’t face any such problems in the case of this product, as it comes with a special no-freeze formulation. Thus, it will flow freely even during very cold weather.
What’s more, you can track the decomposition of the treated stump very easily, thanks to the blue dye contained in the product. And it also ranks high in terms of ease of use as no measuring or mixing is required. All you need to do is pour the stump killer into a squirt applicator, and you’re good to go.
Furthermore, it is suitable for as many as 20 species of woody plants and successfully prevents resprouting for all of them.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only downside of using this product is that it’s highly potent and can damage surrounding desirable plants to some extent. So, you need to be cautious to ensure that the other plants don’t come in contact with it while in use.
- Tracking the treated stump is easy
- Needs no measuring or mixed
- Effective on 20 species of woody plants
- Acts equally well during very cold temperatures
- Can damage surrounding plants
6. BioAdvanced 704655A
Our next pick for you is this BioAdvanced Brush Killer that helps you fight back strongly against the undesirable stump in the yard. Specially designed to remove the most stubborn brushes and stumps, this product is available in a convenient spray bottle of 1 gallon.
- SPECIAL FORMULA: Special penetrating formula, kills even the...
- BRUSH KILLER: Kills Kudzu, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak,...
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, we loved the penetrating formula of this product that makes sure the toughest of stumps is killed entirely. What does the trick is the efficient combination of triclopyr and triethylamine.
As for its applicability, it is effective on more than 70 types of brush, stumps, and weeds. And you are sure to see the results within 1 to 6 weeks, which is quite fast compared to other average products.
Additionally, this brush killer becomes rainproof within just 4 hours of application, so the water won’t be able to wash it away in most cases. Note that you should apply the product to a freshly cut stump to get the best results. Lastly, the spray bottle form makes the application very quick and easy.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although this product works quite well in removing stumps, it is not safe for use around pets and children. That’s because it contains several powerful chemicals which can have detrimental effects on them. So, make sure you don’t keep children and pets in the vicinity while using the product.
- Kills the toughest of stumps entirely
- Shows results in 1 to 6 weeks
- Becomes rainproof within 4 hours of application
- Sprayer form makes it easy to apply
- Not safe for use around children and pets
7. Remedy Ultra Weed Killer
This eco-friendly herbicide and weed killer from Remedy Ultra is also very beneficial for removing stumps. It comes in a bottle of 1 gallon and is a cost-effective option for controlling unwanted stumps in many areas, be it in your yard, garden, or alongside pasture lands. So, let’s have a look at all its impressive features.
Why Did We Like It?
We found that this product acted very fast on all kinds of woody plants, thanks to its super-active formula. It contains triclopyr and other strong chemicals that act within just a week to decompose most of the stump. And in a few more days it is completely killed. Thereafter, you just need to burn it or cut it off to get rid of it permanently.
Further, this product produces a very mild odor that will never be disturbing to you. And it is completely safe to use around children and pets when applied as instructed. Note that you need to wear protective gear when mixing and applying the product.
Plus, it produces lesser residue compared to other products available out there, which is why it has a lower impact on the environment.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The application process for this product is a bit complicated and also time-consuming. It needs to be mixed with water in the proportion advised in the instructions, and the whole process takes at least 40 minutes. Also, we found some parts of the instructions to be slightly unclear.
- Acts on stumps quite fast
- Produces a mild odor
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Eco-friendly product
- Application process is complicated
8. Southern Ag 01112
The next product we have for you is this Brush Killer from the highly popular brand Southern Ag. Similar to other lawn care and gardening products offered by the brand, this one also delivers top-notch performance. Note that this brush killer comes in a canister of 1 pint and must be applied by spraying it on the stump.
- Kills stumps and prevents sprouting
- Controls woody plants, vines, & broadleaf weeds
Why Did We Like It?
The superb combination of triethylamine and triclopyr makes this product capable of killing stumps entirely. You can be rest assured that even large stumps that are hard to kill will be gone for good.
Also, you will notice less sprouting on the stump in just a few days after the first application. And soon after, the process of rotting will set in to ensure that the stump is gone within a very short time span.
Furthermore, you can easily apply the product as a spray on the stump, so it doesn’t need to be mixed with water.
As for the instructions for application, those are given in detail in a small booklet included with the product. So, you will never have any confusion regarding the amount to be applied to stumps of different sizes.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only disadvantage of using this product is that it may harm surrounding desirable plants by burning the leaves. So, you need to ensure that the surrounding plants don’t come in contact with this brush killer. Also, this product would have been more convenient to apply if it came in the form of a sprayer.
- Can kill all stumps entirely
- Gives much quicker results
- Doesn’t need mixing with water
- Easy to apply
- May harm surrounding plants
9. Monterey LG5367
We also liked this brush and vine killer from Monterey, which is an ideal product if you want to get rid of the stumps in your yard. It uses an advanced formulation to give you perfect results for stumps of all sizes. This product is available in the form of concentrate and comes in a canister of 2.35 lbs.
- CONTROL WOODY PLANTS - The Brush and Vine Killer is ideal...
- BRUSH AND VINE CONTROL - Not only can this product be used...
Why Did We Like It?
The high amount of triclopyr contained in the brush and vine killer helps it inhibit the growth of stumps and kills them entirely. As such, you can be sure that there is no resprouting in any of the stumps.
Additionally, you just have to apply the product two times to get the desired results. Within a month, the stump will be killed, and you can either cut it down or burn it. Plus, it is a more budget-friendly choice than many other products out there.
Moreover, this brush and vine killer won’t harm the surrounding plants as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Lastly, this product comes in a concentrated formula that enhances the impact on the stump and works to give faster results.
Note that you will need to mix the concentrate with water before applying it on old stumps. But for those that are freshly cut, you have to apply it in the undiluted form only.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Packaging was the main issue with this product, as the package was torn in several portions when it arrived. Also, the canister was not sealed properly, and we found the concentrate leaking from it. So, make sure you check the package and the product thoroughly when it arrives.
- Triclopyr kills stumps entirely
- Gives much faster results
- Doesn’t harm surrounding plants
- Budget-friendly choice
- Improper packaging
Best Stump Killer Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Dimensions | Weight | Active Ingredients | Vegetation Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPG Fertilome 32295 | Liquid | 2 x 10.5 x 5 inches | 32 oz | Triclopyr | Yes |
| Roebic FRK-1LB | Granules | 2.75 x 5 x 2.75 inches | 16 oz | Dichlobenil | No |
| Spectracide HG-66420 | Granules | 2.13 x 3.62 x 9.37 inches | 16 oz | Potassium Nitrate | Yes |
| Bonide 274 Vine & Stump Killer | Concentrate | 1.56 x 3.25 x 6 inches | 7.2 oz | Triclopyr | No |
| Dow AgroSciences Tordon RTU548 | Liquid | 3 x 3 x 9 inches | 38.4 oz | Herbicide | Yes |
| BioAdvanced 704655A | Spray | 12 x 4 x 8 inches | 141.6 oz | Triclopyr | No |
| Remedy Ultra Weed Killer | N/A | 7.3 x 4.9 x 12 inches | 128 oz | Triclopyr, Herbicide | No |
| Southern Ag 01112 | Spray | 2.1 x 4.1 x 6 inches | 18.72 oz | Triclopyr | Yes |
| Monterey LG5367 | Spray | 2 x 9 x 5 inches | 32 oz | Triclopyr, Herbicide | No |
Buying Guide For The Best Stump Killer
For purchasing the best stump killer, you must always consider some key features which determine the effectiveness of a product.
Along with this, taking into account your needs and preferences is important. Only then will you be able to choose a product that would deliver the best results. So, let’s go ahead and look at the key points that you need to keep in mind.
Efficiency
Anyone would want a product that kills the stumps quickly and effectively, which is why efficiency is a vital factor. So, make sure you check the time taken for any product to act on the stumps while going through the product information. Also, you should follow all the instructions for application to ensure that the product acts well on the stumps.
Ingredients
The ingredients of a product are essential since they ultimately determine its applications. For instance, triclopyr and copper sulfate pentahydrate are the key ingredients used in root and stump killers. Generally, an effective product will always use triclopyr as an active ingredient.
Safety
Safety should be considered a key factor when choosing such products. Remember that safety refers to not just your safety but that of the other people around you.
Adhere strictly to the safety tips given along with the instructions, and don’t spray on areas that have plants producing fruits and vegetables. Plus, you must ensure that the products are stored away from children and pets to minimize the chance of any accident.
The application method may vary depending on the stump killer product. Some stump killers come in liquid form, while others are granules or powders. Follow the specific instructions provided with the product to apply it effectively. This may involve pouring granules into drilled holes in the stump or using a paintbrush to cover the stump surface
The time it takes for a stump killer to work can vary depending on the product and the size of the stump. Some stump killers may take several weeks to months to fully decompose the stump. It’s important to be patient and follow the recommended application guidelines to achieve the desired results.
Stump killers can be safe for plumbing and the environment, but it depends on the specific product. When selecting a stump killer, choose one that is labeled as safe for plumbing and won’t harm the surrounding plants. Always follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe and effective use.
To achieve the best results with a stump killer, carefully follow the instructions provided with the product. Ensure that the fresh-cut surface of the stump is completely covered with the stump killer, and use the recommended amount each time. By following the instructions, you can maximize the effectiveness of the product.
Stump Killer FAQs
Conclusion
That’s all the time we have for you today.
We hope you will be confident in choosing an ideal stump killer now. But before we bring down the curtains, we would like to take you through a quick recap of our favorites from the list.
VPG Fertilome 32295 is an ideal option, offering powerful and quick action on stumps, along with control over weeds and woody plants. Roebic FRK-1LB is a good option, particularly for those concerned about root growth, as it not only kills stumps but inhibits new root growth.
Lastly, Spectracide HG-66420 is the right choice for those seeking a safe and easy-to-use stump remover with its potassium nitrate formula.
With that, we’ll take your leave. Let us know whether you agree with our verdict in the comments section below.
Till next time, take care!
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