Epsom Salt to kill tree turnk - Ask Extension
Hi:
I am having a tree removed. I was told that if I put a bag of epsom salt on the trunk and covered it with black plastic the trunk and roots will...
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Epsom Salt to kill tree turnk #765302
Asked August 02, 2021, 3:55 PM EDT
Hi:
I am having a tree removed. I was told that if I put a bag of epsom salt on the trunk and covered it with black plastic the trunk and roots will rot away.
Will that amount of epsom salt damage the rest of my garden soil? It will only be put on the trunk and will be covered. How long would this process take. Is this an advisable method for removing a stump.
Would this method work to remove Yucca trunks and roots (they are so terribly invasive)?
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Diane
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question, Diane. Epsom salts do not have the same corrosive action as does table salt (sodium chloride), and actually are used as a fertilizer to cure magnesium deficiency in the soil. Here is the recommended way to get the stump to decompose with the least harm to the soil and surrounding plants: How to Remove a Stump (sdstate.edu) This works on any woody plant stem or trunk, and the time it takes varies by species. However, it may not work on plants which have extensive rhizome systems, which need to be removed--and removed, etc.--manually. Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
