I’ll use this tree root killer guide to share some vital information.
It is common to see people get frustrated after removing a tree stump, only for another tree to start growing off the roots. This means the tree is still alive, and removing the stump doesn’t mean killing the tree.
Now that you know this, I’m sure you want to take immediate action; please keep reading.
Keep reading!
What Problems Do Tree Roots Cause?
Tree roots are always searching for moisture and nutrients, and they will keep moving along routes that provide them with what they need.
These root movements lead to cracks in the floor and walls; they can also congest and crack drainage pipes.
The damage caused by roots to a home can cost decent sums of money, so you should tackle the problem from the source (no pun intended).
Let’s look at various types of root killers you can get your hands on.
Types of Root Killers
Roundup
Those familiar with root killers will tell you that this has been arguably the most popular root killer since the ’80s. Its main ingredient is glyphosate isopropylamine salt.
Within 48 hours of application on a tree stump, the leaves start to turn yellow. That’s how powerful and effective this root killer is.
It works by killing the plant from the inside.
RootX Foaming Root Killer
This is another root killer I strongly recommend. It is made with the aquatic herbicide dichlobenil.
This is not an organic root killer, but it is safe to use as it does not damage your pipes or septic tanks. This is not to say you are to allow it to get into your eyes or mouth.
Follow usage instructions. Here, this article compares RootX with Roebic foaming root killer.
K-77 Root Killer
K-77 is pretty effective in getting rid of tree roots within one week. The good news is that it will not harm the other trees in your yard or contaminate the soil.
For this root killer to be fully effective, it needs space to flow. This means it works best if roots don’t wholly clog your drainage.
Copper Sulfate Root Killer
This root killer has been used for flushing out pipelines for decades.
As effective as this root killer is, it has several side effects. It is so acidic that it erodes your pipes. It also kills bacteria in the septic sewer system.
When pipes are eroded, they eventually give in to water flow and crack open. However, modern-day lines are made of plastic, so they have more resistance to copper sulfate root killers, but it still kills septic bacteria.
Here is an article that compares copper sulfate to foaming root killer.
Tips On Using Tree Root Killers
If you want to get the very best out of your root killer, then follow these simple tips –
Treat the whole stomp: When you drill holes for the root killer, ensure you hit all around the stomp from the top to the sides.
The more holes you have, the more of the root killer you can apply.
The right timing: Trying to kill roots in the summer or spring is a bad idea. Your best bet is to apply the root killer around autumn or winter.
Cover the stump: After you have poured the root killer into the holes of the stump, be sure to cover it up with plastic material.
Doing this will protect the stump from rain and other unfavorable weather elements. You can see the plastic to the stump with a rope, so the wind doesn’t blow it off.
Protect yourself and those around you: When applying root killers, you must use protective clothing. Such clothing includes gloves (to protect hands) and goggles (to protect eyes from accidental splashes).
Also, remember those root killers are harmful to humans when ingested, so keep them out of children’s reach.
Home Remedies for Killing Roots
Believe it or not, there are some straightforward home remedies that you can use to tackle your root problems. Care to know what they are?
This section discusses homemade root killer options for sewer lines and other parts of your home.
Keep reading!
Salt
I don’t think there’s a household that doesn’t have salt in it. Are you surprised?
This common kitchen item can help you solve your root problem better than you imagined.
All you need to do is make a highly concentrated saline solution and dump it on the soil surrounding the tree stump. The salt sucks up all the moisture from the roots, leaving them “underfed.”
Do this five times daily, and the tree roots will eventually die.
Asafoetida
This is a traditional root killer that Indians popularized.
It is a plant characterized by a foul smell and a considerable taste. It is so distasteful and smelly that it has been called “devil’s dung.”
It is cheap and straightforward to use. However, it takes a lot of time before it can work. Two to three weeks, to be precise.
It may be a slow worker, but generations of farmers have proven it works!
Stuff the tree stump with as many bits of Asafoetida as possible and as often as possible. Drill several holes and stuff it with bits of the plant.
This plant has become so popular that you can find it in any convenience store.
This is a suitable means of killing roots because it is organic and doesn’t damage the soil texture. It also has no side effects. The only thing it will hurt is the root system that you wish to be killed.
Caustic Soda
A one-part Caustic soda and two-part water solution threaten any tree root. Apply this solution to the tree stump about 3 to 4 times daily.
Day by day, the roots will start to die off, but it must have killed the stump right after.
Compost Piled on Tree Stump
To use this method, make sure you cut the tree stump to a level as low as the ground or something close. Then make a huge pile of compost on the tree stump.
Compost contains some chemicals that gradually kill the stump and eventually reach the roots and kill it.
Composting takes time, so you need to exercise patience.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This is also an effective form of home remedy for roots. Apply good baking soda to the roots and pour a gallon of vinegar on the stump.
You will hear a loud fizz as you pour, but that shouldn’t bother you, as it is nothing but a chemical reaction. It poses no danger but is deadly to the tree stump and its roots.
Precaution While Using Root Killers
When using root killers at home, you must keep yourself and the people around you safe, especially children.
If you buy a root killer from a store, then make sure you read all the instructions on the bottle or pack before you start to use it. Understand its usage and side effects first and determine the potential damage it can cause (if any).
Also, remember to protect your eyes with goggles and your hands with gloves when handling root killers. A face mask will also be handy, as you don’t want any root killer accidentally splashing into your mouth.
Conclusion
I trust this tree root killer guide has been helpful. Please share this article with others.