Stump removal....the fire way

[SPIKER]

I've done a few like others said, used old motor oil poured into several holes that were drilled into stumps, left to soak in. also prior to lighting used chain saw to cut groves into stump to expose edges that catch easier. pile on some sticks branches paper what ever lights, & let burn, also digging dirt away from root ball & exposing roots works much better. not sure how much help the oil is for sure but the oil soaked ones always burn up much faster in my opinion, maybe as it prevents water from wicking up the roots some too??.

anyhow cutting them off close to ground also helps a lot gets rid of excess wood.

mark M

 

[diyDave]

Instead of filling the drilled holes with used motor oil, use saltpeter AKA potassium nitrate. Cork the holes, and leave set for 4-5 months, then set the stump on fire. The KNO3 reacts with the water, and the cellulose, making the stump more flamable, faster. A stump treated this way in spring will burn by fall.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Instead of filling the drilled holes with used motor oil, use saltpeter AKA potassium nitrate. Cork the holes, and leave set for 4-5 months, then set the stump on fire. The KNO3 reacts with the water, and the cellulose, making the stump more flamable, faster. A stump treated this way in spring will burn by fall.

Where does one purchase potassium nitrate?

 

[SPIKER]

the local bomb making place, it is part of gun powder as well.

really though be careful using it with wood for fire as it can if I remember right cause some flaming sparks to erupt if heat/temps reach right conditions especially if other compounds are there naturally or un-naturally.

mark M

 

[KYErik]

I recall buying some saltpeter (potassium nitrate) in a pharmacy about 20 years ago. Try to find it there.

 

[diyDave]

Also, you might find it in hardware stores sold as Revenge tree stump destroyer, but its about 10 times as expensive as actual active ingredient potassium nitrate. You might also find it in some formulations of fertilizer!

 

[Theowegian]

I've heard that an old bale of straw or hay, lit on fire, then covered with an old round metal water tank, will do a great job on stumps. I've also been told to keep the tank off the ground with a couple of cement blocks to let the air circulate. The tank "bottom" will protect the burning bale of straw from heavy dew and rain.

Ive heard a three or four ft stump can be burnt up in a month.

My source?
Farm Show magazine, of course!

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Also, you might find it in hardware stores sold as Revenge tree stump destroyer, but its about 10 times as expensive as actual active ingredient potassium nitrate. You might also find it in some formulations of fertilizer!

Along those lines, if you have a stump that has been cut and isn't dead and wants to sucker, drill a few holes in it and put granular fertilizer in the holes. That will kill the stump and start the decay process and help get it ready for the burning process.