How to Burn Tree Stumps

Try burning out a stump that is interfering in your lawn management.

If you have a tree stump that needs to be removed, you could choose to burn the stump and avoid renting expensive equipment to remove the tree stump. Burning the tee stump will take some time to do, but you will completely remove any chance that the tree will start growing back.

Things You'll Need

• Kerosene
• Drill
• 4-inch long drill bit, 1/2 inch diameter
• Chicken wire mesh
• Matches

Instructions

1. Secure the area surrounding the tree stump. Remove any debris and leaves that could catch fire.

2. Bend chicken wire mesh into a dome shape using a pair of pliers. Use a 3-foot-by-3-foot section. This should be large enough the fit over the entire tree stump and out from the tree 3 inches all the way around.

3. Drill holes in the top of the tree stump 6 inches apart. Angle the holes towards the outside of the tree stump. Drill holes in the side of the tree stump straight in so that they intersect the angled holes drilled in the top of the stump. The holes do not have to connect.

4. Pour kerosene in the top holes. Allow the kerosene to soak into the tree stump. After the kerosene is absorbed, reapply to the top holes again and allow it to sit overnight.

5. Set the tree stump on fire the next morning. Strike the matches and drop one into each of the holes on the top of the stump. Place the chicken wire dome over the burning tree stump to prevent the the fire from spreading. Depending on the size of the trunk, the fire could burn for one to two days.

Tips & Warnings

• Before burning a tree stump, make sure that your community does not forbid the burning of tree stumps on residential properties and what guidelines they may have that you need to follow.

• Monitor the burning stump carefully to prevent the spread of fire or injury to humans or wildlife.

References

• Urban Forestry South Expo: Stump Removal Methods