Getting rid of tree stumps is an arduous task with time, effort, and resources spent on calling in the professionals. What if you could handle the demanding by undertaking all with a quick chemical application?
Sounds nifty, doesn’t it? You can avail of such impressive facilities with the best stump killers in the market!
When it comes to the market, there lies another challenge in navigating the plethora of available choices. The ideal way ahead would be to browse through this guide of the best stump killer reviews.
Check our top-three picks based on their features, effectiveness, and customer reviews.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best Overall
Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Tordon RTU
- Effective stump killing with superior results
- Seeps into plants vascular system for in-depth eradication
- Easy-to-use no-freeze formula
Premium Choice
VPG Fertilome 32295 320Oz Brusk Stump Killer
- Versatile efficiency on stumps, vines, and wooded plants
- Long-term use
- Results within weeks
- Ease of application on cut-surfaces
No review is ever complete without a glance through multiple products and their features, pros and cons. For your convenience, we present the ins and outs of the top 10 stump killers we think you will love and appreciate!
1. Dow AgroSciences RTU548 Tordon RTU Stump Killer
If you are looking for an effective treatment to kill persistent tree growth, Tordon RTU is the ideal control herbicide. Be it around your fence or in a vast land with no crops around, and the specialty herbicide works slowly but steadily.
It attacks the heart of the roots to prevent any chances of resprouting or further growth of nearby dependent plants. The superior results of the chemical keep almost 20 different species of tree growth at bay.
Also, the ease of application is evident with a no-mix formula that does not need any measuring. The added incentive is the blue-dyed solution that enables you to keep track of the applied areas of cuts.
The cut-surface treatment of the herbicide allows the powerful chemical to seep into the tree’s vascular system. From there, the toxicity spreads to the roots, ensuring complete elimination of the life of the unwanted stump.
Pros
- Effectively kills and controls tree growth
- Blue-dye conveniently marks applied areas
- Utilized year-round
- Non-freezing formula
Cons
- Takes time to provide results
2. VPG Fertilome 32295 32Oz Brush Stump Killer
VPG Fertilome is a reputed brand in the stump killing industry, and its quality is evident from the product versatility it furnishes. The multi-purpose chemical is a potent herbicide that offers control for a diverse range of plant growth.
Triclopyr serves as the key ingredient and is relatively prevalent for its wide use. The formula is readily applicable to wooded plants, ivy vines and leaves, and broadleaf weeds, weakening them from the roots.
One thing to bear in mind is the toxic potency of the VPG. There is every chance for the herbicide to wipe out every plant in its path. Ensure to apply the chemical where it gets required, and avoid liberal application.
Moreover, the stump killer can get utilized in a spray-on form by diluting with water. But, it takes ample time to show results. Once the stump killer gets applied, rest assured of the elimination of plant or tree growth in the area.
Pros
- Versatile nature of the application
- Quantity and effectiveness are worth the price
- Brush-on ease of application
- Controls wooded plant growth with potency
- Lasts long due to lower quantity usage
Cons
- Potent toxicity kills nearby plants
- Large stumps require additional herbicide application
3. Spectracide HG-66420 Stump Remover
Spectracide offers a hassle-free lawn care solution for invading plant species and tree stump removal. Curating your landscape has never been this easy with the use of Spectracide to quell unsightly stumps.
The easy-to-use stump remover granules require no mixing or measuring. Instead, it comes in a convenient applicator bottle. It works like a charm when squirted onto the tree stump. The herbicide operates by accelerating the stump decomposition, depending on its size.
It gets recommended to apply a brush killer on the tree stump before utilizing the Spectracide stump remover. Other potent chemical stump removers in the market end up killing the surrounding growth, making their use uncertain.
With Spectracide, you do not have to worry about harming the surrounding vegetation. Also, a few consumers advise on adding hot water after applying the herbicide on the tree stump. This measure facilitates the decomposition process, allowing faster results. You can expect much more from a product that costs comparatively less.
Pros
- Does not harm the surrounding plant growth
- Affordable quality-herbicide
- Drastically speeds degradation of tree stump
- User-friendly and odorless
Cons
- Large stumps require additional applications
- Takes time to present results
4. Gordon’s Stump Killer Ready-to-Use Qt
A few vines can get stubborn to eradicate no matter how much of their growth you inhibit. Gordon’s stump killer makes short work of the said matter while also furnishing its services towards tree stump removal.
A common issue with many tree stump removers is that they require multiple applications to furnish adequate results. Gordon’s stump killer works its way to the roots of the plant and eliminates any sign of life in the stump.
The stump killer gets packed in a convenient squeeze-to-use bottle, and the formula also requires no pre-mixing or measuring. Merely aim towards the spot or surface to receive the solution and squeeze the bottle accordingly.
Gordon’s stump killer’s toxic potency is a vital aspect to note that spreads further than you would expect. If you apply too much of the solution to and around the stump, chances are, the surrounding vegetation suffers. So, hold back and use the chemical sparingly.
Pros
- Reliable potency
- Seeps to the roots for assured stump killing
- Affordable and easy-to-use application
- Lasts efficiently long due to reduced usage
- Quick results
Cons
- Harmful for plants in the vicinity
5. Sanco Industries Root Stump Killer Destroyer
Is it possible for a root destroyer to double up as a tree stump killer? Sanco root destroyer manages this task of stump removal with elan. After all, the tree stump has roots that keep absorbing nutrition to propagate further growth.
The potent formula of Sanco root destroyer targets the roots of any plant, ensuring death from within. Copper sulfate crystals are the main ingredient of this formula that get known to eradicate invasive plant species.
All you have to do is drill some deep holes into the tree stump and pour the root destroyer liberally. You will have to drill multiple holes from various angles for larger and thicker stumps, allowing a deeper reach.
Sanco root destroyers may work efficiently with smaller stumps and plants. However, large stumps require substantial time to show optimal results. Consumers often see impressive results on the roots growing in their septic drain pipes. Since Sanco root destroyer primarily targets the plant roots, it is understandable for its efforts to take shape with time.
Pros
- Kills roots with ease
- Value worth the product
- Chemical formula eradicates invasive plants and weeds
Cons
- Takes quantity and time to work on tree stump removal
6. Roebic K-77-2LB Laboratories K-77 Root Killer
Another root killer that is just as intimidating as its name, the Roebic root killer, primarily targets the roots of a plant. Once they get dealt with, any further growth recourse gets blocked off effectively.
There are a few root killers that temporarily inhibit root growth and then lose their potency and effects. Roebic K-77 impacts the roots in such a way that they die from within, thus eliminating any method of propagation.
Again, since its primary task is to kill roots, the Roebic root killer may require a handful of applications for a tree stump. Also, you have to factor in the size and width of the tree stump to get killed.
One good thing about Roebic is its non-corrosive chemical formula, even with repeated use. This property makes it an ideal septic pipe root remover, and when utilized on a tree stump, does not harm the surrounding vegetation. Further, may consumers have termed the Roebic root killer as inexpensive insurance for its efficiency in killing roots.
Pros
- Exclusively kills roots with ease
- Safe for regular plumbing purposes
- Non-corrosive chemical formula ensures no harm to adjacent plant life
- Affordable root killer
- Saves digging and rooting costs
Cons
- Tree stump remover application may take longer to show effects
7. Bonide 274 728639280241 Vine & Stump Killer
One of the more economical stumps killing products in the market, Bonide stump killer, is a must-have commodity. The concentrated formula contains Triclopyr that effectively seeps into a plant’s vascular system poisoning the stump from within.
The toxin then naturally gets regulated through the stump, allowing for efficient stump killing. Additionally, the product lies on the cheaper side of the scale, making it a widely loved stump killer. Smaller projects may experience immediate effects, where larger tasks require additional time.
The long-lasting effects of the stump killer are easy to obtain with an applicator brush to ensure application precision. Another pleasing aspect of the chemical is its versatility of use.
While ideal to kill stumps, Bonide stump killer also doubles as a stubborn vine and brush killer. Any number of invasive species get dealt with the use of the potent product.
The applicator brush ensures that the chemical gets applied precisely to the stump that needs removal. The surrounding plants can get affected by the toxicity of the Bonide vine and stump killer.
Pros
- Versatile use of killing stumps, vines, broadleaf weeds
- Undiluted formula packs potency
- Cut-off any probability of root regrowth
- Reliable efficiency
- Nifty applicator makes the task easier
Cons
- Small size of the applicator brush
- Requires multiple applications
8. BioAdvanced 704640B 704640 Brush Killer
As the name suggests, the BioAdvanced concentrate is as potent as its formula. There are plenty of aspects that make it one of the more economical picks in the market.
To start with is the impact the concentrate has on entirely shutting-off any means of further plant growth. The concentrate seeps to the roots to kill the stump and plant from within. No matter how consistent the plant may have grown before, it dies within weeks of BioAdvanced application.
The stump killer formula works effectively on over 70 varied species of brushes and plants, as well as stumps. Poison ivy, the Kudzu, poison oak, blackberry, and more such invasive species get made short work of with BioAdvanced application.
Another incentive is its waterproof nature. The concentrate can get applied or sprayed on plants even on wet days. This waterproofing remains in effect for up to four hours, allowing adequate time for the chemical to work its magic.
Pros
- Applicable over large areas
- Robust penetrating formula
- Killing effects over a wide range of plant species
- Visual results within weeks
- Rainproof four hours of protection
Cons
- Takes time to work on tree stumps
9. Southern Ag 01112 Brush Killer Stump Treatment
Southern Ag gets designed to target and effectively eradicate hard-to-kill plants and stumps. Although primarily a brush killer, the stump treatment it furnishes is nothing lower than superior. It works by preventing further sprouting on the tree stumps.
The rotting process begins from deep within the plant’s vascular system, eliminating all life in a step-by-step manner. You will find the natural active ingredient Triclopyr working its way through the plant to kill off the life support eventually.
Also, the control that the brush killer furnishes can eradicate species like the Brazilian pepper, umpteen varieties of tough vines, stumps, and more. The stump treatment requires no pre-mixing or measuring, or any dilution. It gets applied as is, at the point of treatment.
A vital pointer to bear in mind is the potency of the chemical formula. The Southern Ag will, without doubt, kill any plants it comes in contact with. So, ensure to apply the treatment sparingly and avoid spraying where you should not.
Pros
- Highly effective on hard-to-kill species of plants and stumps
- Easy application
- Available in 16- and 32-ounce measures
- Prevents sprouting of further growth
- Direct stump application
Cons
- Highly toxic for surrounding plants
10. Voluntary Purchasing Group Hi-Yield 11484 Stump Killer
Are you seeking a versatile formula to rid your lawn of annoying invasive plant pop-ups? Look no further than the Voluntary Hi-Yield brush and stump killer. Understandably, any product that offers two-in-one uses will cut back its efficiency in one operation.
With the Hi-Yield concentrate, you do not have to worry about either the brush or stump killing losing their potency. The presence of Triclopyr in the mix ensures certain death of the stump from within. Then that the toxicity of the formula requires careful handling.
Do not apply the concentrate around plants you do not want to kill. Ensure to precisely apply the Hi-Yield formula on the stump in calculated amounts. There is no need to dilute the concentrate, merely use it as is.
The frustration associated with the regular cutting of vines with no respite is absent with the use of the Hi-Yield formula. When you are looking to rid your lawn of unsightly stumps, creeping vines, and other wooded plants, Hi-yield is your go-to solution.
Pros
- Effectively cures poison ivy, wooded plants, and stumps
- Simple and undiluted application
- Triclopyr formula ensures deep toxin seepage in roots
- Ideal to use around non-crop areas, fences, cabins
- Quality worth the price
Cons
- Requires careful application due to toxic nature
What Should You Look for In A Stump Killer?
You might have a general idea of what you should expect in a stump killer based on the reviews and your requirements. Is there anything else you are missing out on?
Read on to find out the essential features to look for in a stump killer.
Toxicity/Effectiveness
Every stump killer is a chemical that wipes plants from the inside out. Yet, their effectiveness differs from one product to the next. Ensure to consider plenty of reviews before purchasing one.
Budget
Often, we skip out on buying a reliable product merely due to its increased price tag. In return, we settle for less than adequate quality only to require plenty more of its services and incur additional costs. Go for a product you need, irrespective of its rate, to save yourself future trouble.
Type of work
A few stump killers come equipped with brush or root and stump killing capabilities. While one operation may receive adequate focus, other facilities get neglected. It is nifty to avail of a product with multiple facets, but ensure you get what you are paying for.
Capacity
You may not necessarily require multiple gallons of the concentrate to work on your backyard projects. Besides, a few stump killers reviewed above have the potency to limit their intense use. It allows the stump killer to last long efficiently, thereby serving as a leftover for similar future projects.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now have all the information you need about the best stump killers in the market. Having useful information on-hand helps make the final decision better informed and satisfactory.
A productive tree stump killer does not merely kill the stump. It also eliminates any chances of future proliferation by weeding out the roots that may have spread across your lawn. Ensure you get the best stump killer for your lawn care that gets the job done the first time.