How to kill a tree's survival tactics.

Scoby_Beasley · 23 Aug 2003

Okay, I know this aint nice, but our (rear) neighbour recently (6mths) had a tree removed from his back garden, the base of which does come into our garden. Since then we are continually getting suckers shooting up through our bamboos, ferns, hostas etc., so I can't dig the roots out.
Any suggestions on how to kill off the roots that are feeding the stump and causing the problem without using a chemical attack which would also kill off our (expensive) exotic plants?
I was told years ago that copper nails will kill stumps off but I know that plants need copper to some extent so not sure if this would work.
TIA
I'm not being a meanie but any plant you don't want is a weed.

masona · 25 Aug 2003

Not sure if you can hire a stump grinder ?

Try looking at this.

Creosote or bitumen paint on top of the stump ? won't kill the stump but should stop it spreading

raymondo · 22 Sep 2003

hi try drilling holes in top of stump deep as you can. pour cresotte in them hammer copper nails half way in the side of the stump the nails get patina on them its the patina that kills the tree so i am told never done it myself but know people that have and it has worked hope this helps it will not kill your plants also you could strip off the rest of the bark

breezer · 22 Sep 2003

didn't some one mention drilling a hole and puting a copper pipe in their neigbours tree, "and suddenly it died"

masona · 23 Sep 2003

breezer said:
didn't some one mention drilling a hole and puting a copper pipe in their neigbours tree, "and suddenly it died"

I found it,called patio cleaning acid !

See this It's still funny

BiGDave · 2 Oct 2003

Give this a try its here

BiGDave · 2 Oct 2003

Try this

Scoby_Beasley · 2 Oct 2003

BiGDave said:
try this

Sorry to edit your post BiGDave, removed the / from 1st [/url] easier than typing it out !! Thanks for the tip

breezer · 2 Oct 2003

Hi BiGDave, the link in your post will not work, to find out how to do it see

this 5th post down, then go to your post click the "EDIT" button and you can amend it

steveo · 18 Oct 2003

if the stump is tall try ringing it, this will kill it dead., cut into the bark 1inch width all the way around it.

deedee9 · 5 Feb 2004

Hope this may help :

Drill holes yes, fill with glyphosate (available Homebase and maybe B&Q).
Glyphosate is a killer that is absorbed by plant (normally thro' leaves) and kills the plant. This should work over time. Should not contaminate the soil.

Advice given in good faith only.

(NOTE : I thought creosaut (or however it's spelt) is now banned ie ground contamination and possible cancer giver)

masona · 5 Feb 2004

deedee9 said:
I thought creosaut (or however it's spelt) is now banned ie ground contamination and possible cancer giver)

Yes,you're right I've forgotten about that,see this

oilman · 5 Feb 2004

I looked into the copper nails treatment a couple of years ago, it's a myth as far as I can tell. Be careful glyphosate, it can damage surrounding plants if it splashes, even woody ones.