If you are researching quick and effective ways to burn a tree stump, it is important to reconsider doing it yourself. Using fire to burn out an old tree stump can be a very dangerous job. Without the proper knowledge, tools, and hands-on experience, burning a tree stump is not recommended. Instead, contact a trusted Noblesville tree care company for safe and professional tree stump removal.

If you are committed to doing the project yourself, continue reading to learn what you’ll need and where to start. Be sure you are using the highest standards of safety, care, and concern when carrying out each step of the process. This starts with a phone call to your local fire department for information about your town’s outdoor burning laws. There could be a active burn or fire ban depending on the time of year, current weather conditions, and more.

What You’ll Need

You can purchase everything you need to burn a tree stump at any local home improvement store. They will have the supplies, equipment, and safety gear needed for stump burning and removal. These items vary in cost, but you can expect to set your budget at around $200 or so. Here is what you will need:

Drill
Wood-Boring Bit (or spade)
10 Inch Bit Extender
Saltpeter (potassium nitrate)
Shovel
Trowel
Large Bucket
Large Cup

Funnel
Dry Scrap Wood
Ground Soil
Grass Seed (optional)
Matches
Safety Goggles
Utility Gloves
Hot Water

Steps:

❶ Set up your drill, wood-boring bit, and extender.

❷ At a 30 degree angle, insert your drill directly in the center of the top of the tree stump. Drill a hole 8 to 10 inches deep.

❸ Clear the bark debris from the hole. And then repeat the 2nd step over and over until you have several holes in the stump. Be sure they are at least 1 inch apart.

❹ Use your trowel to pour once scoop of saltpeter into each hole.

❺ Then using your cup and funnel, top off each hole with hot water. Continue this step until the potassium nitrate (saltpeter) as fully dissolved.

❻ Lay your scrap wood on top of the stump. Be sure your scrap wood is completely dry. If you do not have scrap wood, use a starter log. Many recommend positioning the scrap wood “tee-pee” style, starting from the ground.

❼ Using your matches, ignite your scrap wood or starter log.

❽ Remain with the stump at all times while it burns. Let it burn down and smolder until there is nothing left but ash.

❾ Use your shovel to break up big chunks of the smoldering stump. Remove all large chunks of leftover debris.

❿ Fill the hole with fresh soil. Top with grass seed.

Noblesville Stump Removal

Call 317-537-9770 for Noblesville stump removal you can afford. Our experienced tree care contractors offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including stump grinding, stump removal, tree removal, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate from a friendly tree care contractor, today.