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Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.

Regular pruning, monitoring for disease, and fertilization promote healthy growth.

Using highly flammable fuels like gasoline to burn a stump carries significant safety risks and should be avoided. Gasoline is highly flammable and volatile, potentially leading to uncontrollable fires, explosions, and other environmental hazards. Additionally, the risk of the fire spreading to surrounding areas is much higher with gasoline use. Safer alternatives, such as specialized stump removal chemicals or professional grinding services, are the best options for stump removal.

For a large tree, roots can take 5 to 10 years to completely decay after a stump dies. But that’s rarely a concern for above-ground plants and growth. You can choose to grind up a stump immediately after felling a tree (although it will be tougher wood), or you can wait several months up to a year for the stump to decay. When finished, you can leave any leftover roots in the ground to decompose.