Q: Do trees grow back if cut down?

• <div><p>Trees don&rsquo;t usually grow back after being cut down. Some particularly robust tree species may start sending up new stems from a stump to recover, but those stems won&rsquo;t become a &ldquo;tree&rdquo; like before. Generally, trees don&rsquo;t recover from being entirely cut down, which is why it&rsquo;s important to be careful when making a decision. When you cut down a tree, it&rsquo;s a good idea to make plans to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tree-stump-removal.htm">remove the stump</a>, even if it&rsquo;s unlikely to grow back.</p></div>

Question 1

How long does it take for Epsom salt or vinegar to kill a tree?

Accepted Answer

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You can expect Epsom salt and vinegar to take between 6 to 12 months to kill and dry out a tree. That may sound like a long time, but it’s much faster than it takes most tree stumps to die. If your time frame is more limited than that, you may want to call in the stump removal pros to remove the trunk or grind it down, although this may cause more ground damage.

Question 2

What are some methods for getting rid of bamboo?

Accepted Answer

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The basic method of getting rid of bamboo is continuously watering and cutting it using an axe, pruners, or mower until the roots have been exhausted of their energy stores. However, most professionals find that digging up bamboo to remove underground shoots called rhizomes is the most effective method.

Question 3

Are there alternatives to stump grinding or direct removal?

Accepted Answer

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The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

Question 4

Do trees grow back if cut down?

Accepted Answer

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Trees don’t usually grow back after being cut down. Some particularly robust tree species may start sending up new stems from a stump to recover, but those stems won’t become a “tree” like before. Generally, trees don’t recover from being entirely cut down, which is why it’s important to be careful when making a decision. When you cut down a tree, it’s a good idea to make plans to remove the stump, even if it’s unlikely to grow back.

Question 5

Will bleach kill a tree?

Accepted Answer

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Bleach can potentially kill some types of delicate ornamental trees, but for the most part, it will only kill the foliage it comes in contact with. Applying bleach is not an effective method of killing a tree. A better option is to use an herbicide, which is a chemical compound designed to effectively kill a tree.