Tree Root Killer

There are many kinds of root killers available in the market, but while choosing a tree root killer, care must be taken. This is because, almost all the available products are chemical based and wrong usage may lead to disastrous consequences. Since tree roots effects on soil can be long lasting, good care of the soil must be taken. Always read the instructions mentioned on the box cover of the tree root killer carefully before using.

Now, we come to the most important question in the article, how to remove tree roots? You could remove them from live trees, or you could kill them before uprooting. So, instead of working hard on live tree roots, you could use ways and means that will help you avoid the rigmarole of manual labor. Usage of chemicals guarantees a speedy success, but they may end up harming your soil. Traditional methods can also kill the tree roots, but you need to have patience for that. Ultimately you have to remove the tree roots physically, but it helps if they are dead.

Types of Tree Root Killers

Roundup
Roundup is a chemical tree root killer, which has been the most popular tree root killer in terms of sales, since 1980. The main ingredient of roundup is glyphosate isopropylamine salt. Once roundup is applied on a tree stump (as per instructions), the leaves start yellowing within 48 hours. Roundup systematically kills the plant from inside.

RootX
The main ingredient of RootX is aquatic herbicide dichlobenil. Although, RootX is chemical in nature, it does not harm your pipes, or septic tanks or any kind of drainage system. RootX is the main competitor to Roundup. It is highly effective and safe to use.

Copper Sulphate
Before the advent of Roundup and RootX, copper sulphate was used to clean all pipe lines. Although, copper sulphate was very effective in unclogging the pipes and killing tree roots, it had many costly side effects. Copper sulphate, being acidic in nature, reacted with the pipes and steadily eroded them. It killed the bacteria in the septic sewer system as well. The eroded pipes would eventually crack and leak the chemicals which were inside. Modern day plastic pipes do have tolerance to copper sulphate but the bacteria don't, so usage of copper sulphate is not advised.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Liquid
Yeah I know, it's a contradiction. Nitrogen is a fertilizer, not a tree root killer right? The usage of this tree root killer is quite peculiar as described below:

• Drill 10 to 15 holes in tree stump. They should be about 10" deep
• Now pour the nitrogen fertilizer liquid into these holes.
• The nitrogen fertilizer (which is responsible for tree growth when mixed with soil), starts eroding the tree stump from inside.

This process is slow and not reliable. If a sewer system is completely clogged by tree roots, use of a nitrogen fertilizer to unclog it is not advisable.

Salt
Simple plain old salt, will do the trick. Make a highly concentrated saline solution, and pour it in the soil around the tree stump. You have to do this at least five times a day, until all the tree roots are dead. According to soil science by using salt, you are rendering the area completely barren.

Asafoetida
It is a traditional Indian, low cost, easy to use and time-consuming tree root killer. But generations and generations of farmers have proved this method of tree root killing to be extremely effective. You have to stuff the tree stump with bits of asafoetida, as much as you can, and as many times as you can. Drill holes and stuff it with asafoetida. You'll find asafoetida at any grocery store. Asafoetida takes a minimum of two weeks or even more to kill tree roots. It also maintains the soil texture, and does not have any side-effects (except of course on the tree stump).

Caustic Soda
Make a solution of caustic soda and water (one part caustic soda and two parts water), and apply this solution three to four times on the stump. Gradually, it'll kill the stump and then go on to kill the roots as well. But the roots may need to be physically removed.

Compost Piled on Tree Stump
Cut the tree in such a way that its stump is on the ground level. Make a big pile of compost on the tree stump. The chemical substances from the compost helps to kill the stump and eventually the roots as well. But composting should be done, only if you are not in a hurry.

Baking Soda and Vinegar
Apply a thick coat of baking soda on the roots and pour about a gallon of vinegar on the stump. Do not get alarmed by the fizz. It's an effect of the chemical reaction. This mixture is also an effective tree root killer.

Hand Grenade
If none of the above ways kill your tree roots, plant a hand grenade, take the pin off and run for your life. Just a joke, guys! I'm kidding. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF ATTEMPTING SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

All the above mentioned tree root killers should be handled with care, and proper instructions should be followed. Always use rubber gloves while handling a chemical tree root killer. I hope the above mentioned methods help the readers in getting rid of the tree roots out of their land and sewage system.