How to Kill a Tree – 10 Effective and Responsible Methods

Trees are an essential part of our environment, offering shade, improving air quality, and adding natural beauty to any landscape. However, there are occasions when a tree becomes unsafe, diseased, invasive, or obstructive, leaving removal as the only practical solution. Killing or removing a tree should always be done carefully, following environmental laws and safety standards. Before taking any action, it’s wise to seek advice from a qualified Plymouth tree surgeon, who can assess the tree’s health, structural condition, and any potential risks involved. Below are ten effective and responsible ways to kill or permanently remove a tree, ranging from traditional and natural methods to advanced professional techniques.

1. Girdling (Ring Barking)

Girdling is a long-established technique that kills a tree by interrupting the flow of nutrients between its roots and canopy. It involves removing a complete ring of bark (usually about 5–10 cm wide) around the trunk, exposing the inner wood and cutting through the cambium layer.

Without the cambium, the tree can no longer transport sugars from its leaves to its roots, causing it to slowly starve and die over several months.

How to do it:

• Use a sharp hatchet or chisel to strip the bark in a full ring around the base.
  
• Ensure the cut is deep enough to penetrate the green cambium layer but not so deep as to damage the heartwood.
  
• Avoid leaving any uncut sections, as the tree may survive if the nutrient flow is only partially disrupted.

This method works best during the growing season (spring to summer) when the tree’s sap is flowing actively.

2. Applying Herbicide to the Stump

When a tree is felled, its roots can still remain alive and attempt to regrow. Applying a systemic herbicide directly to the stump prevents this by killing the entire root system.

Systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate or triclopyr, are absorbed through the wood and distributed throughout the tree’s tissues, effectively halting any new growth.

Steps to apply:

1. Cut the tree as close to ground level as possible.
   
2. Apply herbicide immediately (within 30 minutes) to the freshly exposed wood.
   
3. Use a paintbrush or sprayer to coat the entire surface evenly.
   
4. Cover the stump with a plastic sheet to prevent rainwater from washing away the solution.

This technique is highly effective for broadleaf species like ash, sycamore, and willow.

3. Drilling and Injecting Herbicide

For larger or more stubborn trees, drilling holes into the trunk and injecting herbicide is another precise method. It delivers the chemical directly into the tree’s transport system, allowing thorough absorption.

Method:

• Drill downward-angled holes (10–15 mm wide) around the base of the trunk, approximately 5–10 cm apart.
  
• Fill each hole with a concentrated herbicide solution using a syringe or funnel.
  
• Seal the holes with wax or soil to prevent contamination.

This method works particularly well for dense hardwoods and ensures the roots die completely, preventing future regrowth.

4. Salt Treatment (Rock or Epsom Salt)

Using salt is a more natural but slower method. Both rock salt and Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) work by dehydrating the roots and preventing the tree from absorbing essential nutrients and water.

Process:

• Drill deep holes into the stump or exposed roots.
  
• Fill them with rock salt or Epsom salt.
  
• Pour water into the holes to dissolve the salt and help it penetrate the wood.
  
• Cover the stump with a heavy-duty tarp to prevent rain dilution and promote faster absorption.

Results can take several months, but this is a non-toxic alternative for those seeking an environmentally friendly approach, ideal for small trees or unwanted saplings.

5. Copper Nails Method

Hammering copper nails into a tree is an old-fashioned but discreet way to kill it slowly. The copper acts as a toxic element, disrupting nutrient movement within the tree’s vascular system.

How it works:

• Drive several copper nails evenly around the tree’s base, penetrating the inner wood.
  
• The copper gradually oxidises and poisons the tree tissue.
  
• The process may take up to a year for larger trees but can be effective for smaller species.

Though slow, this method is useful where discretion or minimal physical disturbance is required.

6. Burning the Stump

After felling, one of the most effective ways to ensure the stump doesn’t regrow is controlled burning.

Procedure:

1. Dry the stump for a few weeks (or use an accelerant like kerosene for damp wood).
   
2. Drill holes into the top of the stump and fill them with flammable material.
   
3. Light carefully and allow it to burn until only ash remains.
   
4. Always keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby and supervise continuously.

Before attempting this, check with your local council in Plymouth regarding open-fire restrictions. This method is best carried out by professionals to ensure safety and legal compliance.

7. Smothering with Tarps or Plastic Sheeting

Blocking sunlight and oxygen will gradually kill smaller trees and saplings through suffocation.

Steps:

• Cut the tree close to ground level.
  
• Cover the stump and surrounding soil with a black plastic tarp or heavy-duty sheeting.
  
• Secure the edges with rocks, soil, or wooden planks to prevent light penetration.
  
• Leave in place for several months, ideally through warm weather, until the roots die off completely.

This eco-friendly method works best for young or small-diameter trees and requires patience rather than chemicals.

8. Excavation and Root Removal

For a complete and permanent solution, manual excavation is one of the most reliable options. By physically removing the stump and major roots, you eliminate the chance of regrowth entirely.

Process:

• Use a spade, mattock, and pruning saw to expose the root system.
  
• Cut and remove all main roots, ideally at least 30–40 cm below the surface.
  
• Fill the cavity with soil and compact it to prevent sinking.

While labour-intensive, excavation is non-chemical and leaves the ground ready for replanting or construction. It’s a common choice for domestic gardens where chemical use is discouraged.

9. Using Tree-Killing Chemicals (Professional Use)

Certain tree-killing chemicals are formulated specifically for professional tree surgeons. These are far more concentrated than consumer-grade herbicides and should only be used by licensed experts.

These chemicals work rapidly and penetrate deep into the root structure, ensuring total eradication. Because of their strength, misuse can harm surrounding plants and soil, so professional handling is essential.

If you’re dealing with invasive species such as sycamore, poplar, or Japanese knotweed, a qualified Plymouth tree surgeon can apply these treatments safely, following the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR).

10. Professional Tree Felling and Stump Grinding

Ultimately, the safest, quickest, and most effective way to kill and remove a tree is through professional felling and stump grinding.

Tree surgeons use advanced equipment to fell the tree in sections, ensuring complete control and safety. The remaining stump is then mechanically ground below ground level, destroying any remaining tissue and preventing regrowth.

This method is:

• Immediate and permanent
  
• Suitable for large or hazardous trees
  
• Environmentally safe when performed by qualified arborists

Professional removal also includes waste clearance and site restoration, leaving your property clean and hazard-free.

Responsible Tree Removal and Legal Considerations

Before killing or removing a tree, always verify whether it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or situated within a conservation area. In such cases, you must obtain permission from your local council in Plymouth before proceeding.

Additionally, considering the environmental impact, trees play a vital role in biodiversity and soil stability. Whenever possible, replace a removed tree with new planting to maintain ecological balance.

Expert Help from Plymouth Tree Surgeon

If you need to remove an unwanted, diseased, or dangerous tree, always consult an expert. Plymouth Tree Surgeon provides professional and fully insured services, including:

• Tree felling and dismantling
  
• Stump grinding and root removal
  
• Disease and pest diagnosis
  
• Site clearance and replanting advice

With expert care and safety-approved methods, you can ensure your tree removal is handled responsibly and effectively.