Stumps, Salt, and a little help from our friends

[DrRod]

So this may be the best idea ever -- or not. I have a few really large stumps at my place and I was thinking of drilling holes in them to help them rot up quicker. I've heard of pouring diesel fuel, commercial chemical elixers, et al into them to speed the process. But then I thought -- hey, why not pour salt into the holes. This would attract porcupines and other knawing creatures who might just chip and eat the stump into oblivion.

Do you think this could work?

What could go wrong?

 

[PRF]

Nothing ventured nothing gained I always say...

 

[cqaigy2]

Thinking the salt will probably kill bacteria/fungi that would normally breakdown the stump, but....

 

[newbury]

Yes, a little salt(peter), a little charcoal, a little sulfur.

 

[SPIKER]

Yes, a little salt(peter), a little charcoal, a little sulfur.

some ear plugs and a match! with a long fuse

Mark

 

[jinman]

Thinking the salt will probably kill bacteria/fungi that would normally breakdown the stump, but....

I agree. A bit of molasses or sugar instead of salt should do the job. Stand back and let the bugs do the dirty work. Salt will kill a tree, but also preserve it.

 

[Dingeryote]

Better yet, put a couple salt blocks on the stump.

The critters get used to the easy salt by the time they melt into the stump and ground.
Then they go after the stump.

An easier way is to toss an old tractor rim on top, dump a couple bags of charcoal into it and on top of the stump.
Light it off, and add a bunch of dead limbs, and chunks of whatever wood is handy.
They burn sub flush in a day or so.

 

[dmccarty]

The wifey's grandfather cleared many a stump buy burning it out. He simply would pile up wood on the stump, I assume he used a fuel of some kind to start the fire, and he would just burn them out. I think they cleared their farm land this way back in the mule days.

Later,
Dan

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Maryland probably requires a burn permit, an EPA permit, contributions to the Fire Department, 3 bribes, and hiring half a dozen illegal aliens to stand around watching it.

 

[zonta223]

Maryland probably requires a burn permit, an EPA permit, contributions to the Fire Department, 3 bribes, and hiring half a dozen illegal aliens to stand around watching it.

Now that is funny.........................and sadly so true in today's world.