This bathroom ingredient is the easiest way to remove a tree stump in your yard — you'll be surprised

Whether you have dangerous branches, limited sunlight or a rotting trunk, removing a problematic tree in your yard can be a huge relief.
And while it's common for the professional tree surgeons to cut back the canopy and the trunk only, that also means we're often stuck with the remaining stump.
But, if you don't want an eyesore in your yard, or fancy the dangerous task of using a grinder, you'll be glad to know there is an easier (and rather unusual) way of safely removing a tree stump.
What's more, this involves a natural, household ingredient commonly found in our bathroom cabinets, and simple to use — but only if you're not in a hurry!
So what is this surprising trick to remove a tree stump?
Better known for its relaxing properties whilst soaking in a bath, it seems like the humble Epsom salt can do so much more.
From cleaning tiles and dirty pots and pans to even improving your tomato plants, there are many clever ways you can use Epsom salts around your home — especially in the backyard.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
And luckily, this could well be the answer to getting rid of your tree stump.
This is because as the Epsom salts gets absorbed into the tree, this will draw out moisture, causing the root to stop growing. As a result, this will gradually dry out and rot a tree stump over time.
What's more, Epsom salt is completely free from toxic chemicals, and safer to use around children and pets.
Apart from adding to your bath for a long soak after grafting in the garden, Epsom salts can be used as a fertilizer to encourage a luscious lawn, aiding your soil and grass. These salts come in a small 3 lb pack, but can be purchased in 6-pack, if you require a larger quantity.
Interestingly, these 'miracle' salts also contain magnesium and sulfur, which are essential nutrients for healthy, garden plant growth.
When used correctly, this can aid the seed sowing process, and helps prevent magnesium deficiency in homegrown produce, such as tomatoes.
But if you want to use it on your stump, you'll need to drill several deep holes in the top of the stump (use at least a 1-inch drill bit) and fill the holes completely with the salt. Pour a small amount of water into each hole to moisten the salt and help it get absorbed into the wood. Over time, the magnesium sulfate will do its thing and kill off whatever remaining parts of the tree's root system still exist.
So, if you're stuck with a tree stump, this bathroom staple might be the easiest, and cheaper solution to remove this from your yard — as long as you have the patience. Because the best guess on timing is that it could take between six months and a year for the stump to become soft and easily removable.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Herald Sun

2 hours ago

• Herald Sun

Wagga preview, tips: Cross and Chung's next big hope

Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News. Trainer Bruce Cross and owner/breeder Malcolm Chung are best known via the deeds of the sensational siblings, Epsom winner Final Fantasy and Canberra Cup winner Padfoot Charlie. Now, a quarter of a century on, the pair may have themselves another 'good horse' from the very same 'vines' that produced their former dynamic duo. Her name is Just Like Tilda. The daughter of Divine Prophet created a lasting impression when finishing over the top of her rivals to score an impressive, bookie-busting, debut win at Kembla earlier this month when crunched from an opening quote of $6.50 into $4.80. Cross could be forgiven for talking up Just Like Tilda on the score of her debut but is playing down any hype. 'At the moment, I am holding my powder dry,' Cross said. Just Like Tilda is looking to make it back-to-back wins. Picture: Bradley Photos The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'Her win at Kembla was a good win and I think she has improved a little bit, but I'm just not prepared to put my head on the block yet. 'Sometimes you can put the cart before the horse and you get too excited. 'That's why we are prepared to take a bit of time with her and give her all the chances she deserves.' Cross revealed that he had toyed with the idea of a metropolitan start for Just Like Tilda, instead opting for a trip away down to Wagga. 'I thought about it but I was a little bit too scared that she would just get up in the benchmark system too quick,' Cross explained. 'I'm interested to see what she can do on Sunday and looking forward to it to be honest. 'We are going there with our glass half-full. Whatever happens, the trip away, the floating, that all improves a horse and it sort of adds another string to their bow. 'She is a very sensible little filly, we are going there hoping, we just have to wait for the outcome.' Just Like Tilda will be ridden the Easdown's Accountants Class 1 Handicap (1300m) by Deanne Panya; gun jockey and twin sister of Beany, both of whom spend their mornings at Cross' home ground, Warwick Farm. Trainer Bruce Cross is keeping expectations realistic with Just Like Tilda Picture: Bradley Photos 'Deanne and Beany are just super young ladies,' Cross said. 'They go out of their way to help you. 'Deanne knows Just Like Tilda pretty well. She's ridden her in a bit of a work and in the trial. 'And to be honest, Deanne might have very well been on her when she won at Kembla except she was suspended. 'Deanne rode a winner (on Thursday) at Gosford, she is very underrated.' Just Like Tilda is the third foal of her dam Matilda Jade whose foaling date (September 14 in 2011) was the exact same day as Winx. Matilda Jade was bred and raced by Chung and trained by Cross but sadly, the daughter of I Am Invincible only raced once, finishing runner-up at Gundagai. 'We took her there thinking she would win easily but she got galloped on and severed a tendon so that was the only start she ever had,' Cross said. SHAYNE O'CASS' TOP SELECTIONS BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: JUST LIKE TILDA Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: CONDOR Won three of four and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE BET Race 5 No. 4: STAY TUNED Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1, 2, 3 Race 5: 4, 6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW BLAIKE MCDOUGALL will have plenty of admirers to win the TAB Jockeys Challenge. RACE 1: JJ'S WASTE & RECYCLING COUNTRY BOOSTED MAIDEN PLATE 1200m HARDLY FORTUNATE (7), an All Too Hard direct descendant of broodmare gem Extradite, was $9 out to $12 when she debuted at Wagga. Smashing run it was too, she drew 9 of 11, was ninth at the turn and got to within inches of the winner. That was 1000m, this is 1200m now. AL FLORES (5), the first foal of Coolmore Classic winning Dixie Blossoms, has had many chances. Many of us are still licking the wounds from her $1.55 loss at Goulburn the other day. Can atone but needs to win back a few fans. Bet: Hardly Fortunate each-way, quinella 5, 7, box trifecta 2, 5, 7, 12 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 2: WDF ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY SUPER MAIDEN HANDICAP 1400m BADHATHARRY (2) is a rarity, maybe a one of a kind in present day times given he is out a mare by Harry Lawton's beloved Bureaucracy who won the George Ryder way back in 1991. He's also the damsire of Silent Witness. As for Badhatharry, he has had a textbook build-up to 1400m which he is crying out for. Michael Travers has three accepted here and all three could easily medal. MISS PEPEHA (10) is getting closer than ever to a win. His other one Stormy Malice wants 1400m. Bet: Badhatharry to win ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 3: RIDLEY WOOL CO CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE 1600m DOC MARCH (11) has been very costly indeed at his last three starts, one at Canberra and two here at home at Wagga. To be fair to the horse, because he is a nice horse, he hasn't been at all helped by wide barriers hence he's been getting way back but running on dutifully. DESERT OPAL (5) has a win, four seconds and a third from his 11 starts, His personal best came last start on May 27 when he won a 1400m Maiden at home at Albury on a Heavy 8. Reliable type, well up to this. Bet: Doc March to win, exacta 11 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 4: RIVERINA SIGNMAKERS COUNTRY BOOSTED BENCHMARK 58 HANDICAP 1200m CHRISTMAS STAR (2) races in the familiar colours of Shelley Hancox. This grey filly by Star Turn has finished on the podium at eight of her 12 starts. Only two are wins but looking back now, her losses, while costly at the time, were in races where the form has stood up since. Drawn one, should help. ELASTANE MISS (3) has done nothing wrong in her four starts; she won at Albury on a Heavy 10 and all the rest are seconds including one here at home. Third-up here; Blaike McDougall sticking for a third time too. Bet: Christmas Star to win, quinella 2, 3 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 5: ICG CONSTRUCTION BENCHMARK 66 HANDICAP- HEAT OF THE WAGGA STAYERS SERIES 2000m STAY TUNED (4) is a Paul and Martha Cave-trained gelding who makes his second visit to Wagga bearing in mind that he broke his maiden here almost 12 months to the day. Fast forward to now and the son of Prized Icon is off a closing second to Hooligan Tommy at Kembla. Ready for 2000m. AVONVIEW (6) is as fit as any horse racing on the card. Well placed apart from the draw. Any upgrade from Heavy could also assist. DANDRUFF (2) will stay all day and is one for one on Heavy. Bet: Stay Tuned to win, Daily Double 1st Leg 4, 2nd Leg 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 6: RIVERINA CRANE SERVICES WAGGA WINTER SPRINT BENCHMARK 82 HANDICAP 1000m CONDOR (3) had his first 13 starts in Singapore, where he won twice and posted two placings. His last four starts are for Tim Fitzsimmons and are '1211'. That second by the way was at Bendigo by less than a neck. Big winner on the Heavy 9 at Mornington last time. Obviously Condor is flying, pardon the pun. MAJOR TIME (5) is a grand old campaigner from the Gratz Vella camp. He's got a good set of numbers across the board and as for each-way punters are concerned; he has won and placed at 34 of his 65 starts. Bet: Condor to win, exacta 3 to beat 5 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ RACE 7: EASDOWNS ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS CLASS 1 HANDICAP 1300m JUST LIKE TILDA (1) was just so impressive winning on debut at Kembla when $6.50 into $4.40. Won with a lot of authority on the day demonstrating a high degree of race-smarts and quality. Deanne Panya knows her well, so does the trainer of course and he's set her a task that while not a total slam dunk, looks pretty close to it. Bet: Just like Tilda to win, exacta 1 to beat 5. WAGGA BEST BET Race 7 No. 1: Just Like Tilda Created a big impression when winning at Kembla on debut. NEXT BEST Race 6 No. 3: Condor Won 3 of 4 and runner-up at the other this preparation. Easy to like. VALUE Race 5 No. 4: Stay Tuned Boast some compelling provincial form. Fit and stays all day. QUADDIE Race 4: 1,2,3 Race 5: 4,6 Race 6: 3 Race 7: 1 JOCKEY TO FOLLOW Blaike McDougall will have plenty of admirers to win today's TAB Jockeys Challenge

BBC News

20 hours ago

• BBC News

Epsom man Darren Hanson jailed for life for murder of Jay Lucas

A man has been jailed for life after an attack on another man caused fatal Hanson, 46, assaulted Jay Lucas at Hanson's home in Epsom, later admitted fighting him, but claimed it had been in self-defence. He was found guilty of murder after a trial at Chichester Crown Court, and will serve a minimum of 19 Honour Judge Antony Donne said the attack was "truly brutal", according to Surrey Police. Police were called to Hanson's address by paramedics on 7 February 2024, after Hanson had called for an efforts to revive him, 47-year-old Mr Lucas died at the gave a statement to police, saying he had been extremely drunk and on drugs at the time of the attack, claiming to be devastated by Mr Lucas' death.A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be a severe assault to his head. Det Ch Insp Craig Emmerson said: "These men had known each other for several years and often socialised, but it remains unknown why Hanson attacked his friend with such ferocity at his home in February last year."During trial, Hanson claimed he had been acting in self-defence, whilst also seeking to lay the blame for his behaviour on others."The level of injury inflicted was devastating and sadly gave Jason no chance of survival." 'Full of laughter' In a statement, Mr Lucas' family said: "We cannot comprehend the loss of Jason. There are no words that will ever express how we feel as a family and how this has impacted our everyday lives and will continue to do so."Jason was a popular person with lots of friends, he couldn't walk anywhere without someone shouting hello to him. He was a loving person full of laughter."Jason was a much-loved son, nephew, cousin, dad, and granddad. Jason is sorely missed by everyone, and he will never be forgotten."

Daily Mirror

a day ago

• Daily Mirror

Bathroom staple can give your tomatoes an enhanced flavour

This trick can help your tomatoes taste even better If you're on the hunt for a way to supercharge your tomato crop this season, you might be surprised to find the answer hiding in your bathroom cabinet. A humble item often found next to the bathtub can give your tomato plants a powerful, all-natural boost. It may sound unconventional, but this everyday bathroom item has been touted as a secret ingredient for cultivating healthier, more robust plants, plumper fruits, and more complex flavours. The unlikely hero in question? Epsom salt. ‌ Gardening gurus at Canada Grow Supplies revealed: "Epsom salt plays a vital role in tomato cultivation by fixing yellowing leaves, enhancing flavour, preventing blossom end rot, and increasing nutrient uptake." ‌ What makes Epsom salt a game-changer for your plants? The experts said: "Gardeners use Epsom salts to feed plants like tomatoes when they show signs of magnesium deficiency. Your soil has a specific pH level, which affects how well plants get nutrients. "Before using Epsom salts, test your soil's pH. A soil test kit can tell you if your garden needs more magnesium or not. If the pH is too high, adding Epsom salt might help your tomatoes get enough magnesium from the ground to grow healthy and strong." Magnesium can also play a starring role in chlorophyll production. The chemical enables leaves to drink in sunlight more efficiently for photosynthesis. Adding Epsom salt to tomato plants can do wonders, providing them with a magnesium hit that promotes consistent nutrient absorption and powers up chlorophyll production. It can sweeten your tomatoes too. Garden gurus often swear by it to jazz up their fruit's flavour, thanks to magnesium's vital role in crafting those scrummy tastes. ‌ "As the plants get enough magnesium, the tomatoes become more delicious," the experts said. "This improvement happens because magnesium is key to developing fruits that make your mouth water." How to use Epsom salts with tomato plants The experts recommend transferring the mixture into a spritz bottle for easy leaf application. But be sure to check your soil's pH before dousing your plants. But be careful: using too much Epsom salts can lead to a magnesium overdose, causing issues like blossom end rot in your prized tomatoes. The experts said: "It's crucial for gardeners to understand that proper soil nutrition is a delicate balance, as all soil nutrients interact with one another."