To make a tree stump rot faster, you can use a combination of drilling, moisture, and additives like Epsom salt or high-nitrogen fertilizer to accelerate decomposition. The process creates a hospitable environment for the fungi and bacteria that naturally break down wood.

Step 1: Cut and drill the stump
First, cut the stump as low to the ground as possible to minimize the amount of wood that needs to decompose. Then, use a large drill bit (at least 1 inch wide) to bore several deep holes into the top of the stump.

Drill holes 8 to 10 inches deep, spacing them a few inches apart.
Drill additional holes into any major surface roots you can expose.

This process increases the surface area exposed to moisture and additives, and creates channels for them to penetrate deeper.

Step 2: Add an accelerating agent
Fill the drilled holes with one of the following agents.

Epsom salt

This is a popular and relatively safe DIY method. The magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt draws moisture out of the stump, dehydrating and killing it, while also accelerating decay.

Fill the holes with Epsom salt.
Add just enough water to saturate the salt.

Cover the stump to prevent rain from washing away the salt and to keep moisture in.

Reapply the salt every few weeks.
High-nitrogen fertilizer
This method feeds the microbes that break down the wood.

Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate.

Fill the holes with fertilizer granules.
Pour hot water over the stump to help the fertilizer dissolve and penetrate.

Cover the stump with a high-nitrogen material like compost or horse manure to add more microbes and keep it moist.

Potassium nitrate

Commercial stump-removal products often contain potassium nitrate, which provides more oxygen for the bacteria that decompose wood fiber.

Fill the drilled holes with potassium nitrate granules.

Pour hot water into the holes.
Follow the product’s instructions for additional steps.

Step 3: Maintain moisture
Keeping the stump consistently damp is crucial for the microbial activity that causes decomposition.
Cover the stump: After adding your agent, cover the stump with a plastic tarp and weigh it down with rocks, bricks, or mulch.

Keep it wet: Water the stump regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain the damp conditions needed for fungi and bacteria to thrive.

Use mulch: A layer of organic mulch or compost on top of the stump also helps retain moisture and introduces more beneficial microbes.

Step 4: Add fire (optional, if local laws permit)

If burning is allowed in your area, you can accelerate the process once the stump has dried out from a salt treatment.

Once the stump is sufficiently dry, you can ignite it to burn out the remaining wood.

Exercise extreme caution and check with your local fire department for regulations.

Consider the stump type
The time it takes for a stump to rot depends largely on the type of wood.

Softwoods like white pine or Douglas fir decompose faster.
Hardwoods such as oak can take much longer to decay naturally.