How to Kill a Tree Stump Naturally: Solutions for Albuquerque’s Invasive Trees

Austin M
Oct 7
4 min read

About 5 years ago, I was battling a stubborn Chinese Elm stump in an Albuquerque yard that just wouldn’t quit sending up new shoots. Frustrated, I tried something new: after cutting the tree flush to the ground, I made a shallow chainsaw cut into the stump’s center and poured in a pinch of rock salt. No tree has survived that trick since, and it’s eco-friendly too! Invasive trees like Chinese Elm and Tree of Heaven are a nightmare in New Mexico, and cutting them down doesn’t always do the job. At Maven, we’ve spent nearly a decade helping homeowners in Albuquerque tackle these pests. Here’s how to kill a tree stump naturally, with three solutions (two green, one last resort) and why pros like us are often your best bet.

Why Chinese Elm and Tree of Heaven Are Such a Nuisance

In Albuquerque, Chinese Elm and Tree of Heaven are like uninvited guests who keep coming back. These invasive trees spread fast, crowding out native plants and disrupting our desert ecosystems. A big reason they’re so pesky? Their roots produce suckers, new shoots that sprout into full trees, even from a nearby adult tree’s root system. Chop down the trunk, and the stump just laughs, sending up new growth like a zombie. Chinese Elms clog yards and alleys with their saplings, while Tree of Heaven’s aggressive roots invade pipes and crack sidewalks. In our dry, windy climate, their thirst for water starves other plants, and their seeds spread like wildfire. For invasive tree removal in New Mexico, simply cutting the tree isn’t enough, you need to kill the stump to stop the cycle.

How to Kill a Tree Stump Naturally: 3 Solutions

To stop invasive stumps from regrowing, you need to target the roots. Here are three ways to do it, with two eco-friendly methods and one chemical last resort. These are tailored for Albuquerque’s tough conditions, but always check local regulations before starting.

1. Copper Nails (Eco-Friendly)

Driving copper into a stump is a simple, natural tree stump killer.

How It Works: Pound copper nails (or a piece of copper waterline) into the stump’s base. Copper reacts with the tree’s tissues, slowly poisoning the roots without harming soil.
Pros: Cheap (nails cost about $10), eco-friendly, and easy for small stumps like Chinese Elm.
Cons: Takes months to fully kill the stump, not ideal for urgent jobs.
Albuquerque Tip: Works well in our dry soils, but avoid near healthy trees to prevent copper leaching. For big stumps, call Maven for faster results.

2. Rock Salt Plunge Cut (Eco-Friendly)

This is my go-to, perfected over years of killing Tree of Heaven and other invasives.

How It Works: Cut the stump flush to the ground, make a shallow chainsaw plunge cut into the center, and pour in a pinch of rock salt (about a tablespoon). The salt absorbs into the stump, blocking water uptake, killing it without chemicals. The tiny amount stays in the cut, not affecting nearby soil or plants.
Pros: Fast (kills in weeks), eco-friendly, and uses less salt than what’s naturally in Albuquerque’s soils.
Cons: Requires a chainsaw and precision, DIYers risk injury or messy cuts. Not for large-scale clearings.
Albuquerque Tip: Perfect for single stumps in our arid climate, but don’t sprinkle salt on soil or weeds, it won’t work. For multiple stumps, Maven’s pros are safer.

3. Fertilome Brush Killer Stump Killer (Last Resort)

When eco-friendly methods aren’t enough, Fertilome Brush Killer Stump Killer ($32 for 32 oz on Amazon) is a chemical option.

How It Works: Apply undiluted to a freshly cut stump (within 45 minutes) using a brush, or drill holes/cut grooves around the cambium layer (outer living ring) and pour it in. For brush, mix 8 oz with a gallon of water and spray leaves.
Where To Find It: The only place I've been able to buy stump killer like this is from Amazon.
Pros: Kills stumps fast, effective for large or stubborn invasives like Tree of Heaven.
Cons: Chemicals can harm nearby plants or soil if misapplied. Requires careful handling.
Albuquerque Tip: Use sparingly in our dry climate to avoid runoff into sandy soils. If you’re unsure, Maven handles chemical applications safely.
A bottle of ferti-lome brush and stump killer

When to Call Maven Instead of DIY

These methods can work for small, isolated stumps, but killing Tree of Heaven or Chinese Elm often involves more than a quick fix. Hire Maven Tree Services for:

Large or Multiple Stumps: Heavy equipment like stump grinders or bobcats is needed for big jobs or clearing areas for planting.
Safety Concerns: Chainsaws and chemicals are risky without training, especially near homes or utilities in Albuquerque.
Complex Root Systems: Invasives have deep, sprawling roots that suckers sprout from, pros ensure complete removal.
Eco-Friendly Goals: We prioritize green methods and know how to avoid harming your yard’s ecosystem.

Our team uses hands-on techniques, from stump grinding to precise root removal, tailored to New Mexico’s sandy soils and windy conditions. With nearly a decade of experience, we offer full cleanup and peace of mind.

Albuquerque-Specific Tips for Invasive Tree Removal

In our dry climate, invasive stumps are extra stubborn, and their roots can spread far, making DIY tricky. Here’s how to stay smart:

Time It Right: Apply methods in late winter (January to March) when trees are dormant to minimize regrowth.
Check Regulations: Albuquerque may require permits for chemical use or large-scale removals near utilities.
Protect Native Plants: Avoid harming nearby desert willows or piñons when targeting invasives, pros like Maven plan carefully.
Plan for Replanting: After removal, replace invasives with native species to restore your yard’s balance.

Stop Invasive Trees with Maven’s Help

Invasive trees like Chinese Elm and Tree of Heaven are tough, but with the right approach to how to kill a tree stump naturally, you can stop them for good. Whether you try a natural tree stump killer like copper nails or rock salt, or resort to chemicals, DIY can be risky and time-consuming. Let Maven Tree Services handle it safely and efficiently. Contact us today for a free estimate, our Albuquerque team is ready to clear your yard of pesky stumps. Click below to book a call and keep your property thriving!