Make sure you get as much of the root system out as possible when removing.

Jun 17, Epsom salt (or magnesium sulfate) is hygroscopic, which means the crystals absorb water. In sufficient quantity, Epsom salt pulls moisture from the wood, which then kills the tree. There are many substances that could be applied to a tree stump to kill it, but Epsom salt has advantages over other stump removal chemicals. Epsom salts remove moisture deep within the stump, thus killing the stump by drying it out, but it's all for naught unless you have the proper mixture. Step 1 Fill the 5-gallon bucket about halfway with warm but not hot water.

The recommended mixture is approximate, so add 15 cups of Epsom salts to the bucket and stir until dissolved.