When you have a tree cut down, generally the tree cutting service will leave the tree stump in place unless you pay extra to have the tree stump removed or ground up. If you had a tree stump left in place after you had a large tree removed from your property, here are a few strategies that you can use to kill the remainder of the tree and accelerate the decomposing process.

#1 Know That The Tree Is Still Living

It is important to realize that just because you cut down the tree that it doesn't mean that the tree is dead. The stump and extensive root system is still in place. Those roots are going to continue to draw nutrients and water from the ground in an attempt to provide it to the tree until the tree stump actually dies and stops growing. If you want the tree stump to start decomposing, first it really needs to die.

#2 Keep Sun Away From The Tree

One strategy you can try to kill the stump and the development of the roots that extend from the stump is to wrap the tree up. As long as the tree is still getting exposure to sunlight, it is going to continue to fight to live and send signals to its roots that it needs food and nutrients. You can help stop this process by taking some really thick plastic and wrapping it around your tree. You can secure it in place by using stakes to drive the plastic into the ground or by using bungee cords to hold everything in place.

Keep the plastic on the tree stump for at least a month or so. This is a slow method, but it should help gradually kill the tree and prevent the roots from continuing to grow and work towards the tree's development.

#3 Drill Hole Into The Tree Stump

After you have had the plastic on the tree stump for a few months, you can further accelerate the dying process by removing the plastic and using a drill to drill holes all over the top of the tree trunk and the sides. On the sides, drill the holes at an angle. This will allow you to pour things into the holes that will accelerate the death of the stump and its root system. Make the holes as deep as you possibly can with your drill.

There are a variety of things that you can pour into the holes that will help kill the stump and its root system. Two of the most effective substances are rock salt and Epson salt. Then pour water into the holes after you add either substance, put the plastic back in place, and repeat the process every month for a few months. This should result in the stump and its root system effectively dying, which should make it easier for you to remove it. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Brown's Tree Service.