Dealing with a leftover tree stump in your yard after cutting down a tree can be a real headache. Not only are stumps unsightly, but they also take up space where you could potentially plant a new tree or garden bed.
Removing a stump by hand using an axe or saw is extremely labor intensive and time consuming. That’s where chemical stump removers like Root Assasin and Root Slayer come in handy.
But how do you know which one is right for you? Here’s an in-depth comparison of Root Assasin vs Root Slayer to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Root Assasin | Root Slayer |
| Active Ingredient | Potassium nitrate | Sodium metabisulfite |
| Application Method | Liquid concentrate or granular | Granular only |
| Usage Amount | 1 oz liquid or 0.5 lb granular per inch diameter | 1 lb granular per inch diameter |
| Speed of Decomposition | 3-6 months | 2-4 months |
| Environmental Impact | Low toxicity, biodegradable | Can temporarily affect soil pH |
| Cost | More expensive per oz | More budget-friendly |
| Ease of Application | Liquid sprayed directly on stump | Granular must be mixed with water |
What Are Root Assasin and Root Slayer?
Root Assasin and Root Slayer are both chemical products designed to help decompose and remove tree stumps. They contain potent active ingredients that help break down the stump’s woody fibers over time.
Root Assasin’s active ingredient is potassium nitrate, while Root Slayer contains sodium metabisulfite. Both work by accelerating the natural rotting process as the chemicals are absorbed into the stump. They also help attract beneficial microbes that further help decompose the stump.
The products come in granular or liquid formulations that you simply sprinkle or spray onto the freshly cut tree stump. Over time, the stump will become dried out, brittle, and easy to remove either by burning or digging out. Most stumps can be fully decomposed and removed within 3-6 months using these products.
So in summary, both Root Assasin and Root Slayer serve the same purpose of chemically treating stumps to accelerate decay. But there are some key differences between them:
Key Differences Between Root Assasin and Root Slayer
Active Ingredients
- Root Assasin contains potassium nitrate as the active ingredient
- Root Slayer contains sodium metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite is more acidic, so Root Slayer tends to work faster than Root Assasin. However, potassium nitrate is longer lasting in the soil.
Application Method
- Root Assasin comes in both liquid concentrate and granular forms
- Root Slayer is granular only
The liquid formulation of Root Assasin provides more flexibility for application. You can spray it directly onto the stump or mix some into water for a wider spray pattern.
Usage Amount
- Root Assasin – 1 oz of liquid concentrate or 1/2 lb of granular product per inch of stump diameter
- Root Slayer – 1 lb of product per inch of stump diameter
So Root Slayer requires using about twice as much product per stump as Root Assasin.
Speed
- Root Assasin takes 3-6 months for full decomposition
- Root Slayer works a little faster, closer to 2-4 months
Root Slayer’s greater acidity helps speed up the breakdown process compared to Root Assasin.
Environmentally Friendly
- Root Assasin is low toxicity and biodegradable
- Root Slayer contains sulfur compounds which can temporarily affect soil pH
Root Assasin has less impact on soil health once the stump is gone. Root Slayer may acidify soil temporarily but this effect dissipates over time.
Price
- Root Assasin is more expensive per ounce of product
- Root Slayer is more budget friendly
So while you need less Root Assasin per stump, the price per pound is higher than Root Slayer.
Ease of Application
- Root Assasin liquid can be sprayed right onto stump with no mixing required
- Root Slayer granular must be mixed into water before spraying
The liquid concentrate formula of Root Assasin makes it quicker and easier to apply than mixing up Root Slayer in a bucket.
As you can see, there are several tradeoffs between the two products. Root Slayer is typically faster acting but requires using more product per stump. Root Assasin takes a little longer to fully decompose a stump but is more environmentally friendly.
When to Use Root Assasin vs Root Slayer
With the key differences in mind, here are some guidelines on when Root Assasin or Root Slayer may be a better choice:
Use Root Assasin When:
- You have a large stump that will require a lot of product. The lower usage rate will save money.
- You want an easy liquid application instead of mixing granular.
- You don’t mind waiting a little longer for the stump to decompose.
- You prefer a more eco-friendly option for your yard.
Use Root Slayer When:
- You have a smaller stump that won’t need as much product.
- You want the fastest breakdown possible.
- You want a budget-friendly stump remover option.
- You don’t mind the extra effort of mixing granular product into water.
- You plan to replant the area sooner rather than later.
So weigh your priorities in terms of application method, cost, speed, and environmental impact. That will point you towards selecting either Root Assasin or Root Slayer for your needs.
Also Watch This Review Video:
How to Apply Root Assasin and Root Slayer
To get the best results from either Root Assasin or Root Slayer, follow some basic application guidelines:
- Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible. Remove any loose wood chips or debris.
- Using a measuring tape, measure the diameter of the stump in inches. This will determine how much product you need.
- If using Root Slayer granules, mix the required amount into a bucket of water first. Use warm water to help dissolve the granules.
- Using a garden sprayer or sprinkling can, evenly coat the top and sides of the stump with the solution.
- For Root Assasin liquid, simply measure out the required amount and spray directly onto the stump. Thoroughly saturate all cut surfaces.
- In the weeks after application, respray the stump every time rainfall washes away the chemicals.
- After a few months, you should see significant rotting and drying of the stump. Repeat applications periodically until it becomes brittle enough to remove.
Be sure to wear gloves and goggles when handling these caustic chemical products. Completely decompose or remove treated stumps before replanting anything. With patience and proper application, you’ll be stump-free in no time!
Does Root Assasin or Root Slayer Work Better?
Based on user experiences and reviews, Root Slayer seems to provide faster acting results overall compared to Root Assasin. The greater amount of product used per stump size as well as the acidic sodium metabisulfite ingredient tends to speed up the decay process.
However, Root Assasin is still highly effective at decomposing stumps completely within a 6 month timeframe. It just may take slightly longer than Root Slayer, but has the advantage of requiring less product.
At the end of the day, both stump removers get the job done. As long as you thoroughly soak the stump and remain patient through the process, either chemical option will be successful. It just comes down to your unique timing and budget preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A Root Slayer is a chemical stump remover product used to decompose, rot away, and remove unwanted tree stumps in your yard. It uses sodium metabisulfite to accelerate the decay process when sprinkled on a freshly cut tree stump.
The best shovel for removing decomposed stumps is a rounded point shovel or spade shovel. The rounded tip is ideal for digging out stubborn stump roots. Stump removal shovels also feature a sidestep area for your foot when leveraging the shovel. A heavy duty steel shovel with a long handle maximizes leverage.
Yes, a root shovel is worth the investment if you need to remove stumps on a regular basis. The unique shape makes it easier to dig under roots and pry up the stump. An ordinary shovel often lacks the right shape and strength for efficient stump removal. A heavy duty root shovel will hold up to repeated stump digging much better.
A root shovel is a specialty shovel designed specifically for removing tree roots and stumps. It has a rounded, narrow blade to easily penetrate soil and cut through roots. The blade often has “fangs” on the tip to grab and rip roots. The handle angles off to the side to allow space to lever the shovel and pry. Root shovels are heavy duty with reinforced steel blades.
Key Takeaways
- Both Root Assasin and Root Slayer effectively decompose and remove tree stumps through chemical decomposition.
- Root Slayer works faster (2-4 months), while Root Assasin takes a little longer (3-6 months) but is more eco-friendly.
- Root Assasin requires less product per stump, while Root Slayer is more budget-friendly but uses more per application.
- Consider timing, cost, application method and environmental impact when choosing between these popular stump removers.
- Proper application techniques and patience are key to success when using either Root Assasin or Root Slayer.
- For stump removal shovels, look for rounded tips, sidesteps, and heavy duty steel construction.
- Investing in a root shovel makes removing decomposed stumps much simpler and faster.
So evaluate your specific needs and yard situation to decide whether Root Assasin or Root Slayer is the best chemical stump remover for your tree stump problems. With the right product and proper use, you’ll be ready to reclaim your yard and plant anew.
