Buyer's Guide
Tree Stump Control Buyer's Guide
EcoPlug treats a stump from the inside out, using a drilled plug rather than a surface spray to stop regrowth at the root. This guide covers how the system works, correct application, and why timing matters more than almost anything else for getting it to take effect.
How EcoPlug Stump Treatment Works
EcoPlug uses a small chemical capsule driven into a drilled hole in the stump, rather than spraying or pouring treatment over the cut surface. The plug releases herbicide directly into the tree's vascular system, killing the root system from within and preventing regrowth — a more targeted approach than a surface treatment, and one that keeps chemical use contained to the stump itself rather than the surrounding soil.
Applying EcoPlug Safely & Correctly
Drill holes at a downward angle into the outer sapwood using the correct-diameter EcoPlug drillbit, spaced around the circumference of the stump according to its size — larger stumps need more plugs to ensure the treatment reaches the full root system. Tap each plug fully into its hole so it sits flush, since a proud plug is more likely to be knocked loose before it's had time to work.
Timing: When to Treat a Stump
EcoPlug works best applied to a freshly cut stump, ideally within a few hours to a couple of days of felling, while the wood is still actively drawing sap. An older, dried-out stump takes treatment less effectively since the vascular tissue the plug relies on to carry the herbicide down to the roots has already started to close off. If you're clearing a mix of fresh and old stumps, prioritise the recently cut ones for the fastest results.
Keeping the EcoPlug Drillbit Ready
The EcoPlug drillbit is a specific diameter matched to the plugs themselves, so a worn or damaged bit can leave holes too loose or too tight for a proper fit. Keep a spare on hand if you're treating stumps regularly — a bit that's lost its edge will slow the job down and risk an inconsistent hole size across a batch of stumps.
