Explore Kevin's real DEWALT drill and Bonide Stump-Out experiment, learn what still holds up, and use Violet's interactive workshop to plan a safer, smarter way to handle a large tree stump.
Violet demonstrating the concept. The glowing hole pattern is illustrative, not a drilling prescription.
A practical update to the original HowTo: Kevin's project showed how a powerful drill could expose more wood on a tough winged elm stump. However, the original article overstated how quickly a newly cut stump is ready for Bonide treatment and identified the chemical ingredient incorrectly. The revised guide separates that firsthand experience from current manufacturer directions and extension advice. It also removes the stump-burning recommendation.
01
Choose the right strategy
Grind now, remove mechanically, or allow the stump to decay over time.
02
Use the drill safely
Keep the drill in rotary mode for wood, choose a wood-rated bit, and use the side handle.
03
Read the product label
Bonide Stump-Out is for seasoned wood. Product instructions and warnings govern use.
04
Keep the yard safe
Watch for trip hazards, nearby roots, children, pets, underground utilities and changes in wood stability.
Step 1 / interactive workshop
Violet's stump condition explorer
Select what describes your stump. Violet will explain the tradeoffs, but she will not prescribe a chemical dose, hole geometry, or removal technique. A professional should evaluate stumps near buildings, utilities, slopes or other hazards.
What's your starting condition?
Seasoned stump - compare options
A label-directed stump treatment may be an option, but natural decay or professional grinding may be better.
Illustrative drill-access map
This is a top-down visualization of wood exposure, not a drilling plan. Do not derive hole count, spacing, depth or dose from it. Use the bit and stump-treatment manufacturer's instructions.
Glowing marks indicate a general concept: exposing more interior wood can help natural decomposition. Exact placement comes from a suitable technique and label, not this visualization.
Step 2 / Kevin's original tools
The drill, bits and bottle behind the story
These original photographs are preserved from Kevin's winged elm project. They document what he actually used; they are not a recommendation to substitute masonry bits for proper wood-drilling accessories.
DEWALT DCD1007WW1. Kevin's high-torque hammer drill with 8Ah battery and auxiliary handle. When boring into wood, use the drilling mode (not hammer action) with a bit intended for wood.Original Bosch BlueXtreme bits. The photo appears to show BXH13 as 1/2 inch and BXH17 as 3/4 inch; the older article reversed these model/size pairings. Verify the actual package markings.Bonide Stump-Out granules. The current product is described as sodium metabisulfite. Only use the directions for the exact product and formulation you possess, including seasoning requirements and safety warnings.Equipment documentation. The original kit photo identifies the DCD1007WW1 with the auxiliary handle and 8Ah battery. Check the drill manual before changing accessories or applying heavy load.
Kevin's firsthand result: he reported that the DEWALT had no bogging issues while drilling his dense winged elm stump. That is a useful field observation, but outcomes depend on the wood, bit, technique and tool condition.
Step 3 / updated workflow
A safer way to approach this project
01 / assess
Identify the stump and nearby hazards
Look for roots close to utilities, concrete, retaining walls or plants you want to keep. Choose professional help when a large root system, uneven ground, confined space or lifting hazard makes DIY risky.
02 / prepare
Use the tool the way it was designed
For drilling wood, use a compatible wood-rated auger or other suitable bit in rotary mode. Clamp or stabilize where possible, maintain footing, wear eye and hearing protection, tie back loose hair and clothing, and keep hands away from spinning parts.
03 / protect
Keep the high-torque drill under control
Use DEWALT's auxiliary side handle and a firm two-handed grip. Stop immediately if the bit binds. Remove the battery before installing or changing accessories, and follow the drill manual for operating mode and torque settings.
04 / decide
Choose natural decay or label-directed treatment
For slow decay, extra exposed wood, moisture and soil contact can encourage natural organisms. If considering Bonide, first confirm the stump is appropriately seasoned and the exact product label allows the intended use. Do not invent or increase application rates.
05 / inspect
Check changes over time
Evaluate the stump periodically for softening, instability, new sprouts and trip hazards. Cover or mark exposed holes if people or animals use the area, and keep children and pets away from treated wood as directed by the product.
06 / finish
Remove only when safe
When wood has softened or the stump is accessible for removal, use the appropriate professional or mechanical technique. Do not burn the stump or assume chemical treatment alone eliminates roots or makes the area ready for excavation.
Chemical handling matters: Current Bonide label literature identifies sodium metabisulfite and warns of serious eye injury, harm if swallowed, and harm to aquatic life. Keep treatment away from drains and waterways, protect your eyes, and follow the label and SDS. Never mix stump products with other chemicals.
Step 4 / progress
Violet's stump project checklist
Mark each planning step as completed. Your choices save in this browser, not on the SMORTLER server.
0 of 8 planning checks completed.
Step 5 / troubleshooting
Questions Violet would ask before you start
Will Bonide Stump-Out work on a newly cut stump?
Bonide currently states the granules work best on seasoned wood, generally cut for about 12-18 months or more. A product label for your exact bottle, not a guessed schedule, governs use.
Is a masonry hammer-drill bit ideal for wood?
Kevin used Bosch BlueXtreme masonry-style bits in his experiment. For repeatable wood work, use a properly rated wood-drilling bit and select rotary drilling, not the hammer setting.
Will chemicals remove a stump in six weeks?
No guaranteed time exists. Manufacturer claims refer to conditions for softening/decomposition, not universal total removal. Large or fresh stumps may persist much longer.
Should I burn the stump once it softens?
No. University extension sources advise against stump fires. They can smolder underground, spread, and be prohibited; choose mechanical removal or continued decay.
What if it is right beside the house?
Ask an insured stump-removal professional to inspect the site, especially around foundations, buried services and large roots. Do not assume drilling or chemicals eliminate structural risk.
Can I leave a stump to decay naturally?
Yes, when it poses no safety problem. Exposure of wood, good soil contact and natural decay organisms can work over time. Reevaluate if the stump becomes unstable.
Manufacturer and extension references
This update is educational. Refer to official guidance and the directions for the exact products you own.
SMORTLER + SI / Updated October 2026. Illustrations are conceptual and do not establish an actual hole pattern or treatment protocol. No hazardous burning technique is provided.
