Killing a Willow Stump to Stop Root Damage to Neighbor's Foundation

After cutting a large willow, a 6-foot stump remains. The neighbor reports new foundation leaks, blaming active roots. The homeowner wants to kill the stump themselves.

Effective Stump Treatment

1. Buy glyphosate-based herbicide (Roundup or generic equivalent).
2. Recut the stump to expose fresh wood.
3. Immediately paint the cut surface with undiluted herbicide.
4. The chemical translocates to the root system, killing it completely.

Root Behavior & Foundation Damage

Willow roots seek water but only exploit existing foundation cracks. They cannot penetrate intact concrete. Killing the roots stops further growth toward moisture sources.

Safety Note

Avoid herbicide contact with desirable plants. Glyphosate is non-selective and kills any green vegetation it touches.