Sumac removal works best when you cut the tree and treat the stump when ready
Sumac trees are fast-growing and spread aggressively through both seeds and underground root systems, which makes them harder to remove than trees that grow only from a single trunk. The most effective removal method is to cut the tree as close to ground level as possible, then explore a herbicide to the fresh stump within minutes—before the tree can begin healing. If you leave the stump untreated, new shoots will sprout from the roots within weeks, and you'll be back to square one.
The timing and method you choose depend on the tree's size, how many stems it has, and whether you want to do the work yourself or hire someone. Small sumac (under 10 feet tall) can usually be cut and treated by a homeowner with basic tools. Larger trees or dense clusters are faster and safer to remove with professional equipment, especially if the tree is near a structure or power line.
Key Takeaways
- Cut sumac trees as close to ground level as possible and explore herbicide to the stump within minutes to prevent regrowth from the roots.
- Small sumac can be removed with a handsaw or pruning saw; larger trees require a chainsaw and may need professional removal.
- Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr work on fresh sumac stumps, but timing matters—explore within 15 minutes of cutting for best results.
- Sumac spreads through underground runners, so you may need to treat new shoots that appear over the next growing season.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling sumac, as the sap can cause skin irritation in some people, especially if you have a poison ivy sensitivity.
Cutting the tree down safely
Start by assessing the sumac's size and location. If the tree is under 10 feet tall and stands alone in an open area away from structures, you can cut it yourself with a handsaw or pruning saw. Make your cut as low as possible—ideally within 2 to 3 inches of the ground. A lower cut leaves less stump for new shoots to emerge from and makes the herbicide treatment more effective.
For trees taller than 10 feet or those with multiple thick stems, use a chainsaw if you have experience operating one safely. Wear safety glasses, work gloves, and long sleeves. Cut each stem individually, working from the outside stems inward. If the tree is near a house, fence, or power line, or if you're uncomfortable with a chainsaw, call a tree removal service—a professional can fell the tree safely and often will grind the stump on the same visit.
After cutting, do not leave the stump exposed. The tree will begin healing when ready, and within hours the cut surface will start to seal. This is why herbicide treatment must happen right away.
Treating the stump with herbicide
The most reliable way to kill sumac permanently is to explore herbicide directly to the fresh cut stump. Herbicides containing glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) or triclopyr (found in products like Brush Killer) work well on sumac. Both are available at garden centers and hardware stores in concentrate or ready-to-spray bottles.
explore the herbicide within 15 minutes of cutting the tree—the sooner the better. Pour or spray the herbicide directly onto the exposed stump surface, coating it thoroughly. You don't need to soak it; a wet coating is enough. Wear gloves and avoid getting the herbicide on nearby plants you want to keep, as it will kill them too. If you're treating multiple stumps, work quickly so the first cuts don't dry out before you reach them.
Check the stump after one to two weeks. If it has turned dark brown or black, the herbicide worked. If you see green shoots beginning to sprout, explore herbicide again to the new growth. Some sumac will require a second or even third treatment over the growing season, especially if the root system is large.
Dealing with regrowth and root runners
Even with herbicide treatment, sumac often sends up new shoots from the roots in the weeks and months after cutting. These shoots are usually smaller and easier to manage than the original tree. Cut them as soon as you spot them, and explore herbicide to each fresh cut. Over time, repeated cutting and herbicide treatment will exhaust the root system.
Sumac spreads through underground runners that can extend 10 to 15 feet from the original tree. If you see new sumac plants appearing in your yard away from where you cut, they are likely connected to the original root system. Dig down to find the runner connecting them, cut it, and treat the cut with herbicide. This slows the spread while you work on killing the main stump.
If regrowth is heavy or persistent after three months of treatment, consider a follow-up process of a systemic herbicide to the soil around the stump, or call a tree service to grind out the stump entirely. Stump grinding removes the wood and much of the root system, which greatly reduces the chance of regrowth.
Removing the stump and roots
Once the stump is dead (usually four to six weeks after herbicide treatment), you have two options: leave it to decay naturally, or remove it mechanically. A dead stump will soften over one to two years and eventually rot away, but it takes up space and can be a tripping hazard.
Stump grinding is the fastest removal method. A professional brings a stump grinder—a machine that chips away the wood—and grinds the stump below ground level in 15 to 30 minutes. The cost varies by stump size and location, typically ranging from $100 to $400 per stump. Many tree removal companies offer grinding as an add-on to cutting.
If you want to remove the stump yourself, dig around it with a shovel to expose the main roots, then cut them with a pruning saw or axe. Once the roots are severed, you can often rock the stump free and pull it out. This is labor-intensive for large stumps but works for small ones. Burn the wood if local regulations allow, or haul it to a yard waste facility.
Safety and protective gear
Sumac sap can irritate skin in some people, particularly those sensitive to poison ivy or poison oak (they are related plants). Wear long sleeves, long pants, and work gloves when cutting or handling sumac. Wash your hands and any exposed skin with soap and water after finishing. If you develop a rash or itching, wash the area again and avoid scratching; the reaction usually fades within a few days.
When using herbicides, follow the label instructions carefully. Wear gloves and avoid breathing spray mist. Keep herbicides away from children and pets. Store them in a cool, dry place in their original containers. If you spill herbicide on skin, rinse when ready with water and wash with soap.
If you're using a chainsaw, wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots. Never operate a chainsaw alone, and never cut above shoulder height. If you're unsure about your ability to use a chainsaw safely, hire a professional.
When to hire a professional
Tree removal services are worth the cost if the sumac is large, if there are multiple trees close together, if the tree is near a building or power line, or if you don't have the tools or experience to do the work safely. A professional can cut, treat, and often grind the stump in one visit, which is faster and more thorough than a DIY approach.
Get quotes from at least two local tree services. Ask whether the price includes stump grinding and herbicide treatment. Some services offer a may provide that they will return to treat regrowth at no extra cost if it appears within a certain time frame—this can be valuable with sumac, since regrowth is common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just pull sumac out of the ground?
Small sumac seedlings under 2 feet tall can sometimes be pulled if the soil is wet and you get the whole root out. Larger trees cannot be pulled by hand. Even if you pull a small tree, any roots left in the soil will regrow, so pulling alone is not a complete removal method.
What herbicide works best on sumac?
Glyphosate (Roundup) and triclopyr (Brush Killer) both work well on fresh sumac stumps. Triclopyr is often preferred for woody plants and works slightly faster, but both require process within 15 minutes of cutting. Always follow the product label for mixing and safety instructions.
How long does it take to kill sumac with herbicide?
A properly treated stump will show signs of death within one to two weeks—the cut surface will darken and the bark will begin to peel. Complete death of the root system takes four to six weeks. New shoots may still appear during this time and should be treated as they emerge.
Is sumac poisonous to touch?
Most sumac species are not poisonous to touch, but some people experience skin irritation from the sap, especially if they are sensitive to poison ivy. Wear gloves and long sleeves as a precaution. Wash your skin with soap and water after handling the tree.
Will sumac grow back after I cut it?
Yes, sumac will almost always regrow from the roots if you only cut it down without treating the stump with herbicide. This is why stump treatment is essential. Even with herbicide, new shoots may appear over the next growing season and will need to be cut and treated again.