Parts List for Stump Stick
QuantityDescription
13/4” SCH 40 PVC threaded plug
23/4” PVC 150 PSI ball valves (with threaded ends)
43/4” SCH 40 PVC male adapters
13/4” SCH 40 PVC tubing (3’ piece)
11½”x 3/4"SCH 40 PVC bushing (with threads on ¾” end)
11½” SCH 40 PVC male adapter
11½” SCH 40 PVC threaded cap
1roll PTFE thread seal tape (pink)
1small can PVC all-purpose cement
2Scott® 10”x 12” shop towels (blue)
1Scotch-Brite® 4”x 6” green pad
Housing Assembly(Figure 1)
1. Using a hacksaw, cut a 25” and a 5” section of PVC tubing. Rub both ends inside and out with sandpaper to remove loose pieces of PVC.
2. Apply cement to the outside of the tubing end and to the inside of a ¾” male adapter and connect both pieces. Push the pieces together, using a gentle twisting motion and hold for 20 seconds to adequately seat. Repeat this step for the other three tube ends.
3. Apply thread seal tape to threaded ends of the four ¾” male adapters.
4. Apply cement to the outside of the 1 ½” bushing and to the inside of the 1 ½” male adapter. Push the pieces together, using a gentle twisting motion and hold for 20 seconds to adequately seat.
5. Screw in the short pipe end into the 1 ½” bushing. Hold the ¾” male adapter end with pliers and hand tighten the 1 ½” male adapter.
6. Screw a ball valve on the other end of the short pipe and hand tighten
7. Screw the short pipe ball valve assembly to one end of the long pipe and simultaneously screw the other ball valve to the other end of the long pipeand hand tighten. Adjust valve levers so they face the same direction.
Wick Assembly(Figure 2)
1. Soak 2 shop towels with water, ball them up in your hand tightly, and stuff towels into the end of the 1 ½” male adapter. Tamp towels in tightly using a 3/4" socket extension.
2. Fold a 4”x 6” Scotch-Brite green pad in half lengthwise and fold in half lengthwise again. Tightly roll one end of the folded pad like an old sleeping bag.
3. Stuff the rolled green pad into the threaded end of the 1 ½” male adapter. Use a twisting motion to get the green pad into the housing because it is a very tight fit. The green pad should stick out past the rim housing about 3/8".
4. Screw on the 1 ½” wick cap. Lightly tighten only to snug.
Filling Stump Stick with Herbicide
1. Before filling the stump stick with herbicide make sure both valves are in the open position (levers in line with the stump stick tube).
2. Remove ¾” threaded plug and add herbicide but don’t overfill –Only fill to 1” below the top valve. If the herbicide doesn’t contain a dye, it is recommended that dye be added so the herbicide can be easily seen on cut stump surfaces.
3. Replace threaded plug and only slightly tighten. Don't seal the plug threads or over tighten. Air needs to get through those threads so the herbicide can move out of the stick.
4. Close both valves (levers perpendicular to stump stick tube).
Stump Stick Operation
When ready to use the stump stick first remove the 1 ½” wick cap to expose the wick. Use herbicide protective gloves when removing the cap because there may be herbicide residue inside the cap. Open both valves (levers inline with the stump stick tube). It usually takes about 2-3 minutes after opening the valves for herbicide to infuse into the wick. Dab wick onto the cut surface painting it with herbicide. For smaller trees (less than 1 ½” in diameter) one dab is sufficient. For larger trees, treat only the cambium layer of the cut stump. When taking a lunch break or done applying herbicide for the day always close the valves and replace the 1 ½” wick cap.
Figure 1. Stump stick schematic
Figure 2. Stump stick wick parts.
Figure 3. Applied herbicide to cut stump
Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0294
Roadside Program 319.273.2813: Iowa Ecotype Project 319.273.3005; Restoration and Research 319.273.7957