Invasive tree roots can grow inside sewers and disrupt the plumbing system in your home.
Not to mention how kids playing in the yard may trip on large and winding roots that unnecessarily take up space. However, digging up these roots can be physically taxing and messy.
Caught in a similar dilemma, I began wondering, “will muriatic acid dissolve tree roots?” Here’s what I found.
Will Muriatic Acid Dissolve Tree Roots?
Muriatic acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride that burns through most things it touches. That said, it can dissolve tree roots in high concentrations.
However, pouring muriatic acid to dissolve tree roots growing inside sewer lines may not be as effective as using it to kill exposed roots. For starters, it is a corrosive liquid that can harm the pipelines and damage them further. Furthermore, large tree roots may not completely dissolve and continue to block the pipes.
That said, it is best to look for other alternatives in such cases. However, you can use muriatic to kill and dissolve exposed tree roots and stumps in your yard with these three easy steps:
Step 1
Before you begin, be sure to wear proper protective gear as muriatic acid is a strong acid that can burn your skin. So, apart from safety goggles and a respiratory mask, you must wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants for protection.
And since it releases toxic fumes, you should always use muriatic acid in a well-ventilated area away from pets and children.
Step 2
Next, read the instructions provided on the product label and dilute the acid with water in a plastic bucket. It is worth noting that you should never mix muriatic acid with other chemical products, and due to its corrosive nature, avoid pouring it into metal containers.
Here, you may have to experiment with the concentration of muriatic acid depending on the size and maturity of the tree roots. On that note, diluted muriatic acid may sometimes be ineffective at eating away wood.
Step 3
You can choose to dig around the roots to ensure that they are fully exposed. Nevertheless, all you need to do is pour the muriatic acid solution directly onto the roots and wait for a few hours to let it work.
Final Words
Muriatic acid is a versatile chemical solution with various uses around the house, such as cleaning concrete floors and neutralizing pool water. At the same time, this corrosive chemical can have a devastating effect on metal pipes and should not be poured down drains or sewers.
Moreover, treating exposed roots to muriatic acid could kill surrounding plants in your yard. So, you may want to consider buying herbicides that are formulated and labeled for dissolving tree roots.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have any other alternatives, this harsh solution may be the best solution!