weird tree/bush in backyard

We have a large tree in our backyard that is up against our garage. We are not looking to remove this tree any time soon...however we just noticed that what we thought was a bush growing next to it is actually a fairly mature seedling tree (possibly an oak tree from the leaves). I chopped down as much of it as I could and it is just a stump now, but if we don't dig out the stump, ultimately it will grow back.

I can not have a tree company come in to grind the stump as it is fairly small (yet too big to dig up) and it is up against the tree we don't want to hurt.

Any ideas?

My neighbor had this crazy idea of drilling holes into the stump and poisoning it with something - he said it will take a few months but it will dry up and then we can dig it out.

Any ideas?

Re: weird tree/bush in backyard

Your neighbor is right. You can buy a product (not sure what it is called) that will kill tree stumps. Just drill a few holes and pour it down. Eventually, the roots will die and the stump will be easy to get out. I'm sure they have this in any place that sells lawn products.

Re: weird tree/bush in backyard

you can use the chemical stump remover but it will most likely do damage to the tree you are trying to keep.

my best recommendation is to cut the stump as low as you can and tar the top/sides of it then put dirt / mulch whatever you have under the tree over it. it wont grow back. i've done this with several trees on the property some as long as 12 years ago none have ever grown back. we had a master gardener across the street when we first moved in who recommended that.