Question
My neighbor cut down two poplar trees just across our lot line. He says he may have the stumps ground out next year but I have my doubts. My problem is I have sprouts or runners coming up all over my front lawn. I have tried lawn weed killer but all it does is keep them in check for a short time and then they come right back. Is there some way I can get rid of them for good? I think the stumps are never going to be ground out. A friend said something about digging around the biggest sprouts and dumping a batch of hot charcoal on the sprout roots but this sounds crazy. I welcome any help.
  Thanks

Answer
Unless you kill off the stump, the sprouts will continue. There is a chemical product called Stump Remover (sold in most garden centers) that you pour into the stump after drilling 12" long holes through the top. The potassium nitrate from the product works down to the roots and kills them off.

In the meantime, your best alternative for the existing sprouts is to mow at the lowest position on your lawnmower around the area with the sprouts. After several cuttings, the sprouts weaken to the point where they will not survive. This takes several cuttings, so you need to be patient; but it does work.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike