If bleach is poured over a stump it can kill some of the branches, however, it won’t kill the roots of the tree. In order to kill the tree, you must cut below where the branches are coming out in order to ensure you’re exposing the live tree. Some people recommend drilling holes in the outer layer of the tree and pouring bleach inside. Whether or not this will actually work is hit or miss. It can be a messy, time-consuming job because it will require repeat treatments. Using a stump grinder is the best way to get rid of a stump quickly and efficiently.