Always wipe up your tools after cutting something sticky and sharpen and oil them from time to time. You need to dig out the roots, too. I was lucky when I removed my oleander from the front yard. A guy going buy wrapped a chain around the stump, hooked it over his tow hitch and yanked it out easily. Unless your city has special restrictions, oleanders can go in the compost bin. Palm leaves aren't usually allowed because the fibers get tangled in the grinders. Don't eat the sap - haha. Wearing safety glasses would help.

Wear gloves! If it is being chipped, not dangerous. Yes wipe off the sap and wash your hands when you are done and you are fine.

@Sara Malone Zone 9b@lgteacher I just took off the 5 feet above ground part and dumped it into the compost bin. Yeah! I will attempt to dig out the roots tomorrow. Is it worth dabbing the stump with roundup (i normally would never use the stuff) so it doesn't ever come back? Also, there's definitely a lot of oleander sap on my clippers. Should I wipe them off with a special solution? Thanks for your help!

I used Roundup on a brush cherry stump that kept growing back. The trick is to apply it with a brush within moments of making the cut. Once the cells on the cut surface close up, they won't absorb the Roundup. Using a brush helped avoid the problem of spray getting on desirable plants or even yourself. I think you would first have to cut the stump to ground level for it to work. You can clean you clippers with a rag and whatever works to remove the sap. Some people use WD-40. Be sure to wipe them off afterwards so they don't rust.

Might not be wise to put roundup where you plan to plant a fruit tree. Might be ok but I err on the side of caution.

I couldnt dig up roots as it was too close to the sidewalk- one reason it had to go. But I cut it to the ground and for two or three years sprayed roundup on it. Once it died..the root system rotted very fast and I could plant there again.

I think if you cover the cut to the ground stump with black plastic...you might be able to kill it faster and with no chemicals. But still,it wont be fast. Could take a year more or less.