Do i need to dig Holly & Laurel tree out?

I have a large holly tree and laurel hedge i need to dig out. I have already dug 4 stumps out of the garden and if possible I'm looking to try and leave some in as its hard work getting them out, especially the holly which has very hard thick roots. Where the holly/laurel is at the moment i'm looking to cut at the base and put a chemical killer on it, then replant with bamboo quite close. Will it be ok? Im looking for a good screening plant to block out next door. The roots are quite thick, they have been there at least 20 years.


thanks

 

Just wanted to say that my only experience of using a chemical stump killer wasn't quite what I expected in that it was months and months before it began to have any effect and even then didn't actually get rid of the stump, only rotted it a bit making the digging out slightly easier. On another occasion a relative loaned us a small block and tackle to remove an old apple tree. This did the job brilliantly, but fortunately we had a lot of 'spare' ground around the stump because it also pulled up roots many feet away and isn't a method I'd recommend using anywhere near buildings or fences.

My suggestion would be the digging out - if you can face it.

Just as a BTW - I've also had bamboo in my garden. We particularly sought out the 'non invasive' type, but it still managed to invade most of the garden; the decision to remove it meant more digging and after making holes over 4' deep in places, we are still finding bits of root.

 

I've managed to kill a few trees off by cutting them down and pouring neat SBK onto holes drilled in the stump, you can cap the holes with putty or similar if you dont like the idea of wildlife coming in contact.
It might take a few months on anything a bit vigorous, but it works in the end.

 

but if i leave the stumps where they are and plant a bamboo 6 inches away will it grow ok?
ive gone for the non invasive clump style bamboo that doesnt shoot up everywhere (i hope!)

 

I cant guarantee it, but I have planted reasonable close to treated stumps without any problems.

I'm not into bamboo so cant really say for sure, but if you pour the stuff into holes it remains contained in the stump.

 

I would have thought that laurel was a better hedge and screen than bamboo - why the change

 

A very good point Has Bean.:thumb:

 

i don't 'really' need a screen to be honest but the laurel is about 20 years old and comes out quite wide and eats the border up. There are two hedges about 8 foot wide each. They are also quite bent in shape and not very good looking and I know it's something i'll take out eventually as they annoy me!

The only reason I need some screening is that I can just see next door's trampoline for the kids and I feel the bamboo would look a lot nicer and fresher than the ageing old Laurel!

What do people think?

 

You can cut Laurel back to ground level and it will regrow. You should therefor ebe able to cut back the hedge to the size and shape you want and lower it when the kids have outgrown the trampoline - I dont think you could do that with bamboo.

A well looked after laurel hedge looks pretty good (same goes for most hedges).