roots and stumps

Hi

I have a few bushes/ trees to clear at the side of my house. They are a bit too big to dig out and i need to make sure all the root comes out as it is very close to the house and already a root is going under the path. Just wondering weather i should dig out most with an axe or something or just treat the small stump chemically (will this also prevent any further probs with the root?)

Thanks, Mark

 

You could get in the guys who use stump grinders to remove such items at cost to you of course or you could do it yourself with an axe.
Doing it youself would be hard work, so I would opt for the stump killing chemicals on offer at your local garden centre.
It will take time to destroy the stump, but it will ensure no return of it as the roots will be killed also. Good luck.

 

What kind of trees/bushes are you dealing with here mcmac74?

 

I had elder trees near my house when I moved in, and although I prefer to garden organically I did as Marley Farley suggests - the roots were too deep to dig out without a major excavation and too near the house to take chances with. I had to reapply the poison once as the tree started sprouting again, but it still looks good and dead now!

 

thanks for the replies guys...gotta be honest, i've no idea what the bushes are..the stumps are approx 2-3 inch in diametre. As they are only stumps now i can't really post a pic. I'll probably take some advice about chemicals and maybe have a go with an axe.

cheers

 

I have tackled several trees this size and bigger in our garden - this is my method.

I always try to leave at least 3 ft of stump if I have already got rid of the branches.

Dig out around around the trunk until you are stopped by the roots.

Rig up a spanish windlass or similar between the trunk and a nearby fixing (a larger tree) at waist height.
My variation of a spanish windlass is to run a rope around the 2 trunks several times, tie off (reef knot/or 2 round turns and half hitches best if you want to undo it).
This should form a shape like a loose rubber band - an elongated "0" not a "figure of 8"
Insert a strong broom handle or section of branch between the 2 runs of rope and wind the trunks together.
When you have reasonable tension insert the end of the pole with the downward force into the handle of a closed handle type spade or fork and push into the ground.

Use an old saw to cut the roots on the opposite side of the trunk, the saw will make its own hole making this easier than it sounds.
Because the roots are under tension they are easy to cut and will pull apart on their own without snagging the saw.

Repeat this around the trunk as necessary.

I extracted a 6in trunk using this method last weekend in less than 30 mins and less effort than turning soil was required.

[ 21. March 2007, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: 008 ]

 

Sounds interesting, 008. I just have one question - doesn't it damage the bark of the other tree?

 

No damage at all - you do not need a massive amount of force, just enough to put it under tension.
Try it - you will be surprised how easy it is.

 

Nice one 008. That's a new one to me.
Must make a point of remembering that in case I come across an old stump that I need to remove.