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Removing old shrub
Claire204
Posts: 173
we have moved into a new house and the mock oranges planted were not to my taste, I have cut them back hoping to dig out the root but as they have been there over 50 years this is proving difficult. if I don't get all the root out will I still get away with planting over the top with new soil If I were to chainsaw some of the stump out?
Thanks in advance.
0
Posts
If you can afford it I'd get someone with a stump grinder to finish it off.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thank you
The best way is to dig out round the roots using a pick axe if necessary and cutting off the roots as you come to them. The soil and grit will damage a saw so don't use one you value highly. The pick axe will go through some and so will loppers. Smaller roots can be cut with the spade. This is hard work but well worth the effort.
I'd so the same (and have done) as Posy. Combination of pickaxe, spade, old saw, loppers and secateurs and you can remove quite substantial, mature shrubs.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Exactly as Posy and Fairygirl suggest. You seem to have left some top growth so that will help when trying to rock the plant back and forth as you break more and more of the roots away. Just think of it as being cheaper than going to the gym.
Yes, never cut the stump to the ground. You need something to get hold of.