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Replacing conifer hedge

I need to replace a conifer hedge (about 4 feet high), which contains 5 trees, each about 5 inches in diameter with something else that’s evergreen. The hedge is past it’s best and just needs refreshing with something else. Is it best to completely remove as much root as possible and start from scratch (a lot of work!) or can I cut the conifers down and kill them off and plant in between the stumps? Please can I have some advice on what to do and what I could replace them with. Many thanks in advance! 

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Conifers have fibrous roots and as yours are so tiny they shouldn't be difficult to remove.
    Might be easier to cut  them down to around 2ft, loosen around the root area with a mattock if you have one or a fork or spade then grab the trunk and rock it back and forth. 
    Or hire a reciprocating saw to cut the stump off well below ground level or find a friend with a chain saw.
    If you remove them it will be so much easier to dig over the area, beef up the soil and replant.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I agree.  5" is a tiny trunk and cutting it to wiggle the roots free will not be difficult.  Added to that, conifers are softwood and rot quickly so any bits of root left will rot away in a year or two.

    Once they're out, improve the soil with a good, thick layer of well-rotted garden compost and/or manure before you plant your new hedge.  What you choose will depend on how high you want it, how dense and how evergreen/colourful/scented.

    I do have to wonder why a conifer hedge with such teeny trunks is past its best.  Given decent care they can last decades, if not centuries.  have you nelglected to prune/water/feed it?  Or has it got that conifer pest?
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • HI would also like to remove a 50ft row of conifers which are about 20 foot high and 6 foot deep mostly dead a lease 25years old  I would like to cut them down to the stump then build a raised bed to save trying to remove the stumps and planting 5ft laurel trees would this be ok 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2020
    Hi @pete.barrett - it's always a tricky situation when removing them. 
    You could certainly do that, but, as with many projects of that type, it's all in the prep. It's quite a big task to do the raised bed etc too. 
    As long as you make the bed deep enough [front to back] and fill it with a really good mix of soil/compost/manure to give it enough substance, and then plant laurels at a suitable size, it should be fine. Copious watering as well for them on planting. If you can leave the planting till later in the year, when conditions might be more favourable, that will help with establishing them.

    Here's the link to the thread about laurels - it has all the info you'll need about size and aftercare etc
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/656523/help-needed-please-with-laurel-hedge-issues/p1

    It's rather long I'm afraid, but worth looking at!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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