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How can I replace these chamaecyparis plants?
RubyRoss
Posts: 124
Hello, the front of my house is paved with spaces left for slow-growing evergreens. These were all planted before we bought the house. Most are fine but the three chamaecyparis (I think that's what they are) are not doing very much and have brown patches where I had to cut them back.
I'd like to place them, but how easy would it be to remove them? There is little space to access the roots for digging out and I imagine the ground is completely compacted. Has anyone done something similar?
0
Posts
In my experience these things are quite shallow rooted so if you can cut back most of the stems but leaving a stump you can use to lever and twist and wiggle it should be relatively easy to get them out, especially after a good soaking to loosen them. You may need some help with muscle force and maybe a handy pair of loppers to cut any thicker roots.
Once out, you'll need to revitalise the soil as they will have stripped it of nutrients and moisture. Well-rotted manure, garden compost or bought in soil conditioners will ensure fertility and moisture retentiveness for whatever you plant there afterwards.