Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Digging out New Zealand flax

simonstroud1970simonstroud1970 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
We have a  New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) that's gone wild and need to be removed.  I attacked it today with a cordless Makita reciprocating saw, and got it back to a stump. However it's huge. What would be my next step to get the root out? Any tips gratefully received.

Thanks.

This is where I am at.



Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2021
    Small digger?
    Pick axe or mattock if no digger to hand!
    Also someone who likes to have a good work out.
    Just nibble away at the edges and work towards the centre. 
    A good watering might help to loosen the soil 

    I must admit i used to use a reciprocating saw on stumps and roots cutting a corner through into the roots and then getting the mattock or spade in. Just keep your knees well out of the way as it slipped once and caught my jeans. In hindsight perhaps I should have stood!
  • simonstroud1970simonstroud1970 Posts: 3
    edited April 2021
    Ok, took a mattock to it yesterday.  How much of it so I need to get out for it to not come back?   This is what I have (among with many aches).


  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    Can't beat a mattock!
    Get as much as you can do or be bothered to do.
    It will probably regrow so just keep an eye out and pull them up.
Sign In or Register to comment.