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Removing an established lilac tree

DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
in Problem solving
Hello,

we have a rather large lilac tree that we need to get rid of for several reasons (it's too much in the way of a future kitchen extension, it blocks light to our living room, and it has a fungus which is incurable as far as I know).

The tree is about 4m high at the moment, what is the best way to remove it? I can easily cut everything down to almost ground level myself, but what to do next? I'd like to avoid digging out the whole area just to remove every single piece of root

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    These things sucker form their roots so, rather than cut it to the base I would cut it down to about 3'/90cms high so you have a stump to get hold of and wiggle the main roots loose.   If you water it thoroughly after cutting you'll find it easier to dislodge the roots and can then cut thru the thicker ones with either a good pair of loppers, a pruning saw or an axe.   Pull out as many of the fibrous roots as you can too.  
    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
  • DedekindDedekind Posts: 172

    Obelixx said:
    These things sucker form their roots so, rather than cut it to the base I would cut it down to about 3'/90cms high so you have a stump to get hold of and wiggle the main roots loose.   If you water it thoroughly after cutting you'll find it easier to dislodge the roots and can then cut thru the thicker ones with either a good pair of loppers, a pruning saw or an axe.   Pull out as many of the fibrous roots as you can too.  

    Thanks Obelixx! Just to check I understand correctly.. once I dislodge the roots that come out of the main stump, if I cut those, can I leave the remaining part in the ground, or those will also grow suckers? Being this size I just don't know how far the roots will go..
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I think they are likely to produce suckers from any large cut roots left in the ground.  If you really can't dig them out, you can cut the trunk down to a few inches above ground and apply a stump killer.  You'll then be stuck with the stump until it rots, which could take a few years.  However, you won't see any regrowth from it.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
    Got it, thanks.. given we are most likely building the extension in the next few months, I think I'll just tell the builders to dig it out :)
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Keep an eye out for suckers appearing later. If they come out from roots left under the extension after it's built, you might need to carefully use a systemic weedkiller on them.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • DedekindDedekind Posts: 172
    JennyJ said:
    Keep an eye out for suckers appearing later. If they come out from roots left under the extension after it's built, you might need to carefully use a systemic weedkiller on them.

    Hopefully there shouldn't be any roots directly below the extension, it will have 1.2m foundations :open_mouth: 

    Also outside the extension there will be some newly laid patio area. I suppose suckers will not try to grow through the patio!

    The only part that won't be covered up is more or less where the main stump is, which will be part of a bed (I should say as well the tree is right next to a boundary fence).

  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    I removed a lilac about that size. The tree surgeon dug out the principal clump of roots and I followed on, digging out every root I could find. Lilacs sucker with a vengeance and anything thicker than your finger seemed to have the will to sprout into growth.

    I fear your neighbour on the other side of your boundary fence will soon see evidence of lilac’s Lazarus tendencies.
    Rutland, England
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