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Leylandii hedge
MarkE
Posts: 3
Hi. I would like some help in deciding what to do with my Leylandii hedge. I planted it about 25 years ago (bad mistake). It's about 50 feet long and 8 feet high and planted next to a tarmac footpath. It is now showing signs of dying off and I need to know what to do next. I do not think it's possible to get the roots out, but can I leave in some of the trunk (2-3 feet high) and plant between them? What plants do you suggest?
0
Posts
If the soil is nice and damp the roots should 'rock' out relatively easily if you leave a long enough stump to use as a lever - they're not deep rooted - unless you get rid of the roots it'll be difficult to dig in the manure/soil conditioner etc that will be needed after 25 years of Leylandii hedge which will have really impoverished the soil.
Roses need better conditions that you'll get there without improving it.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
We have not long taken out a similar hedge, they had been in for 28 years, a 100' run off them. We cut them down with a chain saw, then just picked around the roots, using a mattock and iron bar. It's easier with two people as one can wiggle and the other can chop the roots as they show.
The whole lot did come out, although it took a fair few weekends! That was in winter of 2013, it's been planted up for two years now and we think it's the best thing we could ever had done. They are horrible boring trees. Heres a photo of it this Spring, it's second year, just to encourage you
Thanks Tetley, only one problem with it now....I need it twice as wide, daren't mention that to himself yet!
Wow! That's a spiffing bed, Lyn
Thanks everyone for your help. By rocking out the roots I am worried about ruining the adjacent path, but you have all given me something to think about. I haven't got any muscle power (pensioner) but may be able to recruit some help.
Good luck Mark
Hope you can borrow some muscle - what about suggesting a local rugby club come and uproot them for you in exchange for a donation to Children in Need or some such? 
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Not a bad idea, Dove. Shall give it some serious thought.
I'm saying nothing more...
I cannot bear the damned things, best thing I ever did in this garden was pay a lovely tree surgeon to chop 'em down to ground level!