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Digging up a dead plum tree

Lee AlexanderLee Alexander Posts: 30
in Fruit & veg

Hi, 

Unfortunately my plum tree is rotting down the main trunk and so I'm planning on removing the tree as my next big garden job! ????

Does anyone have experience of removing these trees, how easy/difficult will it be and are the roots extensive or are they easy and "diggable" ???? Or am I kidding myself and should just get a tree surgeon and stump grinder! It is quite well established at about 3 - 4 metres!

Thanks for any advice!

Lee

Posts

  • Lee AlexanderLee Alexander Posts: 30

    Haha.....I certainly have determination......time on the other hand is another matter ?

    Were the roots a nightmare or were they largely compacted root balls, which if I dig a "moat" around should be able to be leveraged out with the trunk?

    Thanks,

    Lee

  • valerierobertsvalerieroberts Posts: 726

    Hi Lee,  my OH, attached a heavy rope round our large 25 year old escallonia hedge. Tied it to the car, luckily we were on a gentle slope, and pulled it all out. That's the easiest way if you have access And a car.

  • Lee AlexanderLee Alexander Posts: 30

    Thanks for replies! I've got my chainsaw and pickup at the ready for next Sunday!!

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    When you cut the top off, leave a good length of main trunk to use as leverage to help in getting the roots out.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Lee AlexanderLee Alexander Posts: 30

    imageimageimage

    Well I'm on my way......couldn't wait til the weekend! Not as dead as I thought, but early signs of rot so glad I'm getting it out! Lots of digging in Sunday I think! ?

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