• Conifer Removal

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:41 am**

Has anybody ever had small conifer trees removed from their garden, I have 4 small 12ft trees that need removing.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:07 am**

Plenty of Tree Specialists/ Surgeons around, assuming you want the roots removing. Or a good gardening firm. A neighbour has just removed about 30 but done them himself although the roots are hard work.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:22 am**

If you want to do it yourself:
Cut them down to about 5ft.
Remove branches so there is just the trunk.
Dig them out a bit.
Start to rock each one from the top of the trunk as this extra leverage will soon loosen them.

If the girth is too much you are wasting your time.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:32 am**

I left the stump and roots where they are and built a planter around it. I could also just have covered it with soul, bark or chippings.

50E6578E-2B8D-4A66-8134-6896BF7C0298.jpeg

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:41 am**

Conifers tend to have relatively shallow roots, say two feet deep. You might be able to get them out yourself.

You would need a spade and fork - good ones - and something to cut some of the roots, loppers perhaps or something like a billhook or axe (a saw might be awkward in the confines of the hole), and a saw for cutting up. Plus, gloves and decent boots. Depending on your strength, the technique would be to cut it down to about six feet if you want to (not much lower as you will need some leverage later) and remove the branches on what's left in the ground so you just have the stem. This allows access to the base and stops you being poked in the eye (be careful of this possibility). Then make a hole all around about a spade length deep (a spit!) then, concentrating on one side, dig deeper whilst cutting the roots. Then try and pull it over towards that side. Hopefully it will pull up the roots on the far side but you can cut any troublesome ones. You could also twist the stem a bit. Once out you will have a hole that will need some additional soil to fill in. As far as I know conifers to not grow from old roots - eventually they will rot away.

You will have the problem of disposal of the material. Conifer branches and leaves burn well but the stems will take longer. You could shred the branches and use the shreddings on your beds or in your compost heap.

If you get a tree surgeon in and they don't dig the whole lot out, just leaving stumps, you could get them to use a stump grinder. This grinds down the stump (!) and the grindings will rot down after a couple of years.

(F... me HollandsPies I take too long to write a post!)

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:45 am**

TheOriginalLongsider wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:32 am
I left the stump and roots where they are and built a planter around it. I could also just have covered it with soul, bark or chippings.

50E6578E-2B8D-4A66-8134-6896BF7C0298.jpeg

Did a similar thing ourselves OLL

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:54 am**

You are spot on there Hipper.
I couldn't be arsed typing all that out.

A good workout too.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:49 am**

Hipper wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:41 am
Conifers tend to have relatively shallow roots, say two feet deep. You might be able to get them out yourself.

You would need a spade and fork - good ones - and something to cut some of the roots, loppers perhaps or something like a billhook or axe (a saw might be awkward in the confines of the hole), and a saw for cutting up. Plus, gloves and decent boots. Depending on your strength, the technique would be to cut it down to about six feet if you want to (not much lower as you will need some leverage later) and remove the branches on what's left in the ground so you just have the stem. This allows access to the base and stops you being poked in the eye (be careful of this possibility). Then make a hole all around about a spade length deep (a spit!) then, concentrating on one side, dig deeper whilst cutting the roots. Then try and pull it over towards that side. Hopefully it will pull up the roots on the far side but you can cut any troublesome ones. You could also twist the stem a bit. Once out you will have a hole that will need some additional soil to fill in. As far as I know conifers to not grow from old roots - eventually they will rot away.

You will have the problem of disposal of the material. Conifer branches and leaves burn well but the stems will take longer. You could shred the branches and use the shreddings on your beds or in your compost heap.

If you get a tree surgeon in and they don't dig the whole lot out, just leaving stumps, you could get them to use a stump grinder. This grinds down the stump (!) and the grindings will rot down after a couple of years.

(F... me HollandsPies I take too long to write a post!)

Thanks Hipper that's very helpful, I will do them myself.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:31 am**

Dug half a dozen conifers out last year pretty much as described above. Bought a cheap reciprocating saw from b&q (https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-all ... 118_BQ.prd)
for cutting through the individual roots the narrow blade was brilliant for poking between closely packed root spaces. The saw is pretty grotty now and just getting in the way in my small tool cupboard and I cant see me needing it again so if it’s any use your welcome to it. Won’t be in Burnley till the Spurs game but could arrange to meet up then.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:04 am**

Had 20 cyprus tree stumps left behind by the previous owner. Dug them out one at a time, took about an hour for each. Was a lot fitter at the end of it than I was at the beginning. I dug a hole about 30cm away from the stump all the way around and then cut through the remaining intact roots. Took lots of pushing and pulling and a broken spade handle from trying to lever one out, not a good plan. It was hard work because the ground was dry as a bone and very compact clay. My brother suggested adding water to soften the soil but It just created a puddle that eventually evaporated, it didn't soften anything although I'm sure it would work on other soil types.

My understanding is that conifers are very acid, I read that you should mix the chips with other waste for composting that has a neutral or base ph so as not to significantly acidify your soil.

I've other stumps that were left in he garden and eventually they do rot down but they can collapse when you walk on them, not ideal if you have children or older people using your garden.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:08 am**

Just wait until Dudley and Eunice have passed through. They might well do the job for you.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:13 am**

Stickers wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:31 am
Dug half a dozen conifers out last year pretty much as described above. Bought a cheap reciprocating saw from b&q (https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-all ... 118_BQ.prd)
for cutting through the individual roots the narrow blade was brilliant for poking between closely packed root spaces. The saw is pretty grotty now and just getting in the way in my small tool cupboard and I cant see me needing it again so if it’s any use your welcome to it. Won’t be in Burnley till the Spurs game but could arrange to meet up then.

Do you mean it needs a new blade or cleaning?

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:17 am**

ClaretAndLube wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:08 am
Just wait until Dudley and Eunice have passed through. They might well do the job for you.

I think Dudley has just arrived in central Scotland, typical when I've got to head out to work soon.

If the gales are as high as forecast you may well be correct.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:50 am**

Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:13 am
Do you mean it needs a new blade or cleaning?

No the blades ok the whole saw looks a bit dirty like it’s been well used but it’s relatively new as only bought last year.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:09 pm**

Cut them at the base....then set fire to the stumps...piece of plss.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:16 pm**

To be fair, fire is the answer to everything.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:21 pm**

tiger76 wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:17 am
I think Dudley has just arrived in central Scotland, typical when I've got to head out to work soon.

If the gales are as high as forecast you may well be correct.

Yep the wind is picking up a bit here in Galway

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 1:49 pm**

Asuuming you can get access for a vehicle. If you have a company car with a towball or a towing eye (or know someone who has) slice the top pf the ree off at a height of four foot (ish) attach the car to the remainder with a strong towrope or chains and pull the beggars out! Worked for me!

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 2:06 pm**

Neighbour has about 10 of the ugly things, about 25 foot, blocking much of our afternoon light. Reading these tips has got me foaming at the mouth, I’d love to get those things down.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 2:25 pm**

If you're in no rush to use the ground, I've killed a few root systems by chopping the tree down
to leave a short stump and then driven copper nails into the stump. They don't like it up 'em !!!

As for rotting the stumps, the only way is to let nature take it's course. If you can introduce some compost,
lichen, moss etc this will speed up the process. Stripping the bark off also helps.
Will still take a good few years to rot down.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 4:20 pm**

If you do it yourself, get one of these. They're heavy enough to use to cut into the roots like an axe. You can even sharpen it a bit. Will make much shorter work of it than a normal spade. I've taked out quite a few much bigger connifers using one of these, maybe a cheap bow saw too.
https://www.toolstation.com/bulldog-new ... ner/p48056
And leave the trunk long so you can use it as a lever as others have said, even pull it over with a vehicle if you've got access.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 5:22 pm**

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 2:06 pm
Neighbour has about 10 of the ugly things, about 25 foot, blocking much of our afternoon light. Reading these tips has got me foaming at the mouth, I’d love to get those things down.

Are the neighbours approachable with a view to loping them. If not and they are affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property (losing light) then you can ask the Council to take a look who will decide an acceptable height.
I know it’s not always easy approaching neighbours about this sort of thing but thats the best way in the hope a sensible discussion can take place rather than going straight to the Council. Good luck with it.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 5:35 pm**

I work as a gardener and wouldnt be without my mutt for removing tree stumps
https://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-mu ... de-4/25947

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:21 pm**

I think this weather is going to help fell a few,mines leaning at 2 o clock angle now

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:55 pm**

It must be wild in Cumbria and Northumberland, according to the BBC News website "A HGV toppled over on to its side on the A66 near Otterburn, Northumberland" so depending whereabouts it was on the A66, it's been blown a good 60 - 70 miles to land at Otterburn.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:59 pm**

Was worried this was going to be a post from a distressed parachutist.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:02 pm**

AfloatinClaret wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:55 pm

It must be wild in Cumbria and Northumberland, according to the BBC News website "A HGV toppled over on to its side on the A66 near Otterburn, Northumberland" so depending whereabouts it was on the A66, it's been blown a good 60 - 70 miles to land at Otterburn.

Probably a 9 required in the middle.

Posted: **Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:44 pm**

Gunfury wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:21 pm
mines leaning at 2 o clock angle now

Apparently, these days there are drugs that can sort such problems out.

Posted: **Thu Feb 17, 2022 7:34 am**

Stickers wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 10:31 am
Dug half a dozen conifers out last year pretty much as described above. Bought a cheap reciprocating saw from b&q (https://www.diy.com/departments/mac-all ... 118_BQ.prd)
for cutting through the individual roots the narrow blade was brilliant for poking between closely packed root spaces. The saw is pretty grotty now and just getting in the way in my small tool cupboard and I cant see me needing it again so if it’s any use your welcome to it. Won’t be in Burnley till the Spurs game but could arrange to meet up then.

Hi Stickers,
That is very kind of you, I'm not sure how to privately message you so we can arrange to meet up - can anybody help with this. I will happily pay you something for this.

Posted: **Thu Feb 17, 2022 8:00 am**

Actually worked for a tree firm years ago.

Best way is get a tree firm in with a stump grinder, it'll totally finish off the stumps, can be a bit messy but soon tidied up.

Other ways are drill holes into the remaining stumps and fill them stump remover, and or cover them with a black bin liner, keep filling the holes with the remover, in time it'll finish them off

Posted: **Fri Feb 18, 2022 9:54 am**

buzzclarets79 wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 17, 2022 8:00 am
...drill holes into the remaining stumps and fill them stump remover...

Isn't diesel acceptable nowadays?

Posted: **Fri Feb 18, 2022 1:07 pm**

Gunfury wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:21 pm
I think this weather is going to help fell a few,mines leaning at 2 o clock angle now

Viagra might help

Posted: **Mon Feb 21, 2022 5:57 pm**

snapcrackleandpop wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 17, 2022 7:34 am
Hi Stickers,
That is very kind of you, I'm not sure how to privately message you so we can arrange to meet up - can anybody help with this. I will happily pay you something for this.

Hi snap sorry no I thought sending a private massage would be a simple thing to do but apparently not.

Open to any suggestions

Posted: **Mon Feb 21, 2022 7:08 pm**

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑
Wed Feb 16, 2022 2:06 pm
Neighbour has about 10 of the ugly things, about 25 foot, blocking much of our afternoon light. Reading these tips has got me foaming at the mouth, I’d love to get those things down.

Have you discussed this with your neighbour?

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 12:39 pm**

Hi Stickers,
What time will you be arriving in Burnley tomorrow?

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 1:56 pm**

Not till 6.30-7pm park up on road past the queen vic sit in long side upper happy to put my number on here then delete it straight away if I know a time you would be on and see it.

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 2:03 pm**

Don't worry too much about the stumps , C4 is the stuff you need to get your hands on as it will blow your stumps and half your house away .

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:35 pm**

Hi stickers I live close to the queen vic I will stay logged on tonight.

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:50 pm**

Pick axe and a little graft sorts most tree stumps

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 8:59 pm**

Hello snap

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:24 pm**

One of the best things I got, when we were removing two 17foot conifers, was a mattock -it was so useful for getting the soil out from under and exposing the roots, for slicing through the smaller sized roots, which have tenacious grip and you can then use it for general gardening jobs, so a good investment.
Currently £12:98 from Toolstation 15inch handle and 1LB in weight. Not too long to swing but a good weight. Longer mattocks /pick axe are available but more difficult to use in a confined space and heavier to use = arm and back ache !!

I had a reciprocating saw with a blade for sawing wood which was extremely useful but get a stock of blades as any cutting through wood and inevitable soil wears the saw teeth down quite quickly hence use of mattock to clear soil away as much as possible.

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:25 pm**

Hi stickers I am online

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:37 pm**

Hi snap just checking how long I’ve got to edit my post

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:38 pm**

You still here

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:38 pm**

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:39 pm**

Yes I am

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:40 pm**

this message will self destruct in 90 seconds

Posted: **Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:41 pm**

Got it

Posted: **Wed Feb 23, 2022 4:56 pm**

Not at 2 o clock angle anymore…bloody weather

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