Old hedges, really old!!!!

[LB Landscaping]

How are you guys taking OLD hedges out (I mean really old and really rooted)??? I was doing some around my house today, they are probably 45-50 years old. The roots on these things are HUGE and are pretty deep. I tryed using a JD 4200 today but they did not budge. I got a few out by cutting them off at the bottom, digging around the roots and cutting again 6 inches below the soil. It was a PITA. Got any easy methods besides TNT????

[mdb landscaping]

back a diesel truck up to it, wrap a chain around the base, pop it into 4 low and they should come right out.

[Grassmechanic]

Originally posted by mdb landscaping
back a diesel truck up to it, wrap a chain around the base, pop it into 4 low and they should come right out.

...and if that doesn't work, get a backhoe.

Mike

[NCSULandscaper]

Our Dresser TD15E usually does the trick with some large shrubs we had around the house. Usually we use a backhoe for customers yards with shrubs that large.

[mdvaden]

I don't rip with the truck anymore. Vehicles do get damaged. Even some bigger ones.

We chainsaw, or on Tam Juniper, we hedge shear above the "crown" to open it for the chainsaw.

Then I just use a stump grinder. It works 90% of the time. For the other 10%, I know a few guys that will take any work that kills them.

[deere ZTR]

diesel truck idea as stated above will work great as long as you can keep traction!!

[Lombardi]

Try a gas truck. Much better traction.

[arkydog]

try using a snatch strap preferably 25000 lbs or greater and leave some slack in the strap, about 5-6 feet. lay a heavy blanket on the strap and chain just in case it comes loose some way. the heavy blanket will absorb the energy from the slipped off strap and chain and keep any damage from happening. also the snatch rope will not give you the hard jerk like a chain and instead of 6000 lbs of truck pulling, you will have 3-5 times that rolling weight and it should walk right out.

good luck

[dan deutekom]

The yanking with a truck idea is a very dangerous and risky idea. I have seen chains snap, hitch balls pull off and rear ends torn out of trucks by this abuse. If someone in nearby the breaking chain or flying hitchball they can be in big trouble. Rent a small backhoe or mini-X and do it safely.

[vardener]

I kinda like the TNT idea.

[LB Landscaping]

I found the easiest way possible. Make friends with a tow truck driver. My buddy has an 2003 International flat bed tow truck with a 22 ft deck, we hooked up the winch and got them out no problem!!!

[NNJLandman]

Well pulling it out with a truck (4 wheel drive) is always an option or cutting it down to the base then taking the long option and using a root rot chemical. And eventually burn it.

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by Lombardi
Try a gas truck. Much better traction.
Huh? What does gas have to do with traction?:confused: help me out here....