Question
thanks for your reply jim.

we want to plant new trees where the stumps are so i guess that means we will have to remove the stumps AND the roots. just wondering whether digging up the stumps and the roots will be a difficult job? ie. can it be done manually by one middle-aged, fairly fit husband :-)?

thanks.

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Followup To
Question -
hello jim,

there are three dwarf cedars in my backyard, grouped together in a corner. they look like emerald greens but i don't think they are since they're most likely over ten years old but only 5' to 6' tall. we've owned the house for the last three years and since then they've only grown a couple of inches.

my husband and i would like to replace these 3 dwarf cedars with something that will grow taller and provide privacy from the neighbours.

my question is this...what is involved in removing these cedars ourselves? ie. how difficult would it be?

thanks!


Answer -
Since the trees are only 5-6 feet tall it is an easy job to just cut them down. The method I would use is to cut the trunk first at about a foot above ground level and then cut the foot stump as close to ground level as you can. Cedar will not sprout so you can either leave the stumps and plant around them or dig the stumps up. Since you plan to plant the area as a privacy "hedge" I would leave the stumps and let them rot naturely and plant new trees. Ofcourse you can hire the work done and if so I would have them remove the stumps (probally grind the stumps below ground level).  

Answer
With that small of trees it is not real diffucult. I would cut the roots around the stump and dig down under the stump ang pry the stump out. The larger roots can be dug up but smaller ones should not be a problem when replanting. It is manual work and depending on your location it can be HOT. Since I live in the Southern US I would wait until fall until the weather is cool--also this is the best time to replant here.