How to clear Holly tree

[Smf834]

I have a grove of old holly trees that my wife is tasking me to clear out. They are about 20-30’ tall, spaced about 15’ apart, on a 10 deg down slope.
How to go about doing that? Are holly trees have deep roots or shallow enough to be able to use the tractor to push it over? I am new to tractor so any detailed advice is much appreciated!

 

[Torvy]

Intimidator Tree Puller | Danuser

www.danuser.com

Conceptually, something like this. I don't know which brands/models are best, but I plan to get something similar.

 

[4570Man]

Intimidator Tree Puller | Danuser

www.danuser.com

Conceptually, something like this. I don't know which brands/models are best, but I plan to get something similar.

I had one of those on a 95 kubota CTL and it was a straight up beast. I can’t imagine it doing much good on a compact tractor though.

 

[ning]

I think they've got a tap root, but it's not super deep.
My understanding is that you'll want to pull as much of the roots out as possible because of vigorous regrowth.
Personally, I'd try watering the tree & area around it a bit if the ground is really dry (if it's already damp/moist, skip), and then attach a long chain and try giving it a pull.
Keep in mind the height of the tree so that it doesn't fall on you; personally I'd avoid cutting the top off of the tree if possible, so that the weight of the upper part of the tree helps pull it over.

 

[jeff9366]

What is the diameter of the holly tree trunks at ground level?


Tractor weight and 4-WD are the deciding factors for the tractor.

Moist soil is a critical factor as to whether or not the roots will let go from the soil.

 

[JasperFrank]

This is when you rent a back hoe. Your root system will depend entirely on what sort of land you have. If its just a bit of dirt on top of rock, the roots will have spread out and down into the cracks of the rocks. Very difficult to remove with out a back hoe. If you have deeper soft soil, you can just chain them and rip them out, using a bulldozer, pulling down slope, once the soil is saturated wet. 20 to 30 feet tall is a big holly tree. A back hoe will get the job done either way: But the bulldozer will also make quick work of the blackberries and the trees.

 

[Smf834]

What is the diameter of the holly tree trunks at ground level?


Tractor weight and 4-WD are the deciding factors for the tractor.

Moist soil is a critical factor as to whether or not the roots will let go from the soil.

Most roots are about 15” diameter. There are quite a few diseased trees that we want to take out. Soil is always moist here in pac nw

 

[Smf834]

This is when you rent a back hoe. Your root system will depend entirely on what sort of land you have. If its just a bit of dirt on top of rock, the roots will have spread out and down into the cracks of the rocks. Very difficult to remove with out a back hoe. If you have deeper soft soil, you can just chain them and rip them out, using a bulldozer, pulling down slope, once the soil is saturated wet. 20 to 30 feet tall is a big holly tree. A back hoe will get the job done either way: But the bulldozer will also make quick work of the blackberries and the trees.

All the holly has been grown for 20-30 years, but sadly the last 10 years before we bought the place they were left completely unattended. . Would i be able to use the fel to push the small ones over? I could cut the larger ones and then grind the stump?

 

[m7040]

If you have a medium size tractor push it 6 ft up or so on the trunk to get some leverage and they will topple. If not chain saw them and grind the stumps or rent an excavator and dig them out

 

[jeff9366]

Most roots are about 15” diameter.

I presume you mean "trunks" rather than "roots".

You will need a tractor with a weight of 5,000 pounds, equipped with a Backhoe, in order to dig out trees with a 15" trunk diameter. A mini-excavator will dig out such trees faster than any compact tractor equipped with a Backhoe.