Removal of big nasty bush

dennisleary · May 28, 2017

Hi everybody I'm trying to clear away some brush to make a swimming hole and there are a few stands of tamarisk that I need to remove. Tried cutting them back with the chainsaw but they just grow back stronger.
So I'm wondering if I can hook a chain around the root ball and rip them out with the tractor. Anyone have any experience doing this sort of thing? The root ball looks to be about 24" across, and it's 8 feet down the riverbank. Thanks

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EddieWalker · May 28, 2017

I've never had any luck getting plants out that way, but if you try it, be sure to attach the chain to the draw bar and have some counterweight in the front end of the tractor.

JOHNTHOMAS · May 28, 2017

Tried or did that one time with a pyracantha bush and when it released it came flying into the back of my truck, pre tractor living down town days.

:laughing:

smstonypoint · May 28, 2017

FWIW, you can prevent regrowth after cutting back by applying full-strength (41%) glyphosate directly to the cut stump. Because the problem is is an aquatic environment, brush the glyphosate on the stump rather than spraying.

Steve

KWentling · May 28, 2017

Between last fall and this spring, the wife and I pulled about 30 hybrid willows. We ran a chain through a short piece of about 4" pipe, around the bushes and then back through the pipe and hooked to the pipe wall. That chokes the tree and the pipe bites in and won't slip. These pulled very hard in our clay soil. Broke a 5/16" chain and
straightened several hooks on a 3/8" chain with a 100 hp 2wd tractor, but we got all of them. Being in a likely very wet bank I would think that would pull much easier than what we were doing. Not sure if you will have enough tractor though. 4wd will help. You can kill it if you cut it and paint the cut with brush killer. Best done in the fall.

dennisleary · May 28, 2017

Yeah I was thinking if I can't pull it out clean then I'm going to drill into the heart of the rootball with a long spade bit and pour full strength Roundup right in there with a funnel. Don't like using it but can't argue with the results -

smstonypoint · May 28, 2017

dennisleary said:
Yeah I was thinking if I can't pull it out clean then I'm going to drill into the heart of the rootball with a long spade bit and pour full strength Roundup right in there with a funnel. Don't like using it but can't argue with the results -

Save yourself some time and money. Brush a light coat of glyphosate on the stumps immediately after cutting.

Steve

mohead1 · May 28, 2017

Uh....small trackhoe

Oldoak · May 28, 2017

smstonypoint said:
Save yourself some time and money. Brush a light coat of glyphosate on the stumps immediately after cutting.

Steve

Yep, no need to drill. Kills and keeps the hardiest of trees from growing back without contaminating the surrounding area or water.

boggen · May 28, 2017

look up A frame, and/or old metal tire rim. when using a chain/cable to pull bushes. they can create an "upward pulling force" vs a side ways pulling force.

also look for a "bush grubber" think a "choke collar" for a dog, but has teeth on it. and grabs in a bit better. there is also some that are more like a big pair of scissors that can grab a hold.

WARNING never get a running start and "snap" the chain/cable/rope. you are just asking to break something. and or better yet causing the chain/cable/rope to break and become a deadly whip taking you or someone else out.